Almost 25 years ago, I was introduced to the transformative world of equine therapy. If I tried to write down every life-changing moment I’ve witnessed since, there wouldn’t be enough paper in the world to contain it all. But there’s one moment, one story, that still stands out as the spark that ignited my lifelong passion for this work.
It happened at a muscular dystrophy camp where I had brought my horses to introduce the children to these gentle giants. I remember a counselor asking me to bring a horse closer to a child in a wheelchair. At the time, I hesitated. I worried it wouldn’t be safe, but before I could finish my concerns, something extraordinary happened.
I turned to see my very first pony, Flip, calmly walking over to the girl in the wheelchair. Without hesitation, he lowered his head and gently rested it on her tray. The room fell silent, except for the sound of tears—mine included—as a counselor helped the girl lift her hand to stroke his face. In that single, powerful moment, I saw the magic of equine therapy. And I knew, deep in my soul, that this was my calling.
Five years later, I became certified through PATH International and spent the next 20 years running my own equine therapy center. I poured my heart into it, watching countless lives transform as people connected with these incredible animals. When my family decided to move on after many years of supporting the center, I thought it was time for me to retire, too. I closed the center and told myself my journey in equine therapy was over.
But life, as it often does, had other plans.
God led me to a family whose love for horses and passion for helping others matched my own. They opened a new equine therapy and mental health center: Liebe Cornelia Hooves to Healing. This time, our mission expanded to serve children with special needs, veterans, and first responders.
Once again, I find myself witnessing those “aha” moments—moments when someone’s connection with a horse brings peace, healing, and joy. It’s in the tear that escapes a veteran’s eye as they feel understood for the first time. It’s in the sparkle of a child’s smile as they reach out to touch a horse’s velvety nose. These moments are priceless, and no words could ever fully capture their beauty.
As we look ahead to 2025, I’m filled with anticipation. We’re expanding into new programs and activities, ready to touch more lives and provide hope to those who need it most. Veterans, first responders, children, and families—each will find a place of peace and healing at our center.
The journey has come full circle, and yet, it feels like it’s only just beginning. I’ll never forget that first pony, that first camp, and that first moment when I realized the incredible power of equine therapy. And I’ll continue to embrace every opportunity to share it with others.
Because in the end, it’s not about us. It’s about the lives we touch, the peace we bring, and the hope that these incredible animals inspire in us all. Only God knows what lies ahead, but I can’t wait to see the miracles unfold.