02/06/2026
๐A Calling Confirmed. A Legacy Continued.๐ด
Today is one of the most humbling and full-circle moments of my life, and I am beyond honored to finally share this publicly.
Many of you in Renton know and love The Hitching Rail, the incredible equine healing ranch founded by Jim and Lily Carlson. Their mission was born from heartbreak after losing their nephew, a veteran, to su***de. From that loss, they dedicated their lives to helping veterans, first responders, and families find healing through horses.
It is with overwhelming gratitude that I share that Jim has quite literally handed us the reinsโฆ entrusting Faithful Horizons with two of his beloved therapy horses, Jolie and Skippy. These incredible horses have helped touch countless lives through The Hitching Rail, and we have been given Jimโs blessing to continue carrying forward their beautiful legacy.
Faithful Horizons is a faith-based, equine-assisted trauma recovery ranch located on our newly purchased 40 acres in Enumclaw. Through incredible blessing and hard work, we are also actively working toward purchasing the additional 40 acres next door to expand this healing campus.
Our mission is simple but deeply rooted: to help people heal trauma at its source so we can help stop the devastating outcomes of unhealed pain, including su***de, addiction, homelessness, and long-term behavioral health struggles. While we hold a special place in our hearts for veterans, first responders, survivors of trafficking, domestic violence, and PTSD, our gates will be open to anyone seeking healing.
Equine-assisted therapy is not just meaningful โ it is backed by powerful research. Studies show that more than 68% of people participating in equine-assisted trauma programs report significant reductions in PTSD and depression symptoms following structured eight-session programs, with improvements still present for a lifetime.
Research also shows horses help create a safe, non-judgmental environment where emotional regulation can begin. Horses naturally mirror human emotion, helping survivors recognize and safely process fear, anxiety, and trauma responses. Many trauma survivors who struggle to engage in traditional talk therapy are often more willing to participate in healing alongside horses.
If we can prevent even one su***de, put even one family back together, or break one chain of addiction, then EVERY bit of this work is worth it.
We are still building, preparing, and developing programs, but we are moving as quickly and responsibly as possible to begin welcoming people through our gates.
We would not be standing here today without so many people who believe in this mission as it continues to grow and become visible. We are endlessly grateful to Jim and Lily Carlson, the Hitching Rail family, the City of Enumclaw, and every single supporter who is standing behind Faithful Horizons and encouraging this vision as it unfolds.
First and foremost, above all else, we give thanks to God for placing this purpose on my life and entrusting me with the responsibility of helping others heal.
And with very special and deeply heartfelt gratitude, we want to thank LouAnn Brandjes & Eric Brandjes. Their generosity, trust, and faith in this mission can only be described as divine. They made it possible for us to purchase the 40 acres that Faithful Horizons now calls home under circumstances that felt nothing short of God-ordained. As we pursue the additional 40 acres next door, they continue helping provide the land where lives will be restored, roots will be planted, and a legacy of healing will be built for generations to come.
Jolie and Skippy are home. The legacy continues. And this is only the beginning.
With deep gratitude and faith,
Amanda & the Faithful Horizons Family ๐ค
