This is part of a series of interviews with young Utahns making a meaningful impact on their communities’ — and their own — mental health. Read more.
Teen girls are experiencing record high levels of sadness, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report. Sarah Brown says equine-assisted learning could be a solution for some of her peers.
“I grew up riding horses, and they’ve taught me so much,” Brown said. “And so it’s kind of a blessing that I was able to come back to them and to be able to share my love of horses with young girls who are navigating life’s struggles.”
Headquartered in Alpine, Utah — but with locations as far as Ukraine and the Netherlands — Bridle Up Hope reports that more than 2,000 young women have gone through the program.
Brown, who works as an executive assistant and riding instructor to students who are between the ages of 12 and 18, says that caring for a horse — combined with Stephen R. Covey’s book “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” — can help make “shy, maybe very timid” young women who might be struggling with mental health challenges into “confident, beautiful beings.”
She spoke with The Tribune about how riding and caring for horses can improve mental health outcomes for young women. This Q&A with her has been edited for length and clarity.
Sara Weber: What kind of mental health work do you and your peers do at Bridle Up Hope?
Sarah Brown: I think naturally, as women, we have a lot of anxiety and there is a lot of expectation. More than half of our participants who come here are struggling with self worth and confidence. It’s a beautiful thing to pair a young girl or a woman with a horse, a 1,200 pound animal. That is intimidating. Then you are able to find your voice when you’re working with this horse and build a connection with them. Horses see you as you are, they don’t see you as someone you need to be or someone who you were in your life, they see where you’re at right now.
And where do the “7 Habits” come into all this?
Habit one is to be proactive: Take charge of your life, take charge of your horse. So we talk to our participants about recognizing what is within their control. And when you’re working with a horse, you have to be confident and you have to hold yourself tall, you have to use your voice.
The horses are 1,200-pound object lessons to implement those habits into your life.
What challenges do you face in your day-to-day work?
We have 12 locations around the world. And I would say almost every single one of our locations has a waitlist right now. The greatest struggle that we’re facing right now as a company, I would say, is to have enough time to be able to reach every girl and every student.
Do you think this need for mental health help is unique to Utah or young people?
Nowadays, especially after COVID-19, when the whole world was isolated, we’ve seen a significant increase in mental health struggles, especially in our participants here at Bridle Up Hope. I would say the younger generations definitely need support now more than ever, but also women.
What advice do you have for other young adults who are looking to help improve their peers’ mental health?
There’s power in vulnerability. I have seen a significant impact when somebody can be vulnerable and share their struggles.
Getting involved in the mental health world, it’s so important to first be helping yourself. For all of our employees here at Bridle Up Hope, when we interview them, we ask, “How are you sharpening your saw every day?” which is Stephen R. Covey’s seventh habit. It’s so important to be able to help yourself before you’re helping others.
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