Olive's Branch Healing

11/05/2024

Happiness is not on the other side of your next big accomplishment.

Achieving Grand Prix won’t create a magical perfect bond between you and your horse. Winning a certain show or getting to a certain level won’t magically fill your barn with high paying clients.

Yes you should keep striving to improve- your horse deserves your best. But you can be happy now. You can enjoy today.

There are climbers that love to climb and “climbers” that only love to summit…. I know because I used to be one and it was miserable. (Not talking actual climbing. Just to be clear!) I finally realized that I need goals because it gives me purpose, and the motivation to stay disciplined, but I remind myself that CHASING the goal is the fun part. The actual achieving is often a let down! No one throws you a parade. You don’t suddenly feel more important than the day before. Horses don’t suddenly deem you worthy and just starting piaffing perfectly in your glorious presence.

In fact, when you get “better” everything is still just as hard! You’re just struggling at a higher level, and the instructors capable of really helping you get fewer and more expensive. In biking they say, “It never gets easier, you just go faster.”

11/01/2024

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalms‬ ‭34‬:‭18‬ ‭NIV‬‬

The hardest part about grief or lamenting is being able to acknowledge that you are and then the emotional release that follows it. Giving yourself space to be a human and feel what you’re supposed to feel when something has shook your entire world.

The Good News is that Jesus is near and comforts those who mourn. Resting on His Word has been one of the most grounding things for me in this season. Spending time with the herd, telling them what’s going on, and what I’m feeling has also been very impactful. I’m also grateful for my counselor and therapist who continue to check in and pray for me at every turn.

If you’ve grieved, lamented, or mourned what have you found helpful when encountering these strong emotions?

10/31/2024

I know it’s been awhile since we’ve posted but I just wanted to let you know that we are still here!

Here’s some pictures of what’s been happening in our lives and how faithful God has been through it all!

We have lots of good things on the horizon and we can’t wait to continue to share this journey with you! 🥰♥️🐴🐴🐴🐴🐴

10/16/2024

“As humans, we place so much value on things that mean absolutely nothing to horses, like what people think about us. Horses don’t care. They are simple, but not without purpose. They are strong and stable, but vulnerable. They dismiss hostility and demand trust. Maybe it’s because of those qualities, horses have the innate ability to open us up to a part of ourselves that allows for honest self-expression, healing, acceptance and better mental health.”

Have you ever been curious to learn more about our Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL) or Psychotherapy (EAP) programs? This article by Kelly Bowman does a fantastic job explaining some of the work that we do and how it can impact positively mental health and overall quality of life for individuals or groups who participate. There is no horse experience required. If you’d like to learn more about EAL or EAP please reach out to schedule a tour with us.

https://www.cnn.com/2024/10/10/health/equine-assisted-psychotherapy-mental-health-wellness-iyw/index.html

October 10th is World Mental Health Day. As an equestrian and someone who has struggled with their mental health, I’ve found turning to the steady presence and gentle power of horses has been the most healing. Here’s how equine-assisted therapy works.

10/16/2024

Free horse care and management course!

The FREE Fall Webinar series starts tomorrow, with a talk on Horse Show Trends from AQHA Judge, and Extension Horses expert, Dr. Kathy Anderson, from the University of Nebraska. To participate, just enroll for the free course at this link, and then come back on Thursday night to join the Zoom. All webinars will be recorded, so if you are busy on Thursday nights, you can watch them later. https://campus.extension.org/enrol/index.php?id=2605

09/27/2024

Just wanted to update everyone about what was going on with Destani and her surgery.

“Surgery is done and good news! Meniscus tear but re-do of ACL surgery was not necessary as her ACL is still in tack! Less recovery time so amen!!! She’s awake now”
-Destani’s mom

My response

North Florida’s coach screamed 'let’s go' at the top of his lungs for the perfect pregame speech

09/26/2024

Do you remember Tomahawk aka TT? We rescued him from a MS kill pen in 2020. After my first surgery we found him a new home with a lovely young lady. Due to no fault of his own they are looking to find him a safe landing where he can have a job/live a fulfilled life. Here’s what they have to say:

“Tomahawk is eight years old Appaloosa gelding around 15.1 hands good with the Farrier and vet up-to-date on his shots. We are rehoming him due to our granddaughter not having the time we don’t want him just sitting around. she only rode him a few times last year and a few times this summer he will need refreshed on riding. His groundwork is good.”

His hooves were done last week and he is able to be ridden bitless.

Unfortunately, we don’t have the extra cash to purchase at this time to bring him back on but we still love him and want to make sure that he doesn’t end up back where we found him. He’s too precious. If you know of anyone who might be a good fit for this boy or who might be willing to donate him back to us please reach out. Owners are asking $2,500 and a good home is an absolute must.

09/26/2024

09/16/2024

Our goal has been met!!! Thank you all for sharing and donating! 🥳🥳🥳

Equine Assisted Workshop for Communication and Connection … Emmanuel Eshun needs your support for Help Us Bring The Refreshing to Hannah Penn: Equine Workshop

09/16/2024

The Refreshing (Olive’s Branch Healing x Right Foot Ranch, Inc.) is coming to Hannah Penn K-8th Grade School for their extracurricular fair on Wednesday, 9/18! We will be working with 5th-8th grade students who will have a chance to develop professional communication skills with our horses as they prepare to apply for jobs and volunteering in the future.

We are not paid by the school for this event but we believe that it is something that we have been called to do to reach the children in the city of York. You can support this initiative by sharing or donating to our GoFundMe. To cover this event we need to raise a total of $250. Praise God that $50 has already been raised so only $200 left to go to reach our goal! We can do this together!

Equine Assisted Workshop for Communication and Connection … Emmanuel Eshun needs your support for Help Us Bring The Refreshing to Hannah Penn: Equine Workshop

09/07/2024

This morning

09/07/2024

Yesterday’s update.

09/07/2024

🚨 Sweet Girl Needs Your Help! 🚨

Sweet Girl, our sweet Off the Track Thoroughbred, recently injured her leg and is in need of some serious care. With her mild kissing spine condition and this new setback, we’re raising $7,500 to cover her vet bills and help her heal!

Every bit helps, whether it’s $25, $50, or more. Your donation goes directly towards her medical treatments, rehabilitation, and ensuring she continues to live a happy, healthy life.

Click the link below to donate or share this post and be part of Sweet Girl’s recovery journey. Thank you for your support! 🙏

Help Sweet Girl Get the Care She Needs Meet Sweet Girl, or SG for short, the … Emmanuel Eshun needs your support for Support Sweet Girl’s Recovery Journey

09/06/2024

Please help us give Mama Sweet the care that she needs!

Sweet Girl recently injured her leg and needs urgent vet care. Any amount you can contribute will directly support her recovery and help her continue bringing joy to others. If you’re able, please click the link below to donate or share it with someone who might be interested. Thank you!

Help Sweet Girl Get the Care She Needs Meet Sweet Girl, or SG for short, the … Emmanuel Eshun needs your support for Support Sweet Girl’s Recovery Journey

09/05/2024

Come onnnn 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 coming out in October is a TV series called Beyond Black Beauty!

Check out Concrete Cowboys on Netflix if you haven’t gotten the chance to yet!

09/04/2024

👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

Good day at the office. 🥇🥇🥈

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