Adopted Horse Helps Girl With Crippling Anxiety Feel At Ease & Changes Her Life

12-year-old Ruth suffered from severe anxiety, and when COVID-19 hit, her condition worsened to the point where she spent most days either pacing or crying.

Just when she began to feel so hopeless, her parents came up with a great idea.

Ever since Ruth was eight years old, Ruth would walk over the the neighbor’s fence every day to see their horse. She would wait there and hope that the horse would come close enough for her to pet her.

Knowing how much she adores horses, Ruth’s parents finally decided to adopt a 14-year-old paint pony named Diva. Diva was being fostered by a volunteer at Hickory Hill Farm.

Ruth’s parents did their research, built an adequate horse shelter, and purchased all of the necessary supplies before submitting an adoption application.

When Ruth’s mom, Kristie, went to visit Diva, she knew right away that Diva would be a perfect fit for their family, especially for Ruth.

Ruth and Diva developed a very special bond almost immediately, and Diva’s positive impact on Ruth has been miraculous.

“Diva sees Ruth coming and, instead of hesitating, she runs toward her,” Kristie told ASPCA. “It’s the sweetest relationship ever.”

Ruth cares for Diva every day, including feeding her, cleaning her pen, grooming her and exercising her. She also spends time reading to Diva.

Diva has helped take away a lot of Ruth’s stress and makes her feel at ease every day.

“I almost forgot that my daughter has anxiety,” Kristie told ASPCA. “Diva has made such a difference. While Ruth’s condition was once crippling, it’s now only an occasional stress, and doesn’t last long when she’s with Diva. There was a switch that flipped. It’s a beautiful thing.”

Learn more of Ruth and Diva’s story in the video below:

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