The Best Parts of Me

I found Bridle Up Hope in the spring of 2024. I had been scrolling on Facebook and saw an ad for this program. I had been around horses when I was younger, as my grandparents had horses, and I thought it sounded like something that could help me in my life.

I had just quit a job a few months prior. I was looking for a way to heal from my experiences there and also from a health condition that had affected my life. I applied for the program and was accepted in October. I pulled up to this beautiful barn, and Tracy was outside waiting for me. I was nervous but felt such a great peace come over me and knew I was in good hands and that this was where I needed to be.

As we started on the 7 Habits, I realized how much I needed the weekly sessions to better my understanding of myself, the way I respond to stress, my emotions, and how to create a more peaceful way to manage my responses and reflect a more positive energy.

During my first interactions with the horses, I felt nervous, but Tracy would reassure me, and she believed in me. She would look at me and say, “This takes courage, but I know you can do it.” One of the lessons that stuck with me was on Synergy: “Alone we can do little; together we can do so much.” – Helen Keller. I knew Tracy trusted me, and I needed to trust myself. As we completed the program, I looked at each lesson and each habit as a stepping stone to strengthen me physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

During the time I started the program, my son (24) was really struggling with his own mental health. As I learned the habits and worked with the horses, it helped me to help him get through a very difficult time in his life. I was also able to find a horse for him to work with, which in turn helped bring him peace and improved his mental health.

Bridle Up Hope has brought out the best parts of me that I had been holding back because of stress, fears, and worries. I am more peaceful, and I believe the horses see the best parts of us too. When I am around the horses, I feel focused and want to bring good energy to them. I have grown to love Tracy as a dear friend and trusted person who has taught me so much. I have grown to love myself; in the past, I would put myself down or not see the good things that I do. I now focus more on my daily victories and spend more time investing in bettering myself so I can be better and help those around me.

I am so incredibly blessed and grateful to have had the opportunity to attend Bridle Up Hope. I am so lucky to be around the most amazing, beautiful women who help strengthen me. I will continue to attend the yoga, art, and service hours to continue on my Bridle Up Hope journey.

• Tamara Futrell