Last month was an incredibly challenging one for all of us here at Stand InBalance, as we lost a most beloved member of the herd, Lucius. See more in his tribute below and visit his memorial page.


It may seem strange to be choosing Joy as the topic for this month, in light of such sad and difficult recent events, but when we think about Lu - who he was and everything that he stood for - we feel it is fitting to choose Joy, because that's what Lu would do. 
Lucius was always finding the joy, curiosity, intrigue and play in life and he had a way of bringing it out in others, too. He loved shared grooming, a delicious snack and spending time with his equine and human friends alike. He knew how to live, paying attention and appreciating every moment - finding the joy in the smallest of things. 


In dedication to, and in memory of him, we hope that you will also make a point choose joy. Although sometimes it can be harder than others to find, joy is always available —waiting for us to notice and open up to it. We've shared some articles below for inspiration, but if you had the good fortune of knowing Lucius embodying his spirit should be enough.

May you connect with Joy this July,

Dr. Val

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Lucius, the leader of the Stand InBalance herd.


After nearly 7 months of intensive stall rest in an effort to heal an injury to his hock tendon, Lucius crossed the rainbow bridge on Friday June 12th, surrounded by his herd. Arguably the most handsome and mischievous horse there ever was, Lu was loved by all who had the good fortune of knowing him and will be painfully missed by a great many.


Lucius led with his heart and had a special way with each member of the herd, equine and human alike. He was a perfect example of a leader who “leads with love” and embodied the essence of Stand InBalance. Lu’s lessons about boundaries and leadership were always front and center. His size was intimidating to many and was often seen as a “challenge” to overcome, but his wisdom, patience and charm always shone through, giving way to a gentle nudge with his nose, a deep exhale or a step up onto the wooden stump (a trick he loved to impress with and used many times as he wooed Lady to become his one and only!). One of the many things that made Lucius so special was how he became meaningful to each person he met in a way that was specific to them, but no matter how your story with him went, it was always a memorable journey.


Lu loved life and made the most of every moment up until the very end. He loved sharing breath, stealing everybody’s food, and he especially loved treats and good belly scratches. He and his memory will continue to be an inspiration for joy and play, reminding us to be curious and to find delight in the world around us, even in difficult times.

We hope that his joyful spirit and all of the happy memories he has made with us will help to carry all who loved him through this time of grief.


Visit Lu's memorial page at www.standinbalance.com/lucius


Gifts in Lu's memory can be made to 
The Equipowerment Foundation for Helping Horses and Healing Humans, EFH4

Thank you for loving him.💜