The Fourth of July & A Horse Girl Summer

Meditating with horses in Italy, the Fourth of July & a colt is born on the Farm!

Jul 06, 2025

It’s a long one folks. As always, feel free to scroll to what interests you or read from start to finish. If you’re in America, I hope you had a happy Fourth of July weekend.

Fireworks, Parades, & Hidden Legacies
Equine Therapy
Meditating With Horses in Italy
A Colt is Born on the Farm

Fireworks, Parades, & Hidden Legacies

Something I’ve been thinking a lot about lately is legacies. For most of us, our mark on the world will go fairly unnoticed. We’ll live, we’ll die, and eventually, we’ll be forgotten.

It doesn’t bother me though. I think there’s something beautiful about the influence of existence embodying selflessness. Our lives are entirely built upon service. Parents tend to children who later tend to parents. It’s a never ending cycle of helping someone else.

We love, we serve, and we’re loved, and we’re served.

It’s simple, but lasting.

I can’t tell you the names of all the people who fought and died for America’s freedom, but I can tell you how grateful I am to live in this country. I can tell you how good it feels to be able to receive an education, vote, travel, buy things with money I’ve earned, and practice my religion. I can tell you that the people before me have blessed my life in ways that I’ll forever be grateful for.

Though they may be nameless, their service to the world continues to bless and enrich future generations.

I think about my Mom who over fifteen years ago volunteered to be over our city’s Fourth of July celebrations. At the time, our small city held only a parade. My mom turned a small budget into an annual parade, carnival and firework display. Her service to our city has led to lifelong positive memories for hundreds of families. The majority of which who don’t know her name.

Her legacy may seem hidden, however, it is still celebrated.

I feel it when I walk in our city’s parade, take down carnival signs, and watch fireworks to Defying Gravity surrounded by my loved ones.

Our choices—our service, matters.

Our legacies are meaningful, even when our names are forgotten.

Equine Therapy

For the last couple of years I’ve been volunteering with my once Italian professor at her equine therapy clinics. It’s honestly less therapy and more meditative experience—but whatever you call it, it’s really just a special experience to be apart of.

I’ve seen people get truly emotional over connecting with these majestic creatures. Horses are able to teach us so much about connection and energy. They’re so in tune with the intangible—it’s incredible. I feel so privileged to work with these animals to create memorable and spiritual experiences for the attendees.

This week I worked with Prada, a recent rescue to the property. It was her first time doing any sort of therapy work and she did…okay. Our girl was a bit skittish and overwhelmed, so she didn’t participate in all of the activities. Animals are capable of great things, but sometimes they’re just not feeling it…and that’s okay. We respect it and adjust accordingly to keep both animal and human safe.

Prada did connect with one guest which was really special to witness. Horses match energy. They can sense when someone is nervous or scared, which in turn makes them feel nervous and scared. Part of our exercises with the attendees is breath work to help manage their emotions while engaging with the horses.

Meditating With Horses In Italy

I mentioned last week that I studied abroad in Italy a few summers ago. It was there I actually experienced equine therapy for the first time. My Italian professor/program director invited the university students to participate in one of her clinics. Hesitantly, I accepted her invitation.

Despite growing up around horses, I was scared because of an incident I had had years prior. I was horseback riding in the mountains when my horse fell, causing me to tumble down the mountainside and land in poison ivy. Thankfully both horse and I were okay, but for a long time I was really scared of being hurt by them. It wasn’t until Italy that I overcame the fear.

June 5 2022:

Today was…indescribable. The horse mediation experience was incredible. We sat in a large covered arena as Giuliana led us through breath work and visualization with soothing music in the background. I was nervous and unsure. Even a little giggly as I did Wim Hof hands. We then sat with our eyes closed as horse handlers led the horses around us. The horses would get so close, they’d rest their noses on my neck. I could feel their warm breath on my skin. They’d nuzzle in and we’d share the same air. It was a little alarming at first, but now I wish I had a warm horse to lean on.

Giuliana led us through many exercises. We’d introduce ourselves to the majestic beasts, ask for permission to approach (Harry Potter Hippogriff style (not really, but kind of;)) and tried to converse with the horses through our energy. At one point, I grabbed Nicolette and we went over to the young, more unruly horse. By the end, the horse’s head was twisted around my neck as I hugged him. He was so relaxed that the handler let him go. He was perfectly free, but perfectly content to stay and snuggle. It was amazing.

After exceeding our time by at least an hour, we took pictures with the handlers and horses. I was next to Easy Breezy (Beautiful Covergirl) who was such a sweetheart. So mellow and welcoming. And a beautiful coat with a soft sheen. I didn’t want to say goodbye to these beautiful creatures. This was genuinely a perfect activity for me. The smell of the horses smelled like home. And I realized that horses don’t want to eat me (I don’t smell tasty!) and they’re gentle giants. I don’t need to be afraid. Always a bit cautious, but not afraid.

After, they gave us drinks and sandwiches and pizza. Even some potato chips. The sandwich was literally Bologne and mayo, but it tasted so good. Maybe because it was another thing that tasted like home. And the pizza was delicious. I got 3 hours of horses and a meal for only €12. Insane. Gosh I love Italians. And I love horses.

Welcoming a Colt to the Farm!

A few weeks ago the Farm welcomed a new colt. Today I’d like to formally introduce you to Saint, the cutest new addition to our herd.

Watching him gallop around the pasture has been such a joy. He’s such a little sweetheart.

That’s it for this week. Thank you for reading.

Xo,

Haven