When Beverly first came to Main Stay last fall, she was simply looking for a place to ride. What she found was something much more meaningful.
After experiencing profound loss and navigating her own health challenges, Beverly found her way to Main Stay last October, thanks to her daughter who knew how much she had always loved horses. What began as a simple search for a place to ride quickly became something much more meaningful.
Now, each week, Beverly looks forward to her time in the saddle with Zeke, a horse she describes as “the best therapy for healing a broken heart.” While she rode briefly in her twenties, returning to riding at 80 has brought both new challenges and new joy. From working toward trotting to simply enjoying the connection, her time at the farm has helped restore a sense of happiness that once felt out of reach.
Outside of the arena, Beverly stays busy quilting and doing needlepoint, even creating a piece inspired by Zeke himself. Many of her quilts are donated to Project Linus, providing comfort to children in hospitals, foster care, and other difficult situations. And when asked what she can’t live without, her answer is simple: “chocolate!!”
Q&A With Beverly
How long have you been coming to Main Stay?
I first began riding at Main Stay last October. My husband had passed in Dec. of 23 and the following August I was diagnosed with stage 1 pancreatic cancer. Once my treatments were finished my daughter remembered I have always loved horses and looked for a place I could ride. She found Main Stay and I will be forever grateful! I had many months when happiness seemed out of reach but now all that has changed! I’ve learned that missing George doesn’t keep me from being delightfully happy!
What do you look forward to most when coming to Main Stay?
I rode a bit when I was 20 and certainly riding at 80 is more of a challenge but I look forward all week to climbing on Zeke! He’s been the best therapy for healing a broken heart!
Is there a goal you want to accomplish at Main Stay?
I’m hoping to get better at trotting!
Do you have a favorite hobby? If so, what?
In between Thursday’s dates with Zeke I keep myself busy with quilting and doing needlepoint. I’ve even traced a picture of Zeke onto canvas and am trying to create a needlepoint picture of him! Most of the quilts I make get donated to Project Linus which distributes quilts to hospitals, foster care and whatever other agencies work with kids in crisis.
What is something you can’t live without?
Chocolate!!
Who is someone you look up to and why?
When my kids were little and watched Mr. Rogers he often told them when bad things happen, look for the helpers and I think that’s who I look up to. Whether its firefighters, EMT’s, nurses (or adaptive riding instructors!) those who help others are the ones I hold in high regard.
If you could travel any place in the world where would it be and why?
I’ve never had the opportunity to travel the world but we spent many summers in the north woods of Minnesota fishing on a beautiful lake and watching the loons. I can’t imagine a more peaceful or beautiful place. Truly God’s country!
Don't miss what's happening at the farm! Sign up to receive email updates
SIGN UP
How You Can Help
Main Stay is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization and receives no state or federal funding. Through the generosity of individuals, private foundations, corporations and service organizations, Main Stay is able to touch hundreds of lives each year.
Accomplishments & Accreditation
