Hope in the Saddle How Dawn Star Stables Is Healing Hearts Across the Tri-State

Hope in the Saddle

How Dawn Star Stables Is Healing Hearts Across the Tri-State

Rebecca Hemlock

The Ashland Beacon

For over a decade, Dawn Star Stables has been more than a riding school or a boarding facility — it’s been a beacon of hope, healing, and heartfelt connection in the tri-state area. Rooted in strong Christian values and an unshakable love for horses, owners Brittney and Seth Christian have created a haven where equine therapy transforms lives, one hoofbeat at a time.

Tucked into the rolling hills, Dawn Star Stables isn’t just a business — it’s a ministry.

“Our mission is to share positive values with the tri-state community,” says Brittney, her passion unmistakable.

“We believe in the healing power of horses and strive to make that accessible to everyone.”

Brittney’s own journey with horses ignited the vision behind Dawn Star.

“I've always been around horses, and I love to teach,” she explains.

“My husband saw my passion and encouraged me to follow my dream and start a business. We wanted to create a space where others could experience the incredible impact horses have had on my life.”

And impact it does.

At the heart of Dawn Star’s mission is the extraordinary blend of compassionate care and equine-assisted therapy. But what exactly makes horses such powerful healers?

The secret lies in their ability to connect with humans in a profound, non-verbal way. Naturally sensitive and deeply intuitive, horses can pick up on subtle emotional cues — making them uniquely suited to help people facing emotional, psychological, and even physical challenges.

In a world often plagued with judgment and expectation, horses offer pure, accepting presence. They respond to energy — not appearance, background, or baggage. For those dealing with trauma, anxiety, depression, or PTSD, this unconditional companionship offers a safe, non-judgmental space to heal.

Horses are living mirrors. When someone feels anxious or tense, the horse may reflect that emotion by becoming skittish or aloof. Learning to stay calm and grounded around the horse teaches invaluable emotional regulation — turning every interaction into a mindfulness exercise.

Every horse-human relationship is built on trust, patience, and respect. From grooming to leading, each activity requires clear communication and healthy boundaries — a powerful lesson for individuals working through attachment issues or relational trauma.

From brushing a horse to riding it, every success builds confidence. Each step teaches responsibility, control, and capability — giving participants a tangible sense of achievement that often spills over into their everyday lives.

The healing power of Dawn Star is especially visible in its work with Veterans and Trauma Survivors with PTSD: Interacting with horses allows them to reconnect with buried emotions and manage anxiety, flashbacks, and emotional numbness in a safe, grounding space.

Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Equine therapy improves sensory regulation, communication, and focus. The horse’s predictable rhythm provides calm, while the interaction helps develop social skills.

Those in Addiction Recovery: Caring for a horse demands consistency and honesty. This relationship encourages accountability and purpose — essential elements in the journey toward sobriety.

Dawn Star Stables is more than fences and pastures — it’s a living, breathing testament to the power of faith, community, and the human-animal bond. By making equine-assisted therapy affordable and accessible, Brittney and Seth Christian are changing lives throughout the tri-state area.

It’s a place where horses don’t just trot or gallop — they heal hearts, build hope, and help people rediscover their strength, one ride at a time.