Natalie's Journey

As a young girl with dyslexia, ADHD, and dyscalculia, school was a place where I constantly felt behind. No matter how hard I tried, I struggled to meet grade-level expectations and often felt like I didn’t quite belong.

But everything changed when I was with horses.

In the presence of a horse, I found something I hadn’t experienced anywhere else—peace, acceptance, and a sense of belonging. Horses didn’t see my challenges. They met me exactly where I was, and in doing so, they gave me the confidence I was missing in every other part of my life.

Because of horses, my story didn’t end with struggle.

They became my motivation to keep trying—to learn how to read, to write, and to believe that I was capable of more. Through riding, I built confidence that extended far beyond the arena and into the classroom. That confidence carried me all the way to college and shaped me into the person I am today.

This is the power of horses.

Every day, programs like Free Rein give individuals facing their own challenges the same opportunity I had—to feel seen, capable, and empowered. Your support makes these life-changing moments possible. It ensures that more riders can discover their strength, build confidence, and rewrite their own stories—just like I did.

Even a small gift goes a long way: $30 helps welcome a new volunteer (or two!), $75 funds a full class for one special rider, and $125 covers a month of hay for one of the heroes in the herd. 

Please join me in reaching our goal and making a real difference in the lives of all involved!