Growing in confidence

I do equine-assisted learning. Many people I see are suffering from anxiety, or have life-changes. Some have empty-nest syndrome and don’t know what to do next in life. Sometimes people come because there’s been a death, or divorce, or even domestic abuse.

The thing about horses that’s so amazing is that they are big, powerful animals, but they can be so gentle, and they are non-verbal. Horses are non-judgemental, so that helps people feel safe. People can really switch off and be in the moment with horses.

I’d been a horse professional for many years, but I came to this relatively recently. I felt it was a calling. I knew there was something I had to do to help people, and I wanted to use the knowledge of horses that I already had, as they had helped me in my life. So, I set up Hephzibah. What I love is seeing how people change, how they grow in confidence.

We haven’t had customers during lockdown. I think there will be a lot of people needing help after the coronavirus. Mental health professionals are under such enormous pressure. Waiting lists are long. There will be even longer waiting lists after lockdown. This is an alternative.

I feel God’s presence with the horses. I always say that I have the best prayer times when I’m mucking out. He’s always spoken to me through horses. My horse, Seve, is every inch a powerhouse, yet he’s so gentle. He seems to pick up when people are sad. He just stands there with them. That’s a really powerful thing. I feel closer to God when I’m with him.

Find out more about Everyday Faith as part of Renewal and Reform, aimed at creating a growing church for all people and in all places.