This painting is inspired by a quiet moment I witnessed during an equine-assisted women’s empowerment session at Equi-Soul in South Mountain, ON. As the session was coming to a close, I went to grab my phone so I could take some photos, and I noticed Lilly — the horse I first connected with during a coaching session back in the spring — resting comfortably in the grass.
Lilly’s story is one of resilience. She once worked as an Amish driving horse until a traumatic carriage accident left her no longer “useful.” She was rescued and brought to Equi-Soul, where she’s now learning safety, softness, and trust at a pace that honours her past.
Amber, Equi-Soul’s owner, shared something that stayed with me:
“When a horse lies down, it means they feel safe.”
Seeing Lilly resting in the open field — completely at ease — felt like witnessing a quiet triumph. A small but powerful expression of healing. This painting is my way of honouring that moment, her journey, and the gentle wisdom horses bring into our lives when we choose to slow down and listen.
Music by John Jin Han
