What I Learned From Horses

Zip:  He swept me off my feet and was my first love.  He showed me that friends need to look out for each other.

Sherlock:  Showed me how it's okay to mourn but that it's also okay to let others into your life so that they can help you through the tough times.  And that the smallest of people can be leaders.

Chase:  Showed me that it's okay to have fun sometimes and let your hair down.  He also showed me how to share my time with others and the importance of living in the moment.

Redford:  Taught me to smell the roses and take it easy and to appreciate God's creation.  He also taught me how I needed to stop being so gullible and naive.

Honcho:  Showed me you're never too old to have fun, live life to the fullest, and to respect others. 

Pepto:  Showed me how to be a strong but kind leader and how communication is very important.

All of these horses have helped me in different parts and seasons of my life.  I would say they are some of the greatest teachers I have ever known.  I was in my early teens when I first met Chase and Redford.  Now that they are older and are fondly referred to as "old men," I have a great respect for them. They gave so much to me and now I am giving back to them.  In doing so, I feel that I am also honoring Zip's memory.

When I first met Sherlock, I was terrified of him (because he is so incredibly tall).  But I think he saw it was time for me to let another horse into my life, even if I didn't see it at first.  He claimed me as his little human and I opened up to him and let him fill the gap Zip had left.
~ Former Student

Our time at Mount Moriah stables was simply amazing.  We visited on a whim and were treated like long-awaited friends. My sometimes shy son had never been around horses before and was very nervous.  Debra Plant, the owner - truly one of the most gentle and patient people I've ever met - came out to help us.  She helped my son introduce himself to the horse, and slowly showed him all the parts of the equipment and parts of the horse. Finally, when he was ready, she helped him climb up and they began walking around the pen.

My son was so calm with her that he eventually was able to even sit up and ride with his eyes closed (while another worker led the horse around the pen.). To this day, he is still taking about the experience that Debra gave us at Mount Moriah.  In all of Northern Denver, I can't imagine there is a better place to take a child or an adult in need of horse therapy.  Debra worked wonders with my son who she hadn't met even five minutes before and in an hour turned him into a true horse lover. 

I can't imagine the limitless potential that she can harness with those who work with her and the horses, and the changes that she's able to affect in their lives. This place is truly a treasure for those who love these magnificent animals and hope to find healing through the natural bond of animal and man. 

It was one of the best days of our lives.
~ Parent of Student