Meet the EEC Horses | Woody Herd

“In April 2025, when I began training the horses for the Equine Experiential Connection program at LongRun Farm, my mornings always started the same way. As soon as I walked into the barn, I was greeted by a beautiful three-year-old bay horse in the very first stall on the right. His name was Woody.

Every morning, before beginning my training with the other horses, I would spend a little time with Woody. Despite his health challenges, he was full of energy, playful, and eager for connection. He reminded me daily of the strength and spirit that horses carry within them.

Woody suffered from a severe neurological condition, which required special care and strong, expensive medication just to keep him alive. Most of the time he had to stay inside his stall, but even then, his presence brought light and joy to the barn.

On July 7th, everything changed. When I arrived at the farm, Woody wasn’t there to greet me. I learned that his condition had worsened, and he had been taken to the University of Guelph. That day, the heartbreaking decision was made to let him go.

The entire farm was filled with sadness. Woody was so young, yet he had already touched so many lives with his spirit. To honor him, I named the EEC herd Woody Herd — a reminder that his energy, playfulness, and courage will always be with us.

Together, they carry Woody’s legacy forward, helping people heal, connect, and rediscover their own inner strength through the power of horses presence and wisdom.”

-Eurico Rosa da Silva