Come as You Are, Leave Loved: Pride, Ponies & All the Feels

Pride in Every Hoofbeat: Wellness, Identity, and Belonging at AHHS

At Art, Heart & Hoofbeats Sanctuary, we believe in the power of being seen, valued, and welcomed—just as you are. This Pride Month, we celebrate the beauty, strength, and resilience of our LGBTQ+ community and affirm our commitment to being a safe, inclusive space where everyone belongs.

For LGBTQ+ individuals, especially youth, the path to wellness can be filled with extra challenges. Research consistently shows higher rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide ideation due to social rejection, bullying, and lack of acceptance. But the studies also show something else: connection and affirmation save lives.

According to The Trevor Project, LGBTQ+ youth who report having at least one accepting adult are 40% less likely to attempt suicide. And in a landmark 2022 study, the APA found that gender-affirming environments—like inclusive schools, peer groups, and community programs—greatly enhance well-being across all age groups.

So how can we build wellness for our LGBTQ+ community? Here are three evidence-based tools we practice at AHHS—and you can too:

1. Affirm Identity

Celebrate and affirm your identity or the identities of those around you. Use correct pronouns, uplift diverse stories, and never underestimate the power of simply saying: “I see you. I’m glad you’re here.”

Tool: Try a journaling prompt like: “What part of my identity am I most proud of today?” or “When did I feel most seen this week?”

2. Create Connection

LGBTQ+ wellness is rooted in community. Whether it’s gathering around a campfire, brushing a horse in quiet companionship, or sharing stories through art, connection tells us: You are not alone.

Tool: Start a weekly check-in ritual with friends. It can be as simple as texting your “high/low/gratitude” for the week. Make connection intentional.

3. Engage in Expressive Practice

Art is one of the most powerful tools for healing and visibility. Whether painting, dancing, sculpting, or writing, creative practice gives voice to emotions too complex for words.

Tool: At AHHS, we often pair movement (like yoga or mindfulness walks) with art. Try drawing while listening to music that reflects how you feel—or creating a self-portrait of your inner strength.

At AHHS, We Celebrate You.We honor all of our LGBTQ+ friends, participants, and supporters—not just in June, but every single day. Our herd of horses doesn’t judge, and neither do we. You are welcome here, as your full, authentic self.

This month and always, we stand for inclusion. We stand for joy. We stand with you.

Happy Pride from your AHHS family. 🏳️‍🌈