Cathy’s Why
My entire life has been with horses. From my first pony at 2 ½ years of age to present day, five plus decades later, I have been with, learned from, and helped others with and through horses. Surviving childhood trauma, a skull fracture with a TBI, a fractured back, and even breast cancer-horses have helped me heal. They were the motivation to get better, to heal, and to show up for therapy in every form.
I dreamed as a child of becoming a professional horse trainer, and horses helped me achieve that dream. I learned from their herd dynamics, interpersonal communication, how they set boundaries, how they take in the world around them, and how they provide feedback. I am a better trainer because of horses and quite honestly, a better person because of horses.
Horses accepted me and welcomed me into their herd. They trusted me and forgave my mistakes. Every horse I’ve ever engaged with gave me a chance, offered me trust, forgave me, encouraged me, and I keep coming back. Daily lessons and opportunity to grow and evolve.
Most importantly, I have had the privilege of working alongside them helping others. From teaching people how to ride, to providing lessons on leadership and communication, to today-helping others access life-changing experiences and lessons in a therapeutic setting.
Ultimately, my why is because horses helped me, and I have a deep love for the horse and helping others. There is nothing like feeling the warm sensation of a horse nuzzling the back of my neck or the joyful sounds of participants experiencing a similarconnection with their teaching horse or the conversations I have with parents and caregivers sharing the profound and life-changing lessons of empowerment they see in daily life. In those moments I see possibility, I feel hope in my bones, and I savor what might be possible for each of us in this community-A brighter future with joy, connection and possibility – because of the horse.
I cannot imagine being anywhere else but right here at NTRC, helping our community one nicker at a time, see themselves more clearly and powerfully through the eyes of a horse.
To learn more about Cathy you can check out her website www.cathyhuddleston.com
