As many of you know, I had spine surgery in June 2025. In March, I set a goal to start showing again, but in April, I had back pain I couldn’t relieve. I wasn’t able to sit longer than 20 minutes. Eventually, I started teaching by laying on the ground as I could only stand for 10 minutes. I did chiropractic, massage, decompression, physical therapy, and nothing helped. Doctors wanted an MRI, and my insurance was no help. We paid out of pocket. A microdiscectomy was decided upon. But a week before my surgery, my body gave out. I wasn’t able to be admitted to the hospital where I stayed for several days. Since surgery, I have been feeling great physically. The burden of medical bills and debt that followed has started to feel crushing.

I was hit with another blow yesterday. Our beloved lesson pony Jose (Natalia’s love) ruptured a tendon in his hock (hind knee joint) and must be on strict rest for the next 8 months. His medical care is nowhere close to the debt created by my back, but he leaves a hole in my program.

I find myself asking my community for help. I hate doing that, as many of you know. I am the helper, but I find myself in a position of need. I need to get out from under the weight of medical bills and the debt it created. I also need a lesson horse to fill in for Jose and to lift the burden off of Courage and Remi. I am forever grateful for my Bella Luna family, my horse community, friends, and family.

Janet