It's a simple story about the unique
power of equine therapy to support
others when life pitches unexpected
curve balls over the plate.
Peaceful Ponies was born from a deep
and visceral love of horses,
then gently meshed with the intangible
rewards of caring for individuals
facing personal difficulty.
My journey began as a second grader,
physically caring for my bedridden
mother, who was fully quadriplegic
by my middle school years. It was an
honor to bear daily witness
to her bravery and enduring courage.
To this day, I remain humbled by her
unflappable zest for life
versus feeling victimized or
defeated by it.
As the years passed, her critical care
gifted me with profound life lessons,
and it became clear that the true
hero's among us are those carrying
the heaviest burden --- an illness
or circumstance demanding
a herculean example of strength
and fortitude each and every day,
that the rest of us can only imagine.
Suffering isn't easy.
After her death, I administered
palliative care to several souls
close to me, and each one exemplified
a unique version
of grit and personal heroism.
They embodied inspiration, dignity
and grace while courageously
facing the unthinkable.
Moving to the glorious hills of Santa Fe
opened up a bold new world
of horseback riding, and by the end
of my first lesson, I was hooked
on all things equestrian.
Nothing fed my Spirit more than riding
my beloved Joseph, and breathing in
the earthy aroma of his barn.
He was my best friend, and for years
we explored miles of trails and rugged
New Mexico terrain. Metaphorically,
he lifted me five feet closer to God,
connecting me to my own humanity;
I found a level of peace never
experienced before, nor since.
Such is the healing power of horses.
Sweet Joseph now roams his forever
pasture, but our partnership infused
a love so strong and transformative,
it triggered a mid-life course correction.
A lengthy business career was easily
replaced by a shovel and muck bucket,
trading in a fancy briefcase for
rubber barn boots and lots of fly spray!
My husband, Carl, and I moved to Tulsa
where we founded Peaceful Ponies
amidst a sweet spot of green. Our barn
is always busy, blaring country tunes
with blowing hay under the watchful eye
of three hilarious barn cats.
Two-stepping inside, you'll find Rosebud,
Sally, and little Kiwi, precocious girls,
who galloped straight into our waiting
hearts. When they hop up into
the trailer, we head out to a very
different sort of trail
with a far different purpose.
Please get in touch if you think
our little ponies may comfort a heart
you know in need.
Yours in Service,
Carol Hotubbee
Head Wrangler and Chief Hoof-Picker
power of equine therapy to support
others when life pitches unexpected
curve balls over the plate.
Peaceful Ponies was born from a deep
and visceral love of horses,
then gently meshed with the intangible
rewards of caring for individuals
facing personal difficulty.
My journey began as a second grader,
physically caring for my bedridden
mother, who was fully quadriplegic
by my middle school years. It was an
honor to bear daily witness
to her bravery and enduring courage.
To this day, I remain humbled by her
unflappable zest for life
versus feeling victimized or
defeated by it.
As the years passed, her critical care
gifted me with profound life lessons,
and it became clear that the true
hero's among us are those carrying
the heaviest burden --- an illness
or circumstance demanding
a herculean example of strength
and fortitude each and every day,
that the rest of us can only imagine.
Suffering isn't easy.
After her death, I administered
palliative care to several souls
close to me, and each one exemplified
a unique version
of grit and personal heroism.
They embodied inspiration, dignity
and grace while courageously
facing the unthinkable.
Moving to the glorious hills of Santa Fe
opened up a bold new world
of horseback riding, and by the end
of my first lesson, I was hooked
on all things equestrian.
Nothing fed my Spirit more than riding
my beloved Joseph, and breathing in
the earthy aroma of his barn.
He was my best friend, and for years
we explored miles of trails and rugged
New Mexico terrain. Metaphorically,
he lifted me five feet closer to God,
connecting me to my own humanity;
I found a level of peace never
experienced before, nor since.
Such is the healing power of horses.
Sweet Joseph now roams his forever
pasture, but our partnership infused
a love so strong and transformative,
it triggered a mid-life course correction.
A lengthy business career was easily
replaced by a shovel and muck bucket,
trading in a fancy briefcase for
rubber barn boots and lots of fly spray!
My husband, Carl, and I moved to Tulsa
where we founded Peaceful Ponies
amidst a sweet spot of green. Our barn
is always busy, blaring country tunes
with blowing hay under the watchful eye
of three hilarious barn cats.
Two-stepping inside, you'll find Rosebud,
Sally, and little Kiwi, precocious girls,
who galloped straight into our waiting
hearts. When they hop up into
the trailer, we head out to a very
different sort of trail
with a far different purpose.
Please get in touch if you think
our little ponies may comfort a heart
you know in need.
Yours in Service,
Carol Hotubbee
Head Wrangler and Chief Hoof-Picker
May Peace Be Unto You
