Hope in Healing: Staying Positive While Rehabbing Your Horse

Loz
Oct 30
3 min read

From setbacks to small wins—how to stay grounded and optimistic through the rehab journey

Rehabbing a horse from a major injury is a rollercoaster. There are moments of hope, followed by setbacks that can feel crushing. But just like your horse needs time, patience, and care to heal physically, you need emotional tools to stay strong and positive through the process.

Here are some tried-and-true tactics to help you stay grounded, hopeful, and connected during rehab:

1. Track Progress with Photos and Videos

Even if the changes feel microscopic day-to-day, they add up. Documenting your horse’s journey—whether it’s the first time they put weight on a leg, a brighter eye, or a smoother walk—can be incredibly uplifting.

Create a “rehab wins” folder on your phone.
Rewatch early videos to remind yourself how far you’ve come.
Share milestones with trusted friends or your vet team.

Or you might be lucky and have a coach that helps track this with you!

2. Celebrate the Small Wins

Did your horse stand quietly for bandaging today? Did they nicker when they saw you? Did they canter or trot when they have been struggling with this? These moments matter. Acknowledge and celebrate them. Seriously!

Keep a journal of daily observations.
Write down one thing that went well each day.
Use stickers or emojis to make it fun and visual.
Do a thing you enjoy celebrating the small wins (i.e. a glass of your favourite drink etc.).

3. Lean on Your Support Network

You don’t have to do this alone. Reach out to fellow horse owners, friends, equine coaches, online forums, or local equine rehab groups.

Join a Facebook group for equine rehab stories.
Ask your vet or physio for emotional support resources.
Engage with your coach—they are there to support your journey!
Talk to a friend who “gets it”—even if they’re not horsey.

4. Create a Rehab Routine That Includes You

Structure helps both you and your horse. Build a daily rhythm that includes care tasks and something for yourself.

Pair rehab time with a podcast or a favourite playlist.
Schedule a short walk or coffee break after each session.
Include mindfulness or breathing exercises to reset.

5. Visualise the Future

It’s okay to dream. Picture your horse trotting again, grazing peacefully, or even just being comfortable and pain-free.

Create a vision board with photos of your horse at their best.
Write a letter to your future self-celebrating the recovery.
Use affirmations like “We’re healing, one day at a time.”

6. Accept the Ups and Downs

Healing isn’t linear. There will be setbacks. That doesn’t mean failure—it means your horse is a living being, not a machine.

Remind yourself: “This is part of the process.”
Avoid comparing your journey to others.
Give yourself permission to feel frustrated, be upset, and/or cry—and then move forward. (This is part of the process!)

7. Stay Educated, But Don’t Overwhelm Yourself

Knowledge is power, but too much Googling can lead to anxiety. Stick to trusted sources and ask your vet and coach before trying new things.

Bookmark a few reliable rehab resources.
Write down questions for your vet or coach instead of spiraling online.
Focus on your horse’s unique path.

An Open Letter to my Beautiful Students

To my wonderful students who are on this journey, I see you; I hear you; and I am there for you! You are not alone and you've got this. Reach out to me any time to talk when you feel up or down. I'll be your cheer squad and reality checker. The fact that the horse has you in their life is the single most beautiful thing to me. It shows you care, have empathy and want to give your horse the best life they can have. Just know I see you trying, caring and progressing.

You've got this and I am right there with you. Biggest hugs to you always!

Final Thoughts

Rehabbing a horse is an emotional marathon. But every step you take—every poultice applied, every quiet moment shared—is a testament to your love and dedication. You’re not just helping your horse heal physically. You’re building trust, resilience, and a deeper bond.

So take a breath. Celebrate today’s win. And remember: healing is happening, even when it’s hard to see.