Finding Your Herd: How Deep Connection Can Transform Health-A short story told by Fable and translated to English by A. Krocak & an invitation of belonging at AHH

Finding Your Herd: Healing Through Connection at AHH

In today’s disconnected world, finding true connection can feel rare—but it’s essential. Research confirms what many of us know deep down: we thrive when we feel we belong. Social connection doesn’t just lift our spirits; it improves physical health, reduces stress, and fosters resilience. The opposite—loneliness and isolation—has been linked to depression, anxiety, and even shortened lifespans.

A Call to Action Creating opportunities for connection is not just a personal responsibility but a societal one. Programs like those at AHH demonstrate how structured, inclusive environments can foster meaningful relationships. Whether it’s joining a local group, participating in therapeutic activities, or simply reaching out to a friend, building and maintaining social connections can transform both physical and mental health. In a world where loneliness is increasingly prevalent, finding your herd is not just beneficial—it’s essential. It’s time to prioritize connection, lean into community, and experience the profound healing power of belonging. (References Holt-Lunstad, J. (2018). The Potential Public Health Relevance of Social Isolation and Loneliness: Prevalence, Epidemiology, and Risk Factors. National Library of Medicine.)

Ritz, Fable & Moon with AHH Ambassador Jason

Programs at AHH invite people to slow down, tune in, and connect—with themselves, others, and rescue horses who have their own stories of survival and healing. One of those horses is Fable.

Through Fable’s Eyes: Learning to Belong

"I am Fable, and for years, I survived by staying untouchable. I ran from humans. I feared their ropes, voices, and demands.

Then I came to AHH. No one chased me here. People greeted me like a respectful horse would—calm, patient, and curious. They waited for me to decide.

At first, I tested them. But they didn’t push. They laughed gently and came back the next day. Slowly, I let them in. They became part of my herd.

Here, humans don’t control—they connect. They speak the quiet language of belonging. And I, once feral and afraid, began to trust.

Now, I welcome my people with soft eyes and steady breath. Together, we heal.

Whether you’re a horse or a human, everyone deserves a place to belong. At AHH, we build that place—one brushstroke, one hoofbeat, one shared breath at a time."

Join the herd. See the world through a horse’s eyes. Find healing through connection.