Everyone has a story, and sometimes, if we’re lucky, our stories find each other.

In 2021, my brother and I took a cross-country trip across the country, with our horses Hal, and his sister Gamilah, as part of a soul journey we called Gamilah Unbridled. Throughout this journey, my brother and these two remarkable horses, were able to do what was once considered impossible: ride across the country without any kind of control, reins, or ropes, on the horse's head. Hal was a large part of the team that redefined what is possible between human-and-horse partnership. He rode through rivers and roadside stops, fields and quiet mornings. Hal's big heart, and willingness to try anything, captured the hearts of strangers across the country. But that wasn’t the beginning, or the end, of his story.

Since then, Hal has become more than just a horse. He has evolved beyond the horse who as part of an adventure of a lifetime. He is family. He is the rhythm of our home. The best friend of an almost 4-year-old who plays trucks with him in the big sandbox (the arena) and who tells him stories in the sunshine. Hal has been the steady heartbeat through some of the hardest chapters of my life.

A few weeks ago, Hal became suddenly and critically ill with what we now know was a serious kidney issue. For the first couple weeks, it was touch and go, if he would pull through. But as Hal’s courageous heart has proved time and time again, he is a fighter. I did everything in my power to give him a fighting chance, and thanks to incredible veterinary care at Weems & Stephens Equine Hospital, and then to where his care was transferred to the specialists at Weatherford Equine Medical Center, Hal went from it being day-to-day to courageously fighting his way to being well enough to come home with an optimistic outlook.

The total cost of his care came to just shy of $14,000 between the two veterinarian hospitals. I’ve covered nearly $9,000 of that completely on my own. What remains is the final $5,000 to bring him home. I’ve been kindly offered to be lent the money, and I’ll take that path if I must, but these last few years have been full of starting over for me and my children, and any relief from carrying more weight would be a blessing I won’t forget.

It’s hard to put my pride aside and ask for help. I'm the type that will move entire mountains by myself so that my problems do not become a burden for others. But if this season has taught me anything, it's just how important community is. A dear friend of mine reminded me this morning that Hal hasn’t just been a friend to me, he’s been a gift to many. To those who followed his journey across the country, who laughed at his antics, who felt something sacred in his gentle presence... I share this invitation with you.

This GoFundMe is to help cover the final $5,000. If Hal’s story has ever touched yours, I hope you’ll consider pouring into him now, the way he’s poured into so many of us. I'm asking to cap any individual donations at $50, not because I expect that from anyone, but because I want this to feel like it's a shared story, not a burden placed on any one person. If Hal has ever made you smile, if his story touched your heart during our journey, or if you’ve ever believed in the healing power of a horse’s love, I invite you to be part of his comeback through even the smallest donation, a share, or most importantly of all, continued prayers for his complete healing.

From my heart, my family’s and Hal’s, thank you.

We’re SO ready for him to come home.