KAYSVILLE—A program that teaches girls life skills, offers emotional support and hope through the healing power of horses, recently broke ground on a new indoor arena in Kaysville. Bridle Up Hope Davis County is part of a network of locations across the world “who share a common mission to bring hope and healing to women who are struggling with challenges in life.” 

Bridle Up Hope was started by the Sean and Rebecca Covey family in honor of their daughter Rachel, who passed away as a result of depression in 2012. Rachel was the granddaughter of author and businessman, the late Stephen R. Covey.

The program is designed to help all girls and women, ages 12 and older and especially geared to those who are struggling with depression, anxiety, abuse or trauma, according to Bridle Up.

In 2021, Becky and Mike Jensen saw the program, which is based on Covey’s “The 7 Habits of Highly Successful People” and felt a connection with the Covey family after having a similar experience.

 “Becky just started at the house and quickly realized the potential value,” said Mike. “It just took off.”

It helps women who are looking for hope and the skills to build resilience, he said. “The world is so hard for them. It’s crazy out there. It’s not therapy. It’s not counseling but a way to teach life skills and to manage situations.”

“They took the 7 habits and created it for equestrians,” said Becky. “It's basically the same. We teach young women and it’s amazing how similar it is to the basics of horsemanship.”

Becky grew up with horses and she was a school teacher, said Mike. “Now she’s doing it full time.”

Through donations and grants the Jensens were able to purchase land to build the barn/house with an outdoor area for the horses. “We finished the barn and started teaching classes there,” said Becky. “The new indoor riding arena will make it possible to go year round. Right now we have to close down in the winter.”

The program is 14 weeks for girls and seven weeks for women, she said. “It feeds their body, heart, mind and soul. We have yoga, walking trails, art therapy, cooking classes, etc. On Saturdays we get together and gather fresh eggs and have a farm breakfast.”

Participants learn to take charge of their horse and charge of their life, Becky said. “It teaches confidence as they get the horse to follow and they learn they can be a leader.”

Girls set a goal each week of what they’re going to work on, she said. “They come up with their own goal. It can be something like walking into a group and saying ‘hi.’ Part of the lesson is journaling. Parents get a copy of the book to read so they can be supportive. There is a graduation at the end where their family comes out to celebrate.”

The girls are asked to come back and give service, said Becky. “They take care of the horses, clean the corrals and take care of the goats, chickens and dogs.”

The program is $2,500 per girl for the 14 week class and $1,500 for the women’s seven week course. “You can request a scholarship,” Becky said. “We have people in the community who sponsor girls. Most receive significant help. We want to make sure no one is turned away.”

“Becky is a unique person,” said Mike. “She knows horses and how to teach and incorporate the habits. We’re all building the roots, branches and leaves – they all blend together.”

For more information visit https://www.bridleuphope.org/.