Healing Hearts Ranch Oly

06/22/2026

“Walk like you belong”

Horses like it when you do.

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06/18/2026

06/18/2026

One of the most beautiful things that can happen in a relationship with a horse is the moment you stop asking,

“How do I get this horse to trust me?”

And start asking,

“How do I become trustworthy?”

At first glance, those questions sound similar.

But they lead in very different directions.

The first focuses on the horse.

The second focuses on us.

How do I get the horse to come closer?

How do I get the horse to cooperate?

How do I get the horse to feel differently?

Those questions aren’t wrong.

Most of us have asked them.

I certainly have.

But over time, I became more interested in another possibility.

What if trust isn’t something we create inside another being?

What if trust is something that emerges when our actions become predictable, respectful, and safe?

A horse cannot force themselves to trust.

Any more than a human can.

Trust grows from experience.

From discovering that “no” is heard.

That fear is not punished.

That uncertainty is not met with pressure.

That honesty does not cost belonging.

I think this is one of the reasons trust can take so long.

Not because horses are stubborn.

But because trust is not built from our intentions.

It is built from their experiences.

And perhaps that is what makes trust so sacred.

It cannot be demanded.

It cannot be purchased.

It cannot be rushed.

It can only be earned.

One interaction at a time.

One moment of listening at a time.

One choice at a time.

Until one day the horse seems to realize:

“You are not trying to control my experience.

You are trying to understand it.”

And from there, something extraordinary becomes possible.

Not obedience.

Not compliance.

Relationship.

06/18/2026

I learned this from working with horses…

You cannot force safety.
You cannot force trust.
And you cannot force healing.

The horses taught me that real connection only happens when somebody feels safe enough to soften.

Not controlled.
Not pressured.
Not judged.

Safe.

Horses don’t respond well to masks, pretending or trying to dominate everything around them.
They respond to presence, regulation and authenticity.

And honestly, humans are not that different.

So many people are walking around carrying stress, grief, overwhelm and trauma while trying to look “fine” on the outside.

But the body always tells the truth eventually.

The horses showed me how important it is to slow down enough to actually listen.

To the body.
To the nervous system.
To what somebody is feeling underneath their words.

Some of the most powerful moments I’ve witnessed haven’t happened through advice or fixing.
They’ve happened in quiet moments beside the herd where somebody finally felt safe enough to breathe differently.

That’s the thing about horses…
they remind us what it feels like to come back to ourselves. 🤍

06/17/2026

Washington State Department of Health wants to learn more about what the caregivers of teens and young adults need to support their young people’s health. They are inviting caregivers of teens and young adults across Washington to apply for the Adolescent and Young Adult Health Parent, Guardian, and Caregiver Advisory Board (PCAB).

Who they’re seeking:

Parents, guardians, and caregivers who live in Washington and support teens or young adults ages 11–24 who live in Washington and want to share their ideas, recommendations, and feedback on public health programming and health care supports for teens and young adults.

Board details

Term: September 2026 – June 2027
Role: Work with DOH’s Adolescent and Young Adult Health Team to inform public health programming and collaborate on projects that support the health of teens and young adults.
Requirements: Internet and email access

Who we especially encourage to apply:
Member selection will center parents, guardians, and caregivers of teens and young adults from communities most impacted by health care barriers, especially families who are navigating:

Challenges accessing or receiving health care.
Visible or invisible disabilities.
Government systems, like juvenile justice, child protective services, or foster care.
Behavioral and mental health conditions and treatment.
Health conditions and treatment that lasts a long time.
Barriers or discrimination related to race, ethnicity, income status, gender, sexual orientation, and more.
Houselessness or unstable housing.

They are accepting applications until June 30, 2026. Applications are available in Spanish, Vietnamese, Arabic, Russian and Chinese. Other languages are available upon request. To learn more and apply, visit: https://waportal.org/health-initiatives/adolescent-health/parent-guardian-and-caregiver-advisory-board

Please share this opportunity with contacts connected to schools, teachers, youth organizations, and young people across Washington!

06/17/2026

The Cowlitz Youth Program, in partnership with the Responsible Gaming program, is hosting a Youth Summer Carnival NEXT Saturday, June 20 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. All are welcome and will be held at 112 Mulford RD, Vader, WA 98593. Events include Bounce N Battle Castle, rides, games, vendors, face painting, balloon animals, and more! Enjoy lemonade stand, frybread and raffles.

For questions, please email Youth Program Coordinator Tosha Kristensen [email protected]. We can't wait to see you there!

06/17/2026

This is an amazing event! Mark your calendars.

IT’S BACK!!!!!

We’ve partnered with Breezy Heart Foundation to bring back the Candlelight Walk in the Woods.

📅 October 17, 2026 – save the date!

More details coming soon. But for now… get ready to light the path.

✨ She already carries her light. We just remind her it’s there.

06/14/2026