Without going into too much nitty gritty details I would like to share my experience with working with horses. I have social and general anxiety disorder as well as depression. I never got diagnosed until early high school, but all the signs were there.
I have always loved horses since a young age, and I started through 4H and eventually found my place here at Eden Healing Center/Recknagel Lessons and Leasing. I do ride quite frequently, and I enjoy being out with the horses as they have a calming effect on me. I can come out to the farm and just forget about the world for a while and just focus on working with the horses. I have found that since I have been working more regularly with the horses that I have had decreased levels of anxiety and I have been able to connect with some of the newer horses on a deeper level. Some of the horses that come are a bit skittish and have anxiety around humans and I can understand some of their behavior because I see me in them. I see the anxiousness that they have and how they want to trust but also fear that human connection. There is something magical when you connect with a horse on that sort of level and have that connection with them.
Jessica has taught me so much and allowed me to learn things that I never thought I would be able to. I am not judged for making mistakes and that those mistakes make me a better horse handler. I have grown more in the time that I have worked with Jessica than I have at any other location I have ridden at. I truly cherish every moment that I can spend out at the barn and that I can make a difference in a horse’s life and that the horses that I ride give me confidence and the ability to fly.
– Jordan