Have you noticed how healing springtime is as trees turn green and flowers bloom again?
It gives us hope, remembering how different the landscape was seven months ago when Hurricane Helene brought chaos and destruction to our beloved Blue Ridge Mountains.
I hope you’re doing well as we rebuild our communities and lives. It’s not surprising how we forge ahead with everyday tasks and responsibilities, but do we ever stop and address the emotional effects of the storm that can result in everything from anxiety to a sense of detachment from others? It’s sometimes easier staying busy by bottling things up, hoping time will erase our worries and fears.
We noticed this dilemma when talking with other individuals in the region, especially those involved with non-profit organizations. We’re trying our best to be stoic and strong, but inside we feel the overwhelming repercussions of trauma.
Invitation from Cappy Tosetti, Development & Communications Coordinator at Heart of Horse Sense
We decided to reach out and invite others for a moment of respite and reflection here at the farm—an opportunity to come engage with horses and one another, build community, and leave feeling centered and grounded. Little did we know this simple gesture of fellowship would blossom into gatherings of optimism and resilience, reminding us how important it is knowing we’re not alone.
Our new program is called “Stable and Safe,” a two-hour complimentary visit to the farm to learn more about the effects of trauma, meet and connect with our therapy horses, observe and share with others, and enjoy some coffee and light refreshments. It’s our mission here at Heart of Horse Sense to continue providing critical disaster-related mental health and well-being to western North Carolina.
Our next gathering that’s open to the public is this Monday, May 5, 2025, from 4-6 p.m. I realize this is short notice, but sometimes a bit of spontaneity on a weekday afternoon is just what we need! We ask that you please RSVP at www.heartofhorsesense.org/events/2025/5/5/stable-safe so we know how to plan your welcome to the farm. Please arrive by 3:50 p.m. to check in and get settled before we begin. Once you arrive at the farm, follow the directional signs up to the barn.
You’ll find driving directions at www.heartofhorsesense.org. We’re five miles west of the town of Marshall at 7041 Meadows Town Road, Marshall 28753. GPS doesn’t always like to cooperate, so it’s best to follow the website directions via New Leicester Highway from Asheville, or from Weaverville on Route 25/70 to Marshall, continuing on Baileys Branch Road to Meadows Town Road.
We’ll be scheduling more ‘Stable & Safe” gatherings throughout the year. You’ll find updated information on the website, and we’re also happy to add you to our email and newsletter mailings.
There’s also another opportunity on the calendar, Saturday, May 10, 2025, with our springtime “Open House” from 11am to 12:30pm. A fun-filled gathering for the entire family!
We look forward to welcoming you to the farm next week or in the near future. Thanks for your continued interest in the work we do promoting mental health and well-being through horse and human connections.
“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.”
Heart of Horse Sense promotes mental health and well-being through the horse-human connection.
