The Engel Equine Foundation

07/26/2026

07/25/2026

Sometimes I wonder if horses tell each other their stories.

Not with words… but through a glance, a gentle nudge, the way they carry themselves, or how quickly they trust.

Maybe the horse who was once afraid quietly shows another that it’s okay to breathe again. Maybe the old soul who’s always known kindness teaches the broken one that not every human will hurt them.

We’ll probably never know what they “say” to each other.

But watching a frightened horse slowly find peace because of another horse beside them makes me believe they’re sharing something far deeper than words ever could.

Maybe healing has its own language… and horses have been speaking it all along.

07/20/2026

If you had told my 10-year-old self that one day I’d have the most amazing herd of horses just a short walk from my house, I’d have laughed.

If you had told me that the horse I got for Christmas when I was 10 would still be by my side over 20 years later… now in his 30s… I never would have believed you.

And if you had told me I’d have a nonprofit where horses help people learn, build confidence, and heal their hearts, I would have thought you were dreaming.

But here I am.

Every time I look out at my horses, I can’t help but smile. Tec is still here, enjoying his retirement while teaching little ones just as he taught me so many years ago. The rest of my herd has become part of something so much bigger than I ever imagined.

Little Michelle dreamed about horses every single day. She had no idea those dreams would grow into a life where horses wouldn’t just change her life, they’d help change the lives of so many others.

I don’t take a single day of it for granted.

Sometimes the dreams that seem impossible are just waiting for the right time to become reality.

07/19/2026

We had a first-time cowboy out today, everyone meet Emmett!

He was a little shy when he first arrived, but it didn’t take long for him to come out of his shell.

Today he learned so much! He practiced brushing the horses, picking out hooves, learned about saddles, and then it was time for the best part… riding!

We started with a few deep breaths and some stretches. He learned how to ask his horse to “whoa” while sitting up nice and tall!

I have a feeling confidence in the saddle won’t be something Emmett struggles with! By the end of his lesson, he was happily trotting around with the biggest grin on his face.

Watching kids discover what they’re capable of is one of the greatest joys of what we do. We can’t wait to see this young cowboy again!

07/18/2026

Let’s talk about confidence and why it matters so much when you’re working with horses.

Horses are incredibly intuitive. They don’t just respond to what you’re asking, they respond to how you’re feeling. If you’re nervous, hesitant, or unsure, your horse can sense it almost immediately. On the other hand, when you approach them with quiet confidence, clear intentions, and consistency, they are much more likely to trust you and follow your lead.

Confidence doesn’t mean being fearless or pretending you know everything. It means believing in yourself, staying calm under pressure, and being willing to learn from every experience. Even the most experienced horsemen and horsewomen continue learning every single day.

One of the greatest gifts you can give yourself is confidence built through knowledge, patience, and time spent with your horse. Every small victory matters. Every ride, every grooming session, every obstacle you overcome together strengthens that bond.

Remember, your horse isn’t looking for perfection, they’re looking for someone they can trust.

Be the calm. Be the leader. Be confident.

Confidence grows one ride, one lesson, and one step at a time.

07/15/2026

Who wants to help make a difference today?

Our small nonprofit is always in need of support to continue providing horses, healing, and hope to children and families in our community.

Every donation big or small goes directly toward caring for our horses and keeping our programs available.

If you’d like to be part of something meaningful, we’d be so grateful for your support. ❤️ Thank you for believing in what we do!

Right now you can donate directly through Zelle using this number

252-204-6254

Or the QR link below!

07/15/2026

When I had children, of course I dreamed they would love horses as much as I do. I pictured teaching them to ride, sharing trail rides together, and watching them fall in love with horses the way I did.

But here’s the thing… I’ve never forced it.

I don’t make them ride. I don’t make them spend time with the horses just because it’s something I love. I wanted it to be their choice. I wanted them to show me that they wanted it.

My oldest tells me all the time, “Mom, it’s just really not my thing,” and that’s okay. She still hops on every now and then, has a great time when she does, and who knows… maybe one day that will change.

My middle daughter enjoys it and has really started showing more interest, especially since we started the foundation.

And my youngest… well, I think she has definitely caught the horse bug.

One of the greatest gifts we can give our children is the freedom to discover their own passions. If horses become theirs, I’ll be cheering them on every step of the way. If they don’t, I’ll be just as proud watching them chase whatever makes their hearts come alive.

07/12/2026

People think horseback riding is about learning to ride…

But sometimes it’s about sisters growing closer, finding confidence together, and discovering that the most powerful lessons come from a horse’s heart.

07/12/2026

Two sisters enjoying an evening riding lesson together. But by the end of the lesson, the skies opened up and we got absolutely soaked!

Not once did the smiles disappear. Sometimes the best memories are made when things don’t go as planned.

Rain or shine, these girls had an amazing time, and that’s what it’s all about.

07/07/2026

Despite the overcast skies, it was still a very humid morning! Thankfully we had a nice breeze!

That didn’t stop this family from having an amazing time. Watching Cyrus sit tall with so much confidence has been incredible, and seeing Cora get old Grandpa Tec moving right along brought plenty of smiles!

We wrapped up the morning by giving Stella and Scarlett a refreshing bath. And, as expected, Stella immediately thanked us with a good roll in the dirt.

Days like these are what it’s all about, building confidence, making memories, and enjoying every moment with the horses.