Dear Friends of The Pony Express,
They say depression is when we’re living in the past, anxiety is when we’re living in the future, and that place of peace that we all yearn for is when we can be present in the moment that is now. Horses live in that place and hold the space for us to follow their lead. Theirs is the gift of life, that saves lives.
We met “Tony” a tall soft spoken young man in our outpatient group at Santa Rosa Behavioral Healthcare Hospital. “That horse saved my life,” he said of Sierra when she reached out to him on what was in his words "his darkest day." Growing up in the foster care system, Tony had never experienced a relationship that felt safe. In his work with Sierra, Tony said he felt at peace and present with a newfound feeling of safety that allowed him to feel seen, heard, understood, and accepted in this new relationship. Tony is now back home, back to work, and back to beginning a new life that came close to ending.
We met "Brooke," in one of the two adolescent groups that we work with at Muir Wood Adolescent Treatment Center. Upon arriving at our ranch, Brooke was adamant that she was not going to participate with the horses. Sweetie, our blind horse, seemed guided by her own light as she made her way over and laid her head gently on Brooke's shoulder. Remembering that Brooke had said that she didn't want to participate, I asked if she was ok with Sweetie's request to connect. Through a blur of (happy) tears Brooke shared that she had recently tried to "oft herself" and Sweetie's horse hug was just what she needed.
On this Giving Tuesday and everyday we remain committed to helping horses and humans survive and thrive in their time of need. The Pony Express has provided a valuable service to our community for nearly four decades. Through it all we remain grateful, thankful, and hopeful that with your ongoing support we will be able to continue to support those who need it the most. Your donations do make a difference. Thank you!
