In a world of unfathomable pain there is also a persistent fighting hope. A hope that is supported by amazing organizations like Candlelighters. Organizations that recognize the healing power of community, of coming together for a greater good… of something outside ourselves. It is so easy to get caught up in the daily grind and become tunnel vision focused and to see Pin Oak & Candlelighters come together to help families with children that are fighting cancer is truly amazing.
Lauryn put out a call at the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show asking for riders to bring their horses and ponies out and line the driveway of Great Southwest Equestrian Center with horses, so that Arley could meet horses and the exhibitors at Pin Oak rallied together to make sure her wish came true.
One little girl had it instilled in her heart that a horse could bring that same healing to her heart if she could. just. touch. one. Though her body was failing her, her community would not. Upon being released from Hospice care, 4 year old, Arley, arrived at Pin Oak Charity Horse Show ready to meet her champions. Not one, but 70 horses greeted her with overwhelming nickering love. In good equestrian fashion, our Pin Oak family would not let this little girl get away with just petting a horse.
I can’t even begin to describe what it was like being a part of this, there weren’t too many dry eyes to be seen. I am seriously so incredibly impressed that this many horses were able to get together and line the road and behave so well for such a long time and then be so incredibly sweet allowing Arely’s car to drive up to each of them so she could pet their noses. Madrone Ranch also brought out Norelle their miniature horse and barn mascot with her cart so that Arley could ride in the cart with a real life unicorn.
After a life long connection with horses it takes only a moment to be reminded of that first connection of healing that we all have experienced with horses and I dare say the reason we are still in relationship with them. What they do for us and how we love them back because of it. Maybe it is that ever organic pony smell that lingers around the barn, the sound of silence after morning feeding, the burst from a bolting horse in the muddy pasture when mud fly’s and hits you in the face(ok, maybe not that one), the dream of riding barefoot and bareback on some tropical sunny shore, that first time you experience a full out run or jump or I could go on and on… Think of that first moment, or any moment you truly found healing for your heart amidst our equine beauties.
