The Power of Barn Therapy

Today my husband and I celebrate our first anniversary. It should be an exciting and happy time, but thanks to military life we'll be spending it apart. I am proud of my husband's service to our country and him missing birthdays, holidays and other celebrations like our anniversary is a normal occurrence, but nothing I will ever 'get used to.' Throughout any time apart from him and during other bad or stressful times in my life I've used time with Wow, at horse shows and with my barn family as a way to cope. 

Barn therapy can help with so many of life's ups and downs. 

​Are you happy? Nothing better than spending a great day at the barn!

If you're sad, go visit your horse, boop its soft nose, and give all the peppermints, carrots, treats your heart desires. 

Having a bad day? Take your horse for a walk, let them graze, and it's amazing how quickly your mood can shift. 

Despite what kind of day I've had, I always look forward to spending time at the barn. From spending only an hour to groom and hand graze Wow to full barn days, barn therapy has been a big part of my life, and it always will be. 

Both of us enjoying some time hand grazing.

Why is barn therapy so important to me? Time at the barn with Wow both on the ground and in the saddle, requires my full attention. Anything less could lead to an accident - something like getting stepped on, forgetting to fully latch a gate or stall door leading to 'LOOSE HORSE' being yelled across the barn, or a fall (and from almost 17h above the ground, that's quite a long way down!). These creatures have a way of demanding your full attention that makes a good day better or allows the worries and stresses of a terrible day to wash away. Driving through the gate at HaddenLoch and past the pond to park almost immediately puts me in a better mood. Yes, I've had days where I've been the conductor of the hot mess express at the barn because of something that's happened/happening in my personal life, but my barn family is always there to help pick me back up and be that shoulder to cry on, a listening ear, or just pour a glass of wine.

Time at the barn is good for my soul.

I'm amazed at the way these creatures that are so big and powerful, can be so gentle. It's unbelievable the power horses have on my life and I can't thank them and my barn family enough for providing me with all the barn therapy needed for whatever situation I'm facing in life - be it a deployment, the loss of a family or friend, or just a plain bad day. 

​Happy riding,