Today, I was almost lost for words.
Emotionally, I was completely overwhelmed by the energy of 30 horses within a 50-metre radius. It was intoxicating, yet incredibly peaceful. The horses calmly indulged in their breakfast, followed by their enormous balls of hay, seemingly without a care in the world.
It was joyful, heartwarming, and unexpectedly emotional. I watched, walked the horses involved in equine therapy, and took photographs, desperately trying to capture the feelings that were washing over me. But some emotions simply refuse to fit inside a photograph.
This was a whole new world for me.
These beautiful horses were so calm and inviting, happy to receive a cuddle, a gentle pat, or simply a moment of acknowledgement. There was something incredibly moving about their quiet acceptance and trust.
I watched a three-year-old little girl walking amongst these magnificent animals, even pulling their tails, while the horses remained remarkably unbothered. Their patience was extraordinary.
Then there was Elliott, a disabled young boy who absolutely adored Bob. The kisses kept coming, and Bob seemed perfectly happy to oblige. Although Elliott did not ride Bob, he rode Sophia, the faster Elliott rode, the bigger his smile became. It was infectious! You couldn’t help but smile along with him. In that moment, it wasn’t about disability or limitations; it was about freedom, connection, and pure, unfiltered happiness.
And then there was Paula, who seemed to possess an equally remarkable gift. Guiding the sessions with patience and compassion, she effortlessly switched between English, Dutch, German, Spanish, and local Guaraní. Her ability to communicate across languages was impressive, but it was her beautiful heart that truly shone through.
Today reminded me that healing doesn’t always need words. Sometimes it comes through the gentle presence of an animal, a warm nuzzle, a shared smile, or the freedom to simply be yourself.
I arrived curious about this unfamiliar world of horse therapy and left with a very full heart.
Who knew that 30 horses, a little hay, a young boy named Elliott, and one very special horse called Bob ( Bob just happened to be my fathers name) could teach me so much in a single day?
Sometimes the most beautiful journeys aren’t measured in kilometres, but in the moments that touch our hearts.
