Catie's Story
Is it horses who heal, or is it God? Catie McClary would say it’s God—but horses definitely played a role.
At 21 years old, McClary can look back on more than a decade of riding at Quiet Pastures at Green Oak and can see how God used the horses, mentors, and a supportive community to help her find hope and purpose.
A homeschooled student from Sugar Grove, Ohio, McClary first came to Quiet Pastures in 2012 to participate in the ministry’s homeschool programs and summer camp. But her journey into confident horsemanship took another step forward in 2017 when she began taking regular riding lessons with Quiet Pastures executive director Amanda Stout. At the time, she was struggling with severe anxiety and depression and found it difficult to step outside her comfort zone.
But something began to change when she was around the horses.
Through riding, McClary discovered a place where she could build confidence, face her fears, and learn to trust both herself and the horses she was working with.
“Quiet Pastures has given me hope and purpose when I needed it the most,” said McClary. “I have learned many invaluable lessons about God, myself, and those around me that I will carry with me throughout my life.”
Stout remembers seeing the change in McClary.
“At first, she was so quiet and shy,” said Stout. “But I encouraged her to get in the saddle and to step out of her comfort zone. It was beautiful to see how she connected with the horses, and I watched her blossom as her confidence grew.”
Through horsemanship, McClary was continually challenged to communicate clearly, take responsibility, and become a confident leader for her horse—even when she didn’t feel confident herself.
“One of the biggest things I’ve learned from Amanda and the horses is perseverance,” said McClary. “I’m continually learning the importance of showing up as a good leader for the horses even in the midst of fear and doubt.”
Each horse at Quiet Pastures has taught her valuable life lessons, but Colt and Nala, two longtime members of the herd, became especially meaningful to McClary. Through her relationships with them, she learned more about confidence, leadership, trust, and perseverance.
For McClary, those lessons extend far beyond the arena.
Learning to lead a horse while wrestling with fear and self-doubt gave her concrete opportunities to practice the same principles needed in everyday life. Little by little, she began to discover that confidence is not the absence of fear; rather, it is choosing to move forward despite it.
Today, McClary still faces anxiety and depression, but her story is no longer defined by them. She has grown in her faith, confidence, and sense of purpose, and she is now pursuing her interest in baking as a career.
Looking back on her years at Quiet Pastures, McClary recognizes that the horses were part of something much bigger. God used them to teach her lessons about perseverance, leadership, and courage and to remind her that she is capable of more than she believed.
“Quiet Pastures has given me hope and purpose when I needed it the most,” said McClary.
And through the years, that hope has only continued to grow.
To learn more about the ministry of Quiet Pastures or about how God can use horses to heal, visit quietpastures.org or contact info@quietpastures.org.