By: Tracy LeRoux
Living in Central Florida, we’ve learned to prepare for storms, but nothing quite compares to the experience of weathering Hurricane Helene. As we faced the storm this past week, I found inspiration in an unexpected place: my two cheerful painted ponies.
Preparing for the Storm
We secured our ponies in a hurricane shelter to ensure their safety. While our backyard farm is a comfortable home, our barn wouldn’t withstand hurricane-force winds. We opted to transport them to the nearby World Equestrian Center (WEC), which graciously offered their facilities as a hurricane shelter for free. My ponies, blissfully unaware of the storm’s potential dangers, hopped into the trailer excitedly for a short ride.
Embracing New Surroundings
Upon arriving at WEC, they were met with a completely new environment—shiny asphalt, massive cement barns, and an overwhelming presence of around 3,000 unfamiliar horses. Instead of panicking, my ponies pranced into this new world with their – heads held high as if they were seasoned show ponies. Once in their stall, they quickly relaxed and made themselves at home, even poking their heads out to communicate with the other horses.
A Heartwarming Gesture
The storm raged through the night, and at some point, my adventurous ponies broke out of their shared stall. Rather than causing chaos by rummaging through the hay and grain in the aisles, they wandered over to the stall of a large showhorse struggling with colic—a condition often triggered by stress. My ponies chose to stay by his side, offering comfort during a challenging moment.
When morning came and the storm had passed, I discovered that the show horse seemed calmer and more at ease, thanks in part to the companionship of my two tiny heroes. Their instinct to provide support helped the other horse and highlighted a valuable lesson: sometimes, helping others through their storms can ease our burdens.
Lessons in Resilience
In the wake of the storm, I reflected on my ponies’ incredible resilience and calm demeanor. They taught me lessons that resonate far beyond the barn:
- Stay Grounded: In chaotic situations, maintaining a sense of calm can help us navigate challenges more effectively. Just as my ponies held their heads high, we, too, can face adversity with grace.
- Support Others: Offering support to those in distress helps them and can shift our focus away from our own challenges. My ponies’ instinct to comfort the showhorse reminded me of the power of community and connection.
- Embrace Change: Adapting to new surroundings can be daunting, but we can thrive in unfamiliar situations with a positive outlook. My ponies embraced their new environment without hesitation, demonstrating that flexibility is critical.
Looking back on this experience, I am grateful for the lessons my ponies imparted. Their journey through the storm was a powerful reminder that we all can weather life’s challenges. We can navigate our hurricanes with courage and grace by staying resilient, supporting one another, and maintaining a positive outlook.
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