A New Chapter: How Celt Run Farm Became Our Sanctuary

July brought a lot of change. After a significant life transition, my horses and I needed a new home, and more than that, I needed someone who truly believed in the mission of Speaking of Horses—someone who could see past the uncertainty to what we were trying to build. Finding both felt impossible. Then I connected with Brooke Baugher at Celt Run Farm, and I knew we'd found more than just a barn—we'd found a real friend and a light when we needed one most.

A True Friend

Brooke didn't just offer us stall space at Celt Run Farm. She truly understood what Speaking of Horses and I needed. She believed in what we're building. She became a real friend and someone I could count on. That friendship even extends to forming a new business which is financially supporting Speaking of Horses by sourcing Premium Western Alfalfa from Utah. We are selling this to our community to benefit Speaking of Horses. It's another way Brooke has helped us expand our impact.

From day one, Brooke was genuinely invested in our success.

The Hard Days

The first weeks were challenging. My three remaining horses were stressed by the move and unfamiliar environment—they hadn't been off the previous property in a few years. Two lost weight. Two developed hoof abscesses. One struggled with road founder. We also had to say goodbye to Phil, our beloved therapy horse who had been such a vital part of our program and our hearts. He was taken from us in circumstances I never saw coming, and it broke something in us all.

But Brooke showed up—really showed up. She didn't disappear when things got hard. She was there through every setback, working alongside us on solutions, checking in with genuine care, and holding space for all of our grief and worry. She believed in our recovery when the path forward wasn't clear. That kind of friendship during a dark time doesn't just matter—it changes everything.

Moving Forward

To Brooke: I came to Celt Run Farm at a point where I wasn't sure how much more I could carry. You didn't just offer me a barn—you offered me hope. You believed in Speaking of Horses when I needed someone to believe. You showed up for my horses and for me during the hardest weeks, and you did it with a genuine kindness that I won't forget. Your willingness to support our program, your care for every detail, your friendship—it's shown me what it means to truly be there for someone. You've given us more than a place to land. You've given us a future. Thank you for that.

To our supporters and volunteers: your continued belief in this work keeps us going, and it means the world.

And to the children we serve: you're the reason we do this. We're back on track, slowly building capacity, and more grateful than ever to have a space—and a friend—who makes it all possible.

We're not at full capacity yet, but we're stronger than we were. Celt Run Farm has given us the room to grow, and Brooke has given us something I didn't think we'd have again after such a difficult transition: real hope.

Thank you for being part of our journey.