As a clinical social worker and cancer survivor, I can attest to the important work done by Hope Held by a Horse.
This organization changes the lives of women who have experienced cancer.
Excellent program. I have witnessed amazing personal growth from the participants! The incredible horses are invaluable to these transformations!
I highly recommend this program!
I have been a part of the coaching team at Hope Held By a Horse for a year and it is one of the most well run nonprofits I have had the pleasure to work with. The transformations in each participant (who get to experience these retreats for FREE) is truly life changing. The groups come in as individuals and throughout the weekend they experience a hugely supportive group of women who are either participants, volunteers, or coaches, and they leave with a new found sense of self, self compassion, and a their own group of supportive women- many of which keep in touch long after the retreats. Each participants gets to experience healing emotionally and mentally in both group and 1:1 formats with the additional magic of horses who bring a whole other level of healing that many have never gotten to experience before. I truly cannot say enough good things about Hope Held By a Horse from everything behind the scenes to the life changing experiences every one involved leaves with.
I had the pleasure of being a second timer for Hope help by a horse. Both times were life
transforming. Not in the way where I'm a whole entirely new person but I was able to let
go of some deeply imbued negative habits. The second time I was a recipient, my second mastectomy has been performed and it was after COVID was very calmed down. What I can say is it helped me find my heart and my place in this world after the cancer is over and I highly highly recommend this experience after you've dealt with cancer; it is quite amazing.
There is no therapy that worked faster, more gentle and yet honestYou do find
your core... your beauty, your amazingness.. and even if it's a fleeting moment you get to
be touched with that feeling and recognition. It was so profound for me. to have a gentle beast helping you move through some of your deepest insecurities and hatreds of self. To be witnessed by both human and horse is one of the deepest embraces of care that I could
imagine. I am so touched, so moved, and so grateful. The therapists are phenomenal! You
are embraced in love the whole time you're there.. it is so healing!
Wonderful organization that provides free retreats to breast cancer patients and survivors. Working with the horses really helps with this journey.
I had just finished active treatment and felt lost as to what to do next. After going to appointments constantly, suddenly being set out into the world I needed to find myself again. This group helped me not only find myself and the self-confidence to live my life. The volunteers are welcoming and create such a safe environment to process all of these emotions. The horses are a wonderful calming presence and really help you find your "center".
In 2007 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. What a shock it didn't run in my family. After a double mastectomy, chemo and radiation I was on the road to recovery. At the time I had 3 small children under the age of 9 years old, I lost my Mom and step dad shortly after my last treatment and didn't know what normal was anymore. Fast forward in 10 years I had the honor of meeting the ladies from Hope Held By a Horse. I was hesitant for many reason the first being I was afraid of horses but my survivor friends were all doing the program so I decided to join. It transformed my life. I finally was able to start the journey of healing. The instructors, counselors and the horses were amazing. I enjoyed the program so much I decided to take a position on the board. I have been serving on the board for 3 years and have watched hundreds come through the program and make the transformation that I did. The program is truly about their journey, their healing and their space with the horses. Equine therapy is the best!!
I attended a Hope Held by a Horse retreat in April of 2022.
As a single parent I found this experience to be extremely refreshing and impactful. It has made a huge difference in my recovery process to connect with others who share the breast cancer journey with me. I came feeling alone & not understood and left with an entire tribe of new friends who not only understood me but showed me love and compassion that I often never feel as a single Mom.
The facilitators embraced each participant where they were at in a kind, loving manner and gently encouraged and supported us during our weekend of healing.
I am honored at the new friends I have met and so grateful to have had this experience. I am now volunteering with Hope Held By a Horse so I can continue to be surrounded by these amazing humans and horses and help share this opportunity with others.
My name is Myra and I am a two time breast cancer survivor. I attended Hope Held by a Horse twice! The first was in 2015 after my first diagnosis and the second time was in 2021.
Both were extremely impactful and eye opening! Most notable was the second time where I experienced healing in a way I didn’t think was possible. Especially after a second bout with this terrible disease.
My horse Hollywood accepted me and was so in tune with what I was feeling that it was cathartic. Her acceptance and the support of my coach Melissa, brought me to where I am today.
Someone who now listens to her intuition, loves fearlessly, and has adopted two horses because of the incredible healing properties horses bring.
I believe in this program so passionately, that I am now a board member and want to spread the word so that other women can experience what I did.
The acceptance, love, and sisterhood is like no other!
I encourage you to donate if you can and participate in this wonderful program.
Below are a couple of pictures of the horses my husband and I adopted as a result of HHH and the healing they bring me ( Wilbur and Apples) and another two of me as a participant with Comet and Hollywood (picture of me on her unpacking a lot of emotion).
❤️