Working (and playing!) with horses has made an incredible difference in my almost 11-year-old daughter’s life. As so many young girls do, she often struggles with self-esteem, especially in light of her ADHD and other issues. Last summer, we decided to sign her up for horseback riding camp at Lazy J Ranch and she was immediately hooked! Since then, the barn—and all the animals and people there—have truly become her happy place—her second family, really. I have seen her confidence grow and have seen her become more comfortable in her own skin, being who she really is. As we learned more about Lazy J and talked with Marianne, Joe, and Natalie about the programs they offer through Horses Healing Hearts, I have been so impressed and moved by what they do. They and their horses clearly do heal hearts, in a way that other kinds of therapy doesn’t always work for. There is a clear need for what they do—from folks struggling with substance use disorder to those with mental health issues and special needs (of all ages)—and I hope you’ll join me in supporting this unique, critical work.
