Brave Start Stables

06/18/2026

I truly believe it takes a village…whether that’s launching a new business, changing ingrained health care habits, or unselfishly running a non-profit for the sole reason of making lives better for American Mustangs through advocacy, education, and rehabilitation.

That’s why I am so proud to be associated with Lisa, Bill, and Halfway to Heaven Mustang Rescue.

I witnessed this first-hand when they accepted and welcomed Willow into their rescue. I watched her blossom from a timid, untouched, malnourished horse into the trusting beauty she is today.

If you’re looking for a non-profit to support, this is the ONE!

Thank you Lisa, Bill, and volunteers who put in the love, hard work, and dedication to transform these amazing creatures and facilitate their transition into the lives they deserve ❤️🐴

We are experiencing conflicting feelings this morning at the rescue. Joy and sadness are two feelings we often don't think of as fitting together. But rescue is hard. We love all our horses and treat them as family. The longer they are with you, the harder it is when they leave. Such is the case for Willow today. We have celebrated every little step in her training for the past 15 months. We have been amazed by her intelligence and willingness to work with us. We have been awed by her beauty and humbled by her strength. So, today as Willow leaves us and moves on to the next chapter in her life, we are sad. Sad for our loss. However, there is so much to be joyful about. Willow has found a loving home with a wonderful woman who will cherish her as we have. We couldn't have asked for a better adopter. Her new home is only an hour away, so we can visit. We want to thank all of our volunteers who helped with Willow's care and training while she was with us, and the generous people who donated to her care. we also want to give a very special thank you to her new owner, Laurie, who saw her beauty and potential!!

06/18/2026

Amazing how many of these positive coping strategies occur at our farm 🐴❤️☀️

DBT - Dialectical Behavioural Therapy

06/17/2026

Our brains and our bodies need rest. In a world that promotes endless activity, that can be hard to find.

Rest is even more important than what we produce.

If resting feels uncomfortable for you. We can help.

06/16/2026

Myths debunked 👆

06/16/2026

Curious about equine assisted services? Let’s debunk some myths in this space.

Like what you heard? Follow, share, comment.

06/16/2026

Connection is the foundation of our sessions at Brave Start.

This is important for all women we support and yet difficult for some of us when we’ve been let down before or felt unsafe.

Connection is one of the most powerful protective factors for mental health.

In professions that demand so much from us, it’s easy to withdraw, isolate, or convince ourselves that we have to carry the weight alone. But remember this…resilience doesn’t grow in isolation; it grows through meaningful relationships, trusted conversations, and knowing that someone is there when life gets difficult.

A simple text. A phone call. A coffee with a friend. A check-in with a coworker. These small acts of connection can make a bigger difference than we realize.

Strong people still need strong connections.

Today, take a moment to reach out to someone. You never know how much that connection might mean to them or to you.

06/16/2026

So many times in life, we tell ourselves the timing must be right to make a change.

And, often what ends up happening is waiting for the perfect moment leaves us years older and sometimes filled with regret.

The truth is, perfection is an illusion, and our decision to wait for it - is usually masking a greater false belief. What’s underneath is usually fear, lack of self-confidence, or even deprioritizing ourselves over everyone else.

Don’t wait to seize what you deserve. Yes, it can be scary. Yes, it can feel selfish. And, yes others may not support your decision.

But, in life change doesn’t occur by standing still, it occurs through movement…no matter how small, one brave step forward is all it takes.

What have you been promising yourself “someday?”

Believe in what’s possible

06/15/2026

Super cool!

🎬 Muffin Mini Documentary Virtual Premiere: Join Us!

🎥We have something exciting to show! The virtual premiere of the Muffin Mini Documentary is releasing soon in a few weeks!

📆Mark your calendars for the virtual release!

Thursday June 18th at 7pm we will be premiering on Youtube (Hoof Beat Ranch page) the Muffin Mini documentary! Stay tuned for more details!

This short film was shot over the course of four months at multiple locations (Hoof Beat Ranch, Columbia Speedway, SCDC, and CAE Airport, Vision 2020 Conference). The film to shows our equine assisted interventions with Muffin and her friend's in action and making a difference!

The documentary was screened at the Muffin and Friend's Coloring Book event last week and soon will be released publicly on Youtube!

The film was produced by Coal Powerworks Films. We can't wait to show it to you!

*image of interviews at Hoof Beat Ranch

06/15/2026

“What do you DO with your horses if you don’t ride them?”

Our herd’s worth isn’t defined by what they “do”, it’s defined by who they “are”.

Honoring consent, choice, agency, and the ability to think independently opens up a world of possibilities for horses and the women we meet.

So, what do our horses do?

Turn down noise in a loud world
Inspire confidence
Facilitate joy
Promote self-care
Reignite passion
Transform relationships
Increase comfortability with stillness

And, overall, rediscover ourselves, our untapped potential, and infinite capability.