November at Connected Horse

November is a month of compassion and awareness. It’s both National Family Caregivers Month and National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month — a time to recognize the millions of care partners who give their love and strength to those living with memory changes. It’s also a time to shine a light on Alzheimer’s and related dementias that touch so many families.

At Connected Horse, our mission is to foster connection and engagement for both individuals living with dementia and their care partners. Through our equine-guided programs, we offer experiences that nurture presence and mutual understanding. Moments where judgment fades, and empathy and connection take its place.

This November, we are celebrating caregivers and raising awareness by:

• Offering guided meditations and resources to support caregiver well-being through our social media (Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram).
• Partnering with our local communities to expand access to equine-assisted and sensory engagement programs. We just completed a training at Horses with Hearts in West Virginia.
• Celebrating the support and volunteerism in our communities with a special event on November 7 from 5 to 7 at Industrious, 1212 Broadway Plaza, #2100, Walnut Creek. See our Facebook page for more information.

Together, we can create more moments of grace, understanding, and renewal for all who walk the caregiving path. Read on for a story about the impact our program had on one of our care partners.

A Sunday at the Barn

On a recent Sunday, one of our care partners arrived feeling overwhelmed. She had been juggling a full-time job, caregiving responsibilities, and the rush of daily life. Coming to the barn felt like one more thing on an already full plate.

But that day, she was reminded of something we often rediscover at Connected Horse — that two seemingly opposite emotions can coexist. You can be tired and grateful. Overwhelmed and hopeful. Hurried and still ready to slow down.

As the group settled in, a mindfulness meditation helped her let go of her task list and sink into the present moment. Surrounded by horses, the changing colors of the trees, and a caring community, she finally found space to breathe again.

The horse she was partnered with, Leo, seemed to sense her need for peace. As she brushed his coat, he lowered his head, closed his eyes and took a nap. Around the corner, her mother, the person she cares for, was smiling and softly brushing another horse. Watching her mother calm and content brought a rush of relief.

Paula Hertel, co-founder, reminds us that this type of experience is “a powerful reminder that caregiving is not just giving, it’s also receiving—receiving moments of renewal and connection.”

#NationalFamilyCaregiversMonth #AlzheimersAwareness #ConnectedHorse #CarePartnerSupport