Volunteer Alicia's Personal Story x Testimonial: Finding Presence and Choosing Myself Again

Alicia Quennel with Safety

“As I arrived at the farm, the early morning sunlight dappled through the sparse spring branches and I felt overwhelmed; with excitement,

wondering, enthusiasm, and trepidation … the uncomfortable one that had been sitting in my abdomen for so long. But the driveway opened

long and inviting, and I knew no matter what, the sanctuary of a barn would hold me close like the warm embrace of a long lost friend.

Nothing was more true. As the intimate team met to begin the day’s work, I was welcomed with open arms and hearts. We set intentions,

communicated together, and worked as a team from the beginning of the day, understanding the importance and value of the partnerships that

would help newcomers learn and heal.

Working with the group of youth was a remarkable privilege. Each equine experience brought a different perspective or sensation; opening up,

acceptance, forgiveness, grace, patience, but most importantly for me was to revisit being Present.

As I worked with Maggie, the energy was very high; a mirror of my constant worry. I looked inside and understood it was time to give myself

back to this place of love and passion. I remembered the mantra from years of recovery and said it as I worked to set the heart bond:

“I am

stronger than my sorrow.”

But finally the second line of my poem rose from within. I re-set the wording and connected with Maggie.

“I choose myself for tomorrow!”

It was as if electricity passed between horse and human, and with that, Maggie let out a high pitched squeal, flinging her head and tossing her

mane. I immediately burst into tears, releasing the fear of being struck with making such a difficult Decision.

The horses ALWAYS demand Presence, and once the heart bond was created we experienced a remarkable moment of vulnerability. The truth

is, as soon as you commit to choosing, whatever it is: everyone, everyTHING, especially a horse, can feel that shift. After Maggie had been

trotting at length, she stopped and then she rolled, and I wept.

In

Of

and Through my experience with her, I felt a release of pain I have been holding on to for too long. I have re-set my intentions once again to

continue moving forward. This experience was truly transformative and inspiring.

Written by Alicia Quennel

About Alicia

Alicia Quennel’s path to equine work has been shaped by resilience, intention, and a deep personal journey of recovery. In 2018, she experienced a life-altering injury caused by a chiropractic neck adjustment, which left her unable to ride and required significant changes to her daily life. Through this period, she became involved with the Headwaters Acquired Brain Injury (HABI) group, an experience that supported her healing and reconnection to community. In January 2025, Alicia set a clear intention to become an Equine Educator, and since then, meaningful opportunities and relationships have continued to unfold in alignment with that goal. She also works part-time at Woodbine Racetrack in the Test Barn, where she is now in her third year, further deepening her connection to horses and the equine world.