anybodys horses helped you through illness?

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Rosiejazzandpia

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As in title really, just wondering if anybody has had a horse that helped them through a rough time or an illness?
Mine helped me through 5 years of depression
 
Don't know what I would have done without mine when my husband died suddenly. They gave me the reason to get up every day. I cried loads of tears into their long manes. If it hadn't been for them I don't know how I could have got through that terrible time.
 
My son was quite ill when he was born (in hospital for 3 months, with never ending tests and operations), people couldn't understand why I wanted to come home every few days to groom/ muck out (loads of wonderful friends volunteered to do all the chores) but spending time with them really kept my sanity through a very tough time.

They will listern to you endlessly and never pass judgement or tell anyone what you share with them. They are amazingly gentle and sensitive and know just when a little breath on your cheek or head in your arms to cuddle is what you need.

I had wonderful support from friends and family but what I got from my boys was very special
 
Yes. Pie has been my rock through some very dark days. Some years ago I was in a very bad place with depression, he was my only reason to keep going - I had to get out of bed to go to work or I'd have had to give him up and that was not an option. Through those awful times I didn't have it in me to ride, but I spent many many hours sitting at the back of his stable crying - he always stood with me pressing his nose into me like he knew - his way of giving me a hug. Ge's not usually a very affectionate horse but I really think that he knew how utterly miserable I was. He's a great listener too. He had a tough time in his past - essentially we saved each other.
 
After three years of hell, a near breakdown this summer and still no light at the end of the tunnel and probably never will be, my horse is my one reason to get up each day. She is my saving grace.
 
Back when I was a teen and had my own horse I caught flu one day. It crept up on me while I was at the yard. I was dithering and freezing cold so I rolled myself up in his rug and lay down in the stable and fell asleep. Hours later the yo wondered why I hadn't fetched y horse in, so she put him in his stabe, not realising I was asleep inside. I woke up in the dark with him breathing on me and gently nibbling my face :) If he hadn't woken me up I'd have been there all night!
 
I have spent the past 2 years depressed and this year I spent 4 months in an eating disorder unit and am now home again. My horse was my motivation to get out and without her i don't think I'd have had the strength to carry on. The last time I saw her the day before I went into the unit was one of the hardest things I ever had to do, but when I got to come home after 2 1/2 months it was one of the happiest moments :)
 
I had agorophobia, bad depression and severe anxiety. Couldn't get to the yard thanks to one of the people up there making my life, and everyone else's hell, then got meningitis and enchephalitis and ended up in hospital for ages. Came out of hospital and the only thing that stopped me going straight back to my house and locking myself away again was my pony! Dunno why I couldn't have done it 6 months earlier but hey ho!
 
My sisters horse helped me get through 18 months of cancer treatment.

He was my escape. He didn't care if I felt bad or not ... just expected my pockets to be full. Was nice to be treated 'normally' by him :)
 
My pony is a lifesaver to me. I am Bipolar, and he gives me the reason to get up every day, gives me a solid routine, and he looks after me when he knows I'm not well - and behaves like a little **** when he knows I am well (like today :D).

I have been an instructor for RDA, and I can promise you that horses are the very best therapy there is :)
 
I was diagnosed with cancer 4 years ago, my consultant is amazed at my recovery and is very optimistic that we have nailed it. Just looking at my girls
gave me the determination to
keep fighting.
 
Most definately. I suffer from T1 diabetes, and many other ongoing health conditions.
Some days I find it so difficult to get out of bed, I feel absolutely rotten and am nearly in tears at the thought. However, I know I have to go and sort the horses out and that keeps me going.

I know that if I don't look after myself, M will suffer. Also I need to work myself up and get myself well and fit enough to get back on him in the new year. All motivational goals!

Although he can be a bit of an arse at times and I do sometimes question why I bought him (!) he is my rock and continues to be everyday.

It also helps to have lovely friends (such as MoomincePie on here) who help me turn out etc or bring in if I'm not feeling too fantastic or have work placement commitments :)
 
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