Back on Track ‘Horse Therapy’: Kate & Deuce

Kate Lassiter shares the story of her horse, Deuce.

Each week we feature reader-submitted stories about horses that have gotten them “back on track” after a rough patch.

About a year ago I leased my first horse, a paint appendix named Tango. Having her was a dream come true for me, and I fell completely in love with her. Tango was the sweetest, most forgiving horse I have ever known. Unfortunately, her owner had leased her to me without telling me that she was pregnant. In the months following my discovery of this fact, I fought tooth and nail to keep her, only for her to be taken long before her time, along with her unborn foal, by a brain tumor.

Around this same time, I “lost” a horse named TJ. I volunteer with a local rescue, and TJ was a long-term resident who had come from the track and had been my baby for several years. TJ found his forever home, and while I am so happy for him and his new mommy, it was very hard for me to say goodbye.

All of this was compounded by the fact that I have been suffering from severe depression for several years. I was only recently diagnosed, and I am now getting help, but at the time I was in a very dark place. The horses were all that was left that could make me happy.

While I still miss my sweet Tango and my crabby-pants TJ, things have gotten better for me. I am in therapy and starting to recover from my depression, but my “horsey therapist” is Deuce. Deuce is a TB/Percheron cross eventer who I started leasing under the guidance of a new trainer a few months ago. He is affectionate, a big goofball, and never fails to make me smile. Knowing that I will get to ride in the evening is what gets me out of bed every morning. With my trainer’s help, I am hopeful that Deuce and I can begin showing this spring.

Deuce is a blessing to me. I love him, and I am so lucky that his owner and his trainer have allowed me to become a part of his life. I feel my best when I’m on his back, and he’s always there for a good snuggle when I need it. If it wasn’t for Deuce, I’m not sure where I would be right now. He gives me a purpose, a best friend, a partner and all the love I could ever need.

Here at Horse Nation, we believe that the best therapists are our own horses. We love sharing the stories of special equines and the lessons horses have taught us — email yours to [email protected] to be featured in an upcoming edition of Back on Track “Horse Therapy.”

Go Back on Track, and Go Riding!