The Power of Vulnerability: How Fable's Journey from Fear to Trust Transformed Her Life

Trust is the foundation of any meaningful relationship, whether with people or animals. Building it, especially after fear or betrayal, is a challenging process. At AHH, we’ve seen this firsthand through the transformation of Fable, a German Warmblood who arrived as an aggressive, untouchable mare.

Fable’s past was filled with neglect—undernourished, left in filth, and repeatedly bred. Her only interactions with humans involved losing her foals. Understandably, she feared people, and when pushed out of her comfort zone, she’d lash out. Despite warnings from others, I believed she deserved a chance. Today, Fable has transformed into a trusting, affectionate mare, seeking out human contact. Her journey from fear to trust prompts us to ask: How did she overcome her fears? What can her story teach us about building trust?

Fable’s Journey and Building Trust

Fable’s struggle with trust mirrors my own. Like her, I’ve often felt safer around animals than people. Horses’ natural wariness reflects my own instincts for self-preservation. Watching Fable try again and again to trust, I realized the her first step is recognizing whether perceived dangers are still present. It took Fable three years to feel safe at AHH and see humans as a source of love and comfort. I’m learning this too—by trying to stay present and recognizing when old fears are controlling my current emotions, continuing to try.

Building Trust in Human Relationships

Trust with humans grows through consistent, positive experiences. Research shows it’s built on reliability, authenticity, and empathy, much like how horses learn to trust through gentle, consistent interactions. Trust also involves understanding and respecting boundaries, creating security in relationships.

Brené Brown emphasizes that trust is built in small moments—choices to be vulnerable or empathetic can either strengthen or weaken it. Like Fable, who let go of her fears and opened herself to new possibilities, we too can learn to trust by focusing on what feels safe. With practice and the right environment, trust can transform our relationships and enrich our lives.

Peace & Love,

Anne