Gratitude

It’s hard to believe I’ve owned Little Reata Stables (formerly Happy Horse) for just over two years now. The journey has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. The learning curve has been steep, with plenty of ups and downs along the way. The construction nightmare was by far the most stressful part—what was supposed to be a six-week project turned into seven months, and to make matters worse, the contractor stole over $40,000. I couldn’t even live on the property during that time. Not exactly the dream beginning I’d envisioned.

But here we are—finally in a rhythm, finding our groove. I used to think the goal was to be full to capacity, but I’ve realized that seventeen horses is our sweet spot. Running a small business has come with its share of growing pains. Turns out, it’s not all about feeding horses carrots! From learning new software to navigating taxes (pretty sure my accountant winces every time I call), it’s been a whirlwind of new skills and surprises. I’m still working on launching our nonprofit for Veterans’ Equine Therapy, and wow—every step is more anxiety-inducing than I expected.

And yet, despite it all, what I feel most is gratitude.

We just held our big annual party, and it was a perfect reminder of why I started this in the first place. I wanted to build something that felt like family—and we’ve done exactly that. Looking around at the amazing group of people who now call this barn home, I felt a deep sense of accomplishment. What we've built is more than a stable—it’s a community. People truly look out for one another, stepping up when someone is away or needs help. The genuine care and camaraderie among boarders is something rare and beautiful.

That spirit of kindness really shone through with Wendell. When we rallied together to support him on his return to Nicaragua, I was moved by the generosity and heartfelt contributions from everyone. And now, with Juan and his family, that same giving spirit continues. Because of your donations, they’ll enjoy a two-day getaway to Great Wolf Lodge, with meals and spending money for the kids—all covered. And even better? Volunteers stepped in to cover all the barn duties while he’s away. That’s the kind of love and support that makes this place special.

After two years, I couldn’t be prouder or more thankful. Together, we’ve created a peaceful, happy, healthy barn. My favorite time of day is my nightly walk around the property. The barn is usually quiet, just me and Simba doing our rounds. I check every horse, give Simba his snack, and say goodnight to everyone. Then I stand in the center of it all, take a deep breath, and smile. Surrounded by the stillness, the stars, and the sounds of the night—I feel it all. The joy. The peace. The gratitude.