Daryl's Story

Months ago, I entered a place where I had hit a hard depression. I wasn’t in a good place and didn’t allow new friendships in my life. Multiple people tried to reach out. I didn’t want others to help me. I felt that I was alone, I wanted to be alone, and no one could possibly understand. There are times when it’s easy to go back to that place. Misery itself is addicting and a powerful substance.

Recently, I was spiritually led to find horse lessons at Bridle Up Hope. I was searching for a new stable that had more of a structure and a community I felt that I belonged in. I went to a service evening for the first time and felt like I automatically belonged and connected to a strong community of women!

I love my time with horses. It’s helping me create a healthier mindset, and giving me a quiet, safe space. Horses can feel your emotions. They can feel if you are confident, or unsure. If you are unsure about how to lead them, they aren’t as willing to be led. If you are confident, they will be led. 

My instructor explained that the lessons integrate the 7 Habits from Stephen R. Covey’s book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Covey himself said, “Sow a thought, reap an action; sow an action, reap a habit; sow a habit, reap a character; so a character, reap a destiny.” Within each lesson, we discuss each habit in the book which helps me succeed in riding lessons each week. 

Bridle Up Hope is teaching me how to build better relationships not just with others, but with myself! I am gaining the confidence I need by building these 7 Habits in my own community and relationships.

- Daryl V. Embley