To Waylon and Preacher-
my best boys, and my family at Saddles in Service,
Waylon,
The first time I met you, I knew you were my soul horse. Your soft demeanor, calming presence and gentle soul captured my heart right away. When I arrived to the ranch for the first time, I was so overwhelmed with anxiety and couldn’t calm my restless mind. I had tried going to therapy but it always seemed to make my anxiety worse. Not with you though.
With you, I didn’t have to even think about anything else. When I am around you, my heart feels this beautiful sense of peace. You were my first bareback ride and I remember being so scared because my back is so messed up but you took such good care of me. We put our trust in each other and had the best session with Colleen as our wrangler. You are so good to me, always.
Every time I see you, your sweet face makes me smile uncontrollably.
Preacher,
We got off on the wrong foot at the beginning. I didn’t know how to handle your energy and felt so defeated when I would ride you. After about three times of attempting to ride around
the arena, I had given up. My anxious mind was racing and you could feel it. It wasn’t you, it was me. I could tell that my pushy attitude was affecting your gentle personality. So I had to learn how to treat you, and I did just that. Once I got on the same page with you, you further healed me in ways that I didn’t think were possible. You have the sweetest soul and an “if you
take care of me, I’ll take care of you” personality. Every time I get to the ranch and run to the board to see that I’m riding you I get so excited to spend that time together! You have been so wonderful and have taught me patience and that if I just take a moment and breathe, we’ll get through everything!
You’re so special.
My family at SIS,
Your loving and unwavering support is unmatched. I am so thankful for this beautiful family that we have here! This program has healed so much of me in more ways than one. From the moment I met all of you, I felt right at home. I have learned so much and feel so blessed to have so many wonderful people who have become such a huge part of my life. Through so many ups and downs with my career in the Navy to all the health battles I am still overcoming, SIS has always been there to help me ground myself in whatever way that looks like.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being exactly what I needed and helping me heal.
