Root & Rein at BellaSoul Farm TN

06/19/2026

I still can't believe this is my life!

I just finished up three amazing days of Equine Assisted Learning facilitator training, and as I sit here integrating everything I've learned, I can't wait to get home to the farm.

When I moved to Tennessee and purchased this neglected land. I was starting completely from scratch. I lived in a camper while I worked on the property, and I would often sit there staring out across the fields, dreaming about horses.

I could see them. I could picture them grazing in the pastures.

But I had no idea how I was going to make it happen. I certainly didn't imagine all of this.

In fact, so many things changed. Life took turns I never expected. Shattering what I thought was my future. Some of those shifts were incredibly painful. Looking back now, some of the hardest seasons of my life were unfolding right in the middle of building this farm.

What I didn't know then was that those challenges would force me into a healing journey that would completely change the course of my life.

That journey taught me about resilience, self-awareness, courage, boundaries, faith, and learning to trust myself and the process. And it ultimately led me here.

One step at a time. One hard decision at a time. One day at a time. And the path continues to unfold.

Now, I stand in a pasture with horses who help people discover their own strength, confidence, leadership, and self-awareness.

Every session reminds me that people already have the answers they are looking for. Sometimes they just need the right environment, the right experience, and the right teacher to help them see it.

That's where the horses come in.

They don't judge your past. They don't care about your job title.
They don't care what you say. They respond to what is real.

And in a world that often encourages us to wear masks, that kind of honesty is a gift.

These horses inspire me every day. They remind me to slow down, stay present, trust the process, and show up authentically. The more I learn from them, the more I realize that some of life's most important lessons aren't taught with words.

I am so grateful for these horses, this farm, and every person who trusts us enough to begin the journey.

This is only the beginning. 💚

06/18/2026

Day 3, it’s a wrap! 🐴❤️

What a wonderful gift it is to learn how to communicate with horses in their language.

Over the past three days, I’ve witnessed something truly incredible. The difference in the horses from Day 1 to Day 3 was remarkable. When we learn to listen, understand, and respond in ways that make sense to them, everything changes. It’s one of those things you almost wouldn’t believe if you didn’t experience it for yourself.

I cannot wait to get home and continue applying these skills with my own herd.

It has also been such a joy to connect with other amazing facilitators who share the same passion and purpose. Learning from Carolyn and Kari, Equine Connection - The Academy of Equine Assisted Learning Inc, who have dedicated so many years to understanding horses and continually expanding their knowledge, has been inspiring. What I admire most is their unwavering commitment to prioritizing the welfare of the horse in everything they do.

This work truly creates a ripple effect. They learn, they teach, and we facilitators carry that knowledge out into the world, helping both horses and humans in a respectful, meaningful way.

I also cannot say enough about our wonderful hosts Lazy J Ranch LLC. Their kindness, generosity, and dedication made this experience even more special.

My heart is so full of gratitude. I feel incredibly blessed to be part of this community, this mission, and this beautiful world where horses continue to teach us so much about connection, awareness, and ourselves.

06/17/2026

I am in training here in MA with this wonderful kind woman who runs this mini sanctuary non-profit and doing great things in North Carolina. Go give her a follow and follow along on Buddy’s journey. Deb is so committed to these little souls. Give them some love.

06/14/2026

Their comfort is always a priority 🐴

It’s been incredibly hot 🥵 here in East Tennessee, so today my friend and I gave Ghost and Grace a little summer makeover and braided their manes. ☀️🐴

When horses have thick, heavy manes, all that hair can trap heat and sweat against their necks. Braiding helps improve airflow, keeps the hair from tangling, and can make them a little more comfortable during these hot summer days.

I’m always paying attention to the little things when it comes to these beautiful horses. Fresh water, shade, fly protection, proper nutrition, turnout, and sometimes something as simple as braiding a mane can help them stay more comfortable. I’m always learning.

Their well-being has always been one of my highest priorities. These horses give so much of themselves not only to me, but to every person who comes here to learn and grow alongside them. Making sure they feel safe, healthy, comfortable, and cared for is the least I can do in return. They both stood their patiently feeling safe. I love that they choose to be with me and I don’t have to even halter or tie them. 🙏🥰

I think Ghost and Grace are feeling pretty fancy with their new summer hairstyles. ❤️🐴

06/12/2026

🐴 Did You Know the Mare is the Leader of the Herd?

Many people assume the biggest or strongest horse is in charge, but in a natural horse herd, it is the lead mare who guides and protects the group.

The lead mare’s job isn’t about dominance, it’s about wisdom, awareness, and responsibility.

She decides when it’s time to move to water, food, or shelter.

She is constantly scanning the environment for danger. Horses are prey animals, and her awareness helps keep the entire herd safe.

If she notices something concerning, she alerts the herd, and they pay attention.

She knows that in order to care for the herd, she must first take care of herself. A weak, exhausted, or unhealthy leader cannot effectively guide others.

She helps maintain harmony within the herd and often settles conflicts before they escalate.

Young horses learn by watching her. Her calm confidence teaches the herd what is safe and what is not.

One of the things I love most about horses is how much they mirror life.

As humans, especially caregivers, parents, leaders, and helpers, we are often taught to put everyone else first. Yet horses show us something different. The mare understands that caring for herself is not selfish, it’s necessary. Her ability to care for the herd depends on her own well-being.

There is a powerful lesson in that.

True leadership is awareness, presence, wisdom, and knowing when to move forward, and when to pause.

The horses teach us so much. ❤️🐴

06/11/2026

🌎 A Global Mission, One Horse and One Human at a Time 🐴❤️

One of the things I am most grateful for is that through Root & Rein, I am part of something much bigger than myself.

I am honored to be part of a global team of Equine Assisted Learning Facilitators who share a common mission: helping both horses and humans thrive.

Every horse we encounter gives us an opportunity and a responsibility to support their welfare in a professional, respectful, and kind way. Through Equine Assisted Learning, we help people connect, learn, build skills, increase self-awareness, and discover who they truly are, all while honoring and understanding these precious, magnificent horses.

As Equine Connection Facilitators, we are more than a group of professionals. We are a global herd, a team, and a family. Our success depends on supporting one another, learning from one another, and recognizing that none of us has to do this alone. Equine Connection - The Academy of Equine Assisted Learning Inc

From my little corner of Tennessee at Root & Rein @ BellaSoul Farm, I am proud to stand alongside facilitators around the world who are changing lives, one interaction, one breakthrough, and one partnership at a time.

The horses are the teachers. We are simply here to help people listen. ❤️🐴

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06/10/2026

Ghost and Grace are changing lives and we’re just getting started.

Over the last few days, I have had the privilege of facilitating nine incredible women, one full-day team building and communication program, and one individual session this morning.

I am only six programs into this journey, yet every single session has brought moments so powerful, so beautiful, that words hardly do them justice. Each time, I witness breakthroughs, awareness, healing, courage, and growth. I watch people begin to see themselves differently. I watch them step into their own leadership, often without even realizing they are doing it. The horses have an incredible way of showing us where we are uncertain, disconnected, or holding ourselves back—and they also show us what happens when we become clear, present, authentic, and confident.

There is something incredibly powerful about watching someone realize that the answers were within them all along.

One of the things that has touched me the most is hearing from clients days later. Several have shared that the shifts that took place during their sessions stayed with them long after they left the farm. They began noticing the parallels between what happened with the horse and what was happening in their own lives. They saw patterns, gained new awareness, and found ways to apply those lessons in their relationships, work, recovery, healing, and everyday decisions.

That is where the real magic happens, not just in the moment, but in what people carry with them afterward.

Today, it hit me all over again: the horses and I are going to help so many people.

That realization brought me to tears.

I cannot believe this is my life. Working with horses. Helping people. Watching lives change. After everything it took to get here the hard work, the healing, the faith, and the countless times I chose faith over fear I am standing in the middle of a dream I once thought was impossible.

And I am just getting started.

After today’s session, I turned Ghost and Grace back out into the pasture and happened to capture this moment on video. After helping people, they often release energy in their own way rolling, shaking, stretching, moving their bodies, reconnecting with the earth. It is always incredible to witness.

These horses give so much of themselves. They are deeply feeling beings, and it is an absolute privilege to partner with them in this work.

Being around them fills my heart with joy. The lessons they teach, the awareness they create, and the growth they inspire touch my soul on a level I cannot fully explain.

I am grateful beyond words—for the horses, for this work, and for every person who trusts us enough to begin their journey.

06/10/2026

You think you’re learning about Horses until the Horses start teaching you about yourself 🐴 🥰

Today was a half-day facilitation, and the objectives were team building and communication. These amazing ladies absolutely nailed it. What an amazing amazing team of women.

We started with Orientation, where we explored why we work with horses and the objective was knowledge. From there, we moved into Starting the Journey, focusing on building relationships, with the horses, each other, and especially themselves. Then we moved into Push Me Pull You, where the objective was communication.

What unfolded throughout the day was so much more than a series of activities. It was a day filled with awareness, growth, connection, and some truly beautiful revelations.

As I sat with my tissue box reading what each woman wrote about what her horse teacher had taught her, and how she could apply those lessons to her own life, i was once again reminded why this work matters so much.

The horses never cease to amaze me.

I am incredibly grateful for this work, for these beautiful horses, and for every person who is willing to show up, be brave, and learn.

🐴❤️