Grace Therapeutic Horse Program

10/21/2025

Our sweet little barn-blessing "Basil." Close to 5 years of being a favorite here at the barn.
Sweet Basil....it was always "Basil and Broccoli" for the first 4 years. Always together. The best of buddies. We unfortunately lost Broccoli last year. And sadly... it has been almost a week since my sweet tiny Basil has been seen here at the barn. Basil would never NOT snuggle in with all her furry favorites. First and foremost....she ADORED Koda. Big ole Koda. I would come up for early morning feedings...and find Basil snuggled up next to Koda. As if she knew nothing would ever dare prey upon her, as long as she was near her big protectors.
I have been insanely crazy over this little white fluff of pure joy. I was her biggest supporter. ❤️
Funny how one little white fluff could find it's way so deeply into my heart. 😥😥.
Basil.. We shall miss you. Always remember you. And be crazy in love with you. You will be missed.
But I'm so grateful you chose us to spend your entire life with. ❤️
Thank you for always bringing a smile to my face.

10/16/2025

Calender Update!!! 2025 Christmas at the Barn!

Dec. 13, 2025. 10-12. Celebrating the holiday "barn" spirit. Enjoy goodies, a little riding for the kids, crafts, donkey snuggles and human hugs!!!
We would love to see you. Dress warm.
Let's celebrate the season together! ❤️
Pics with horses, decorations and rumor has it.. big man in red!!! Kids will be so excited.

10/07/2025

10/06/2025

Yes. Yes we do. ❤️

10/02/2025

Barbara (previously worked in PACU for years) and her wonderful family came by today for a visit. I took care of her handsome son Joel in 2001. He had been a young successful marine, home while on leave. Had a car accident (in stormy weather) and recieved a severe head injury. Needless to say....he was lucky to have survived such a horrific accident. He loves horses. So.....say no more.
We had a wonderful visit! ❤️

09/26/2025

New clients always mean....new stories. I felt a certain heaviness long before their arrival today.
This one was a selective mute at 8 years old. Eight foster homes in as many years. Unimaginable pain hidden behind her deafening silence.
As we were brushing her horse together....I noticed the little girl gently rubbing a small scar on the back of the horses leg. Her hand moved down the leg, almost as if her own story was held in the tips of her fingers. I noticed a tear long before she even realized it was forming. But she was tough. And she turned away as if to protect her stories behind her silence. My heart wanted to burst.
8 years of nothing but abandonment. Fear. Abuse.
Emptiness... .the rest was tucked down so deep that only threads of her emotions would linger at times. I had seen this too many times in this program. But this one seemed so different.
Almost as if she might literally break at any turn.
Her lesson was uneventful. A slight smile when the horse would knicker at her barn friends.
But for just a few quiet moments....she was caught in an unfamiliar world. With gentleness. Warmth. And Love. ❤️.
As she slipped off the horses back to walk out of the arena.....she turned and walked back to the horse. She knelt down and gave the scar one last gentle rub. She then touched her own arm and I caught a glimpse of a similar aged scar on her.
She knew. She knew that this strange horse understood her. And the beauty of a rescued horse and a hurting child collided.
Even if for just a moment. ❤️.

09/16/2025

Sept. 2025: Remembering that God is good. And we, in the US are blessed people as a whole. We need to always remember that humans are flawed. But that God is always GOOD. This beautiful morning is the reminder that I needed.
Grateful regardless. Not unless. Just grateful. ❤️

09/13/2025

When you HAVE to unplug (and I didn't do that well)....what do you do? You build. The last few days have been incredibly sad. On many different levels. Building (with headphones on and music bringing my soul home again) is my "go-to." Remember during covid, I built Chicken City. It does something for my weary soul.
But today, I put my big girl pants back on. And finished the back paddocks. The donkeys are thrilled and rolling in their fresh sand. The chickens have a fresh place to dig. And since I flooded the arena (as I always do) the horses are playing in sand-mud. 😳😳
So the sun will come up tomorrow. The birds will be singing. The horses will be knickering......and i will trust God with every thing I am made of. I'm tired. Almost cut the top of my thumb off. But my soul found some peace today.
And I remain grateful. Always. ❤️

08/31/2025

Just saying......❤️

08/25/2025

We have a wonderful connection with a man who raises/races thoroughbreds out of California. When they aren't looking like they "love to run" or are winning races......they need to find another career for them. We have been so fortunate to be on the receiving end of two of these beauties.
And begin to love and provide an opportunity for them to relax and learn another way of living.
Meet Master Jacques. A beautiful, sweet gelding that arrived today. We love him. He is sweet, curious and eager to be around people. Come meet him sometime. He is really a sight to behold.
We are blessed. ❤️

08/18/2025

Farm "besties." Sat together for nearly 28 days. Through intense heat and scorching temperatures.
First they sat a few feet from one another. One had the eggs. The other sat on an empty nest, just wanting to be close to her friend. As the time got closer for hatching....the two sat side by side for the final week or so. It was incredible to watch and experience. I was cautious as to how this was going to unfold. Momma hens can be incredibly protective. But then......the babies started coming.
5 total. ❤️
Today....one hen has 2 babies and her bestie has 3. They are pleased as can be. They stay close to each other. But parenting on their own.
These farm friends continue to amaze me daily. We are so blessed to be with them. As they love and adapt. ❤️.

08/12/2025

Just sharing love from the farm....Koda and bunny Basil still spend many a day together. Basil has always found comfort when big Koda is around. He will snuggle up next to him at night, hoping to stay safe (must be working. It's odd that a domestic bunny can free range on the farm over 4 years now and not be taken). They are just so cute together. They always bring a smile to my face. ❤️.
Mac ( our newest rescue) came in SO SCARED and almost untouchable. She was incredibly head shy and was obviously mistreated on or around the head. She has come so far!!!!
First to greet you in the morning. Soft nickers. Loves to be petted and loved on. Adored when the Assisted Living gals came to visit.. She ate up all the attention and kindness....
And then to top off the good news. Mac is actually rideable. We had NO IDEA she had been started and was comfortable being mounted and rode gently around. Of course Shanel Kolenc always does an amazing job with these rescues. She instills confidence, love and respect. A great combo for a scared abused horse.
Summer is good. We are blessed. And as always: GRATEFUL!!!! ❤️🙏❤️🙏