GoingWithin.Shadowwork

It can be hard to put into words what it’s like to experience the healing power of horses. Once people have felt it, they can understand it—when a horse offers a safe space to be in a moment of need. “The Transformative Power of Horses” video captures that connection in a way words rarely can.

At Lucky Orphans Horse Rescue, we see that transformation happen every day. Whether it’s a veteran finding peace, a child rediscovering trust, or a grieving adult finding purpose again—our horses and programs create space for real healing.

The Transformative Power of Horses, dives into the science behind how horses support mental health—and how organizations like ours are putting that healing into action every day.

The Transformative Power of Horses | Seen Through Horses Campaign Experience the profound bond between humans and horses in this inspiring video that showcases their transformative power in mental health and emotional heali...

Grief has no timeline. It arrives uninvited, lingers in the quiet moments, and reshapes the world we once knew. At Lucky Orphans Horse Rescue, we understand that loss can take many forms—death, divorce, trauma, even the loss of identity—and we are here to hold space for it all.

This week, as part of the Seen Through Horses campaign, we’re highlighting the profound role horses play in helping people navigate grief and find hope again. Watch this story reflecting the kind of healing we witness everyday. “Moving Through Grief” follows one woman’s journey through loss—and how a horse named Durk helped her begin to find connection and hope again. At our organization, we see just how powerful horses can be in moments like these.

At Lucky Orphans, clients are gently guided by the strength of our horses and the compassion of our certified life coach and end-of-life doula, DeNean. Through quiet presence and equine-guided reflection, DeNean supports individuals facing some of life’s most difficult chapters. Her work allows clients to honor their grief while demystifying the dying process, holding the compassionate space that an individual’s heart may now long for. Within this space, the bereaved are met with dignity, comfort, and non-judgment to begin healing through one of life’s most profound transitions —always with the steady heart of a horse nearby.

Horses don’t judge. They don’t rush your process. They simply stand with you, offering connection when words fall short. Whether someone is mourning the loss of a loved one, adjusting to life after caregiving, or grieving unspoken wounds, our herd is here. When integrated into mental health programs, horses offer more than presence—they offer a path forward. Watch this video to see how horses help.

https://youtu.be/nf2m2ZrZT3A

Your support helps us continue offering these compassionate services, at no cost to those in need.

This work is real, raw, and deeply necessary.
Join us in honoring the healing power of horses. Donate to the Seen Through Horses campaign today and help more hearts find peace—one hoofbeat at a time.

https://sth2025.raiselysite.com/t/lucky-orphans-horse-rescue

Moving Through Grief | Seen Through Horses Campaign After the loss of her husband, one woman’s journey through grief is quietly and powerfully transformed through the presence of a horse. “Moving Through Grief...

Week 2 of the campaign is here, and we’re honored to share a story that reflects the kind of healing we witness every day.

“Moving Through Grief” follows one woman’s journey through loss—and how a horse named Durk helped her begin to find connection and hope again. At our organization, we see just how powerful horses can be in moments like these.

YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/nf2m2ZrZT3A?si=_v4so1wxFJK9FK8Z

When integrated into mental health programs, horses offer more than presence—they offer a path forward.

Your support helps us continue this work.

Donate now: https://sth2025.raiselysite.com/t/lucky-orphans-horse-rescue or Visit link in bio

Horses for Mental Health Zoetis Equine

Moving Through Grief | Seen Through Horses Campaign After the loss of her husband, one woman’s journey through grief is quietly and powerfully transformed through the presence of a horse. “Moving Through Grief...

Mental Health Awareness Month

This week’s featured story shines a light on the mental health struggles veterinarians face—burnout, compassion fatigue, emotional exhaustion. It's an experience many carry in silence. The video is a tribute to the hope and healing that becomes possible through horses—and through programs like Lucky Orphans Horse Rescue.
~ Horses for Mental Health

Healing the Healers. The Power of Horses and Veterinarian Mental Health

Lucky Orphans Horse Rescue

DeNean Hardman - Seen Through Horses Campaign Donate and help us continue serving our community.

"You have lovely prosody and a relaxed confident voice. Your pacing is relaxing and smooth.I enjoyed how you slowly guided people into their body, normalizing that it takes awhile to get out the wiggles and jiggles. When you entered the cave of the heart, it was a lovely reminder of protection and gratitude for our ribs and safety. I enjoyed how you brought in gratitude and thankfulness throughout. Beautiful!" Lynn Fraser, Yoga Farm, Ithaca

A New Chapter Begins

I’m so excited to share that I’ve started a volunteer position working with rescue horses at Lucky Orphans Horse Rescue!

These horses have been through so much, and it’s an honor to help care for them as they heal and learn to trust again. What’s even more powerful is how much they give back — because as we help horses heal, they help us heal too.

There’s something truly special about the connection between people and horses. I’m grateful for the chance to be part of this work, surrounded by kind souls (both human and equine) who believe in second chances and the power of compassion. Here’s to growth, healing, and a whole lot of love — for them and for me.

Gunny is just as excited about the announcement as I am!

February 29th, 2020, Pop transitioned, and this changed my life. Even in death, life happens. The hospice nurse commented that my son was meant to do this work, and I was honored for him. He (my son) told me that if I thought it was so great, I should do it. Four years later, as I'm deep into the study of thanatology, my son and I stood at the foot of his father's death bed, and he (our son) solely made the decision for comfort measures only. While this brilliant man thought this was the work for me, little did he know that he would make the most compassionate decision for his father. In loving respect for my father, for Pop, and for David, I embrace my calling for EOLD. My gratitude for the men who taught me love, which is the meaning of life.

I am thrilled to share that I have officially embarked on a new path as an End-of-Life Doula. After much reflection and training, I feel deeply honored to offer compassionate support to individuals and families as they navigate the final stages of life.

As an End-of-Life Doula, my role is to provide emotional, practical, and spiritual support, ensuring that individuals are not only comfortable, but also empowered, respected, and heard during their final journey. Whether it’s offering a listening ear, guiding important end-of-life decisions, or helping to create a peaceful and meaningful environment, I am here to support others with kindness, understanding, and dignity.

I am committed to being a compassionate presence for those facing the challenges of end-of-life transitions, and I’m excited to walk alongside people as they find peace, comfort, and closure. If you or someone you know could benefit from this support, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I am here to help in any way I can.

Thank you for your trust and support as I take on this meaningful role.

An end-of-life doula (death doula) is a professional who provides emotional, physical, and practical support to individuals and their families as they approach the end of life. The role is non-medical and focuses on enhancing the quality of life for the dying person, ensuring they are comfortable and supported during the dying process.

Being an end-of-life doula means providing holistic support during one of the most intimate and challenging times of life. It requires a deep understanding of the emotional and psychological complexities of dying, along with a compassionate approach to care. An end-of-life doula helps to foster a peaceful, dignified death, while also supporting families through their grieving process. It involves providing not just comfort but also empowerment, ensuring the person and their loved ones have a sense of control and peace as they navigate the final chapter of life.