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Nestled above a neighborhood in Alpine sits a quiet, beautiful ranch with a unique purpose. The idea for the ranch was born during a family's greatest grief - the loss of a child. For years Rachel Covey battled depression and anxiety, something her parents Sean and Rebecca Covey said they had a hard time understanding. Sean Covey said he wasn’t familiar with the impact mental illness can have, “I work in the field of leadership. It’s kind of like, ‘suck it up, I used to have bad days too.’” The bad days got worse for Rachel, days where she couldn't even leave her room. Then, as her younger sister Victoria described, “She was gone. She was just gone.” Rachel was 21-years-old when she died. The days following her death were dark until the family made a decision. “You can let it harm you and your family,” Sean Covey said. “You can let it define you so that’s all you talk about, it becomes your new definition. Or you can let it strengthen your family.” The Covey family chose strength. “Three days after she passed away we came up with the name, “Rebecca Covey said, “and literally started it right then and there.” Bridle Up Hope was born, an equine therapy ranch for young women dealing with mental health issues. Young women like Aubrey Farnsworth: “I was struggling with anxiety and depression,” Rianna Wirthlin: “I was sexually abused as a child when I was about 10 years old,” and Brielle Woolsey: “I was in an abusive relationship.” All have found something at the Covey's ranch they never thought possible. Hope. “Before Bridle Up Hope,” Ellie Shawcroft said, “I didn’t even know what the word hope meant.” A few months ago Shawcroft was fighting depression, anxiety and the pressure to be something no one can: perfect. “You can get to the point where you’re suicidal or can do self-harm,” Shawcroft said, “I was to that point.” Shawcroft went to her parents for help. They looked for resources and found Bridle Up Hope. “As she started developing a love for the horses,” Misty Shawcroft, Ellie’s mother said, “I’ve noticed she’s also developing a love for herself.” With that love comes a new-found confidence that comes from sitting in a saddle. Victoria Covey, Rachel’s younger sister, is a trainer at Bridle Up Hope. “If you are turned in and really quiet and shy with the horses,” Victoria Covey said, “they would walk all over you.” The girls have to take the reins, they have to be in control, and then Victoria Covey describes it as, “life changing.” The young women start to see themselves as someone who matters. Ellie Shawcroft still struggles with depression and anxiety, but now she knows it is a fight she can win, “Bridle Up Hope didn’t solve all of my problems, but it gave me the will to fight. This has saved my life actually.” That is all the Covey’s could ask for, and Rebecca Covey believes Rachel would agree, “I just know Rachel would be so happy because we have the belief if we can help just one girl it’s worth it.” Since Bridle Up Hope opened four years ago they've had 400 young women complete their program. Their goal is to open several more ranches in Utah, and one in every state. For more information about Bridle Up Hope log on to https//www.BridleUpHope.org.
