Horses Are Helping Me Survive.

“Sparkly Spirit Pony” - me

I'm Emily, a rancher from Idaho who's trying to use my voice against hate and violence, run a business, maintain a second job, be a wife, take care of animals and generally try to survive it all.

Sound familiar?...Okay maybe my exact circumstances are still a *little* crazy but generally everywhere I look I see fellow humans trying to juggle so much right now.

We're pissed. We're scared. We're also still trying to show up to the daily things that require our time and attention.

Last week, I created a video that shared my anger about feeling trapped into silence; a small attempt at using my voice when I was feeling like I didn't have one. The video went crazy, my reach grew, and the requests to KEEP sharing poured in.

But beyond a rally cry for something, anything, to change, a second theme from the comments, messages and even interviews has formed for me...an acknowledgment that it's *okay* to both speak up for what I believe in *and* continue to share my experiences living with horses.

My trusty bay, Sundance, “Sunny” on our backyard acreage in Idaho.

But after reflecting and sitting with it all, I’ve come to think that it’s not enough to just say it’s okay. But for me, it’s actually the only way. 

Horses are the thing that ground me, fuel me, and make me feel connected most in this world. 

The only way I can find strength to speak up, the only way I have a reach to begin with, the only THING that keeps me tethered and going when it’s too unbearable to do so, are horses. 

There is no voice or passion without love and connection. There is no hope without carving out space for things that bring you joy.

So whether you’re a cowpoke, an artist, an athlete, a social butterfly or whatever else…..I hope you continue to seek the things that bring you joy, even in the darkness.