BRIDLE UP HOPE MATCHES YOUNG WOMEN WITH HORSES IN A LIFE-CHANGING PROGRAM

By Peri Kinder

When Rachel Covey passed away in 2012 at the age of 21, she’d been battling the effects of depression for several years. A granddaughter of author and businessman, the late Stephen R. Covey, Rachel had found hope and connection through equestrian training before her death.

After Rachel died, her family wanted to help young women who might be struggling with depression, anxiety and other mental health issues and they started the nonprofit Bridle Up Hope. The organization’s goal is to teach girls ages 12 and up the skills and confidence they need and to develop resilience through equestrian training.

Becky Jensen operates a chapter of Bridle Up Hope in Kaysville where it’s her mission to teach life skills through horsemanship, goal-setting and service. The 14-week program includes riding lessons, caring for horses, developing friendships and building life skills.

“Everybody’s individual but it’s very transforming,” she said. “For exam - ple, one girl just said to me she had been sneaking out with boys. She decided to break up with her boyfriend and said ‘I’m not going to do that anymore because I found my self-worth.’”

The program is based on Stephen R. Covey's book “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” with each week’s itinerary focused on one of the principles: being proactive, focusing on goals, prioritizing, pursuing winning situations, understanding others, seeking synergy and renewal.

It’s a one-on-one equestrian learning experience with one girl and one teacher meeting together each week. The girls also come together weekly to work in the

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