Stable Paths was so much fun yesterday. I can't wait until we get funding to do it again.
For those who haven't heard of it, it is a new program which addresses youth (and adults) at risk for or currently involved with substance abuse. It's free, and lunch is provided. It is facilitated by a drug and alcolhol counselor at the Women's Prison, and volunteers from NA and AA.
Every session has chores, lunch, open discussions about life during lunch, and ends with horse activities, focused on self control and team work. This is a youth directed event and it looks different every time.
We can take up to 10 people per session, and this past session was 4 sessions, twice a month.
We ended this one with a questionaire about powerlessness and life being unmanageable...EVERY. SINGLE. ANSWER. was the same but in the participants own words. Here is my summary for our grant report:
Participant Reflections – Stable Paths Final Session
At the conclusion of our most recent Stable Paths cycle, we asked participants to complete a reflection worksheet with two prompts:
“I am powerless over…”
“Because of this, my life is unmanageable. Examples:”
All nine responses centered around a single theme: feeling powerless over other people’s thoughts, actions, and treatment of them. Examples included:
“I am powerless over what others think of me.”
“I can’t control what people say.”
“I try to manage others so they’re happy with me—if they’re upset, I think it must be my fault.”
“I’m powerless over others’ decisions. Their words and actions affect my life.”
This common thread reveals the emotional burden these youth carry—and how vital it is for them to have a space where they can practice boundaries, learn self-regulation, and build their confidence from the inside out.
Throughout the two-month program, youth completed barn chores, worked closely with senior horses, and engaged in shared meals and discussions. The final session ended wit
Kody & Buddy: Friends for life #horserescue
We have one more story for you! This is a long one, but it's an important story about those friendships that are meant to last a lifetime.
Kody and Buddy have been inseparable for years, and now, they need a home...together.
Kody once soared over the jumps at Spruce Meadows, one of the most prestigious jumping venues in the world, but time catches up with even the greatest athletes. An injury in his late teens ended his career, leading him to a quiet, loving home where he became a teacher, friend, and steady presence for those who needed confidence.
That’s where he met Buddy 🐴👀
Buddy, a wise and gentle Quarter Horse, had spent years teaching kids to ride, fearlessly leading trails, and ensuring everything in his world ran smoothly. He even played games like Follow the Leader and Simon Says, listening SO well that beginners felt like pros in the saddle.
In 2019, he moved to Bainbridge Island for a very special reason: Kody needed a Buddy. And Buddy took his job seriously! Buddy keeps everything in order. He sets the barn routine, notices when things are out of place, and makes sure everyone is taken care of. If a water bucket is empty, he’ll dip his nose in it and stare at you until you fix it. If a guest arrives, he’s the first to announce it. He’s a horse who likes things just so, and he makes sure his home runs smoothly.
Now at 33 and 23, Kody and Buddy are facing their next challenge: their family has moved, and they have nowhere to go. Their owner loves them dearly and just wants to know they will be safe, cared for, and surrounded by people who will cherish them.
That’s where The Whole Horse Place comes in.
If we can find the funding, Kody and Buddy will come to us in April, where they will spend their golden years continuing to do what they do best...helping people feel safe, strong, and understood.
💛 But we can’t do it without you! If you feel moved by their story, please consider supporting their retirement so the
A little 💩 scooping history lesson 🤓 #horses #horserescue
Join for a trail ride ❤️😅🫶 #horses #horserescue #nonprofit
Meet Charlie, our new barn cat ❤️🥹🫶 #barncat #catlife
We love what these horses do for people <3
Thank you for your service, Dennis!
Federal employees: If you'd like to support us through the CFC, our # is 34909.
Ken's Story at The Whole Horse Place
"I thought it was just for the horses, but it's for people too" ❤
Ken's story is a great reminder of the power of horses for mental health.
The Whole Horse Place is now an approved charity for the CFC. The CFC is a Federal tradition and the official workplace-giving campaign for Federal employees and retirees. Since its inception in 1961, the CFC has raised more than $8.7 billion for charities and people in need.
The funds raised through the CFC help people and communities in need and reflect the generous nature of the Federal community.
To give to The Whole Horse Place through the CFC, visit GiveCFC.org and use our code: 34909
Say HI to the horses ☺️ #nonprofit #horserescue #horseshelpingpeople