first ride back in the mountains since a horse fell on me 

It took me YEARS post near-death horse related TBI to feel confident and comfortable again on my boy….and I was a teenager and much more resilient back then. The push/pull between what you WANT to do and what you presently CAN do is so hard 🙏🏼 it does get better, I promise. Sending you hugs 💜

It’s realizing you’re not invincible. That you can get hurt. That horses you trust can kill you. They are hard lessons. I also learned them the hard way. Then went back and had it happen again on my horse. Then went back and learned it again on a motorcycle. Then went back and learned it again parachuting. Then went back and learned it again during my 35-year firefighting career. It does get better. Your confidence will return with time. Not to the point it was because you are wiser now. It’s all part of growing. Realizing you do have limits and those limits must be respected. Be happy you’re recovering from a hard lesson learned and know things will get better. All the love I can send.

Good to see you riding! I know it's a bit scary to get back in the saddle so proud of you.

I didn’t walk for nearly 10 years do to a horrific motorcycle accident. I was told I would never walk again. Had to be defibrillated back 3 times. I do walk. After decades I ride motorcycles again. It the best feeling. You are amazing and strong. As hard as it is… keep the positive energy flowing and breathe and feel the beauty!

You are doing so good! Being scared is ok. It yourself warning you of danger. One step at a time, you'll get there. Your on a healing journey. The more you do the better your gonna get. ❤

I have had trauma riding again after several scary incidents and almost quit horses because I questioned if it was worth it anymore. My last ditch effort was finding the woman who is now my mentor. One thing she told me is that there is no shame in getting off and letting my (and my horse's) nervous system come back down and regulate itself. To me, that didn't even feel like an option in the past and I was so embarrassed the first couple of times. I felt like an absolute failure of a horse rider and trainer. The more I did it, the more the shame lifted and my nervous system realized that it was safe because I was taking care of it by getting off and listening to it when things got to be too much. I've overcome so much trauma now and am riding better and with less anxiety than ever in my life. A cowgirl on the ground is just as much a cowgirl in the saddle - you can't take that spirit away. Hope this gives you some hope for the future. ❤

Well done Emmie !🌹

I think, first step would be to allow yourself to be scared. There is no reason to be embaressed. It is totally normal to be scared. Everybody is scared. I am scared to ride my mare in winter because she is fresh as fuck. I saw your traditional tree hunt on Instagram and thought 'this is sooo cool!!' i wanted to re-do this, you are so inspiring, do you know that? I always thought, 'emmie is such a badass' and you still are. Even badasses can be scared, too. Thats just way more sympathic. Much love ❤

Healing takes time , you should feel very proud of yourself ❤

So glad you are ok 👍 👌 😊

Never be embarrassed when making a good decision (walking your horse). Hope you had a lovely Christmas.

Life is good. You are tough as a two dollar steak. A day at a time. Rock on cowgirl. 🇺🇸

Emmie, you're an all-star human, legend, and a great friend. safe travels on your road to recovery. And happy yallidays!

I had a bad accident that put me in the hospital 2 years ago after being around horses my entire life. It shook my entire world. I eventually felt better, but, not the same as I used to. I also dealt with the idea of comparing my current and future to my past, and became almost obsessed with trying to reach that again. I had to force myself to reprogram my mind to accept my new normal on my relationship with my horses. I thought about the similarities of how we accommodate our horses when they’re lame, and don’t push them. We school them differently and when they’re rehabbing because they want to go back to their past normal lives, but, we know they can’t yet so we bring them back. They do that for us just the same. - Take care of yourself, love. Enjoy and embrace your new normal. 🫶🏼🤠

Hearing you laugh and having a great time makes me smile. ❤️ Young lady I adore you! You cry because your human and you feel so deeply because your the best kind of human. I pray everyday gets a little easy on you. But you got your tree 😊 never stop being you.

I CANT WAIT FOR YOU TO POST MORE. I MISS YOUR VIDEOS PLEASE COME BACK EMMIE. YOUR VIDEOS ARE GREAT. SO SORRY YOU HAD AN ACCIDENT I DONT KNOW WHAT HAPPENED TO YOU BUT YOU NEED TO TAKE CARE AND LET YOURSELF HEAL BEFORE YOU DO SOMETHING THAT PERMANENTLY HURTS YOU. REMEMBER YOU HAVE A LONG LIFE TO LIVE DONT TRY TO LIVE IT IN ONE YEAR. TAKE IT LITTLE BY LITTLE SO YOU STAY STRONG AND HEALTHY .

Recovering and finding that balance of where you were, where you are and where you want to be is a challenge in itself. After a back injury I was bed ridden, for months I could barely walk, that on top of TBI, and other injuries, I had to end my career when I felt it was just getting started. But over time and with help, and a little bit of setting my pride aside, I’m getting there. You will too. Give yourself grace, time and make yourself proud each day. Thanks for sharing your story. 🇺🇸

I love that tree. You did a good job. First time watcher here. So sorry for what you've been through. You are a young strong women. God bless you.

Its been over a decade since my TBI and i still have my TBI. I have learned to go with what i know to be my limits. Trust your instinks and dont over do it. Good video as always.

Thank you for being vulnerable and trusting enough to share. You ARE improving-give credit, let your soul and body hear you acknowledge their improvement. The tears? Fear and grief over loss. It's a process and needed. You are entering the new improved you.

G'day mate, hello from sunny Australia you're doing great and you are very brave to be able to talk about how you feel. That's pretty hard I know. 20 yrs ago I broke my back off a horse and got told I could never ride again as one more fall and Id be in a wheelchair for life. Hardest thing was never to ride again but I have many rescue cats and dogs to give me happiness and life. So keep going girl, keep doing what you're doing you are a great inspiration for a hell of a lot of people around the world. I look forward to more of your videos. MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU AND YOUR BABIES🎅 Happiness and long life forever.

Getting off and Walking back, that shows trendous strength. I can imagine how weak it feels, but it's tremendous strength. Have so much compassion on yourself. You'll keep on living, and be back in no time. Thank you for sharing with us.

One day one step one ride at a time. You got this girl.. Can't worry about the past and no control over the future all we're promised is today. You did great❤

Really proud of you getting back on girl…you totally kept your composure during the spook❤❤..You are amazing❤

Well done love. Well done. And you made a beautiful video, I love your style of going through life.

Your tree is gorgeous. Wow.

Emmie, you are stronger than you give yourself credit for. You truly are. Trauma has a weird effect on life it really does. Facing your "fears" and pursuing your Christmas traditions is SO brave and is admirable. It is so hard to get back on your feet and even though to you it seems like progress is slow, and doctor reports are discouraging, from someone from the outside looking in you are doing AMAZING. You are handling the situation so well. And you are facing these challenges and looking them straight in the eye, which itself is a big challenge for many. I pray that this Christmas season is filled with joy despite the circumstances, good health and safety, and even without family I hope the friends you have become as close as family and that your 'new' Christmas traditions give you so much happiness and a sense of a home and comfort ❤

Wow! I am so happy for you progressing like you have been able to do! Please be kind to yourself….happy times are wished for you and your animals! 🎉

I love seeing how much you’ve recovered-it probably doesn’t feel like you’re getting better fast enough but from an outside perspective you’ve come so far ❤ forever rooting for you!!! 🎉

One of my best trips was going out west. I truly felt free out there. I learned to ride a horse on a ranch for a week in Wyoming. A true experience for a city kid from Massachusetts.

The tree looks great! The fact you made it back speaks volumes on your determiation. This is a day by day process. Some day you'll look back and think damn, I did good after they said you won't ride again. Be grateful for what you have. You're damn lucky! Take care!

I like they out doors me my back is not they strongest but I now what your going thru. I live alone I spend Christmas by my self . 🙏🌟🦋🐦

Every day will get better, physically, emotionally and mentally. What you are feeling is nornal because of what you went through? What happened to you? A wise hirseman has said, its not all about the riding. Don't stay sheltered. Reach out. Be verbal on your feelings, this will help you. So happy youre friend we t eith you. You're tree looks pretty all lit up. Girl, you did so much! You took 3 horses, hauled then to such a beautiful place, road a mare and held another horse, cut a tree, hauled it back home, hauled it up the house, I mean come on! You did phenomenal.

right on. Thank you for the glimpse of your tree gettin'. Its cold and windy here at the cabin today so I came in and saw your video. I like to hear you. : )

Like your Christmas Tree...no shortage out there were you live...you are coming along, take small steps and keep-on Truckin' Girl...We all have your back with faith. That you'll have all your confidence back...Again nice to see a smile on your face, good for the soul.

TBI survivor here from breaking colts. I appreciate you being relevant! I'm in my 30 s and I'm trying to figure out what my compatibility is with riding horses after having this for 15 years. But it will make us stronger and self aware 🎉

Your ok. You got this! It’ll all come bac. You are amazing. You’re doing it.

Godspeed ⚡️

The greatest thing is you got back in the saddle thats a huge step congrats

Your channel came up on my suggestions today and what a wonderful find. You keep going, girl. Hugs from Cape Town, South Africa.

Woo hoo, sooo excited to see you back in the saddle

Cheers from Ohio!

You are doung amazingly well. I am hoping that you will improve have you thought if wearing a helmet, hon. You are doing remarkably well. Please be kind to yourself. Your body, mind and spirit needs to heal. It is ok to cry. You are very hard on yourself. Pkease take it slow. You are doing so well.

Just found your channel. Keep going. You got this. You're a beautiful soul and things will turn around!

My love give yourself some grace. You have come so far so fast! You made a smart decision for yourself to get off and walk. Keep pushing. It will get better with time 🥺❤️

Emmie, With love and respect. Wishing you a great recovery and God's blessing. Fan from Puerto Rico! Keep us posted. Merry Christmas.

I just found your channel but I have to say you’re an incredible person and you are exactly where you need to be. The fact that you have recovered quicker than expected and gotten back to mostly normal routines while providing great video content is amazing. Just from the videos I have seen on here and on other platforms anyone can tell you love what you do and know how to handle your sh*x. I think you should be more confident and secure in your abilities as a rider. You handled Raven well in the moment, and didn’t fall off a cliff. Accidents can send us into a “what if” spiral but focusing on the “what happened” and “how you handle it” matters more.

I think you’re awesome! Keep your chin up and ride on cowgirl

Life is good and it keeps gettin better.

I’ve just discovered your channel please keep posting long form if you are able, this content is magic. The environment, the vibe your vulnerability talking to the camera, it’s all so… idk, amazing.

You are doing great, remember you won't be the person you were, every day we change, embrace that. Just do things that make you happy and in time that will be fulfilling.❤

Give yourself grace and please be careful out there.

Discovered your channel today - hope you keep the videos coming!

My heart breaks for you. I have had a few accidents and 2 serious ones. Only by God's grace was I able to walk away with minor injures. I used to love riding and I want so much to love it again. I totally admire you and your determination to keep going and getting back in the saddle! Keep on going. ❤

Good for you getting back out there, pushing past the fear. It's a hard thing and you really need to give yourself credit for not hiding out in fear of what could happen. You are strong and inspiring. There is zero shame in being safe and trying again another day. Merry Christmas!

I just saw your video and your so awesome, don’t worry it will get better for you go slow and be safe always very inspiring 40 year horseman

You’re dealing with so much and you’re doing an amazing job ❤️proud of you ❤️

I understand your anxiety.. it’s your inner voice telling you be a bit more careful. ❤

Thanks for sharing, I know it’s hard when something crazy happens to you. I’ve had a couple near death experiences myself. If I learned anything from does experiences is that you have take it one day at a time, don’t beat yourself up or blame the world, shit happens. It’s important to learn to love and forgive yourself in other to grow from does experiences

So happy YT brought your channel up in my stories! New subscriber from Dublin ❤

❤ have faith and patience….🙏🏻

Oh my god I grew up ranching in the Texas panhandle with my dad when I was a kid and hearing you call it a wild rag brought back back such nostalgia. Thank you :)

Sorry bout urr phone,alot of baby steps before this ,great job getting back out,be very careful,after falling for you you b in grown responsible type in all ,real women ,your rare hunny .I am going out on a limb I know I know I could get hurt ,but that's not livin if you don't go for it.i recon I'll see ya around this earth God willing ,sweet dreams baby girl.

Got bucked off a trial horse at 15 years old and broke my ribs and got stepped on. It took me 3 years to hop back on a horse, and my first ride i got thrown into a pile of limestone, Its a day by day process. Its finally just now getting easier and Im 20 years old now.

You have to listen to your instincts. They will guide you. Don’t be scared of being scared, your fear can be a sign that something is off and you need to be careful. Listen to that gut feeling.

I just found this newer video of you . Sorry to hear of your accident and injuries. Be careful. Last thing you need is another injury right now. Summer sounds like a nice friend. You really need someone to be around for awhile. Crazy things can happen if you are alone. And you might would need help. Don’t be alone ok? It’s not being “ weak” , but more of a case of being cautious. Each time you get on a horse or run cows, you are putting a lot of pressure on your previous injuries. The compression. I’d pick the best horse you have that doesn’t get spooked as easily or gets wound up. How is your appy? Just say if it sees a snake or mountain lion, how would it react? A more calmer horse would help you. You don’t want to get thrown and run the risk of being paralyzed. I don’t mean to scare you… But you may need to slow down on the harder stuff. Least for now. Maybe having a friend or help? Might be a good thing? It’s better than the alternative. Right? Life can still be good. Learn to live with the things life may throw at you. It isn’t weakness. Just being more cautious. Life can throw us curve balls. But life is STILL good. Love watching your videos! Take care girl. 🤗

Cudos my brave friend. I know it didn’t turn out exactly as you wanted, but YOU DID IT. And you said it best , you got a tree and your not dead ! And, the boys got worked. Like many , I look forward to each of your videos because I miss having my own horses. I had them most of my life. I wasn’t smart enough to make a career out of them like you were. I applaud not only your intelligence and bravery, but your tenacity, and after the trauma of a TBI you didn’t give up. Finally, thank you for the big laugh at “ Hi Rae, why did you try to kill your brother earlier?” In a sweet voice. P.S. sorry about your phone screen , but that’s easily replaced.

My dad had a bad tbi on one of our horses when I was little, he made a full recovery even though both his doctors said the damage was likely permanent. It took 2 years and some change but he has almost no remaining symptoms now, only his eyes skip when he’s reading a book. Have faith and I’m always wishing you luck ❤️(he still rides btw)

Your a top shelf woman don't worry about what could happen an just do what you can it will work out I will say a prayer for you love Dave

You have pure raw drive and it’s rad. Love hearing your story

I love your hat! Whoever shaped it did a great job.

Thank you being vulnerable and sharing with us.

It took me years to get back on my horses, and I'm thankful that I got the courage to ride again, and now I have the best time with my boys 😊

Kisses and Hugs! Please keep your videos coming! I just love you and your videos!

This day you had was a success. Though maybe frightening, because it's a reminder to take it easy. I understand some of your frustrations. 13 months ago a broke my femur badly. I still have about another year before I'm "recovered". The mental struggles of putting my life on hold is harder that the accident itself. What helped me was to accept an open ended timeline. Just tell myself progress will be recognized weeks at a time. Not days. As long as i can provide for my family, be there for them and feed my cattle, that's all I NEED to do right now. I'm young enough the pleasantries can wait. There will be plenty time for that later. And you are younger than I. Just be patient with yourself.

I'm about to be 50 and have been riding sice i was in elementary school. Many ups and downs along the way (including a broken back in my 20's from a green horse i was pushing too far). The last down was this last year trying to get back into riding after kids, weight gain, and arthritis. After falling off a few times i was terrified of something i have loved for my whole life. I started reading about overcoming fear and the thing that stuck the most was an analogy of teaching a horse to get on a trailer. You dont winch them up in there and call it good. You reward small tries, building confidence, until they get it. Do the same for yourself. Go to the point of nerves and work there until you are comfortable to move on. What would you do with a horse that was feeling that? You have to be even more forgiving of yourself as you recover from a tbi. It may look different than your expectation but keep going step by step. By the way, watching you really inspired me to get back on and keep trying.

Nice to see you get out

I have no idea why you showed up on my RU-vid… glad you did. Sounds like TBI from horse accident? As a social worker, TBI’s are no joke. You have a lot on your plate w/ just recovering from a TBI… Family…. You said you have none? Fly to MI, I have a 24 year old daughter who rides - the more the merrier kiddo - just forwarded this video to her… your life now is the one she dreams of ❤ be well & look forward to learning more about you 🎉

hey emmie, happy to see you back on the saddle. i know how hard this is, i have two bad falls in my history and it took me a long time to go back to 100%... and truly the worst feeling was at the end of the day feeling like i would never be like i was before, so frustrating... but i assure you that feeling goes away! and when it goes you feel you have reborned in some kinda of way, like you got back to real you and to that amazing feeling of being connected to the horse. i think you got my point. dont be too hard of yourself, your accident has been 1000 times more overwhelming than any horse experience i had, though i had a really bad car crash and in some way really get what you are going through. Wish you all the best and keep posting! kisses from marina, brazil!

Your confidence will improve with time, just like you're driving skills and all other skills did. Take time while there's time to take. Take care of yourself; your animals need you and they Love you.

Your recovery this far sounds miraculous. At the same time I hear you saying it sux not being able to do what you're used to doing. Cry those tears, keep a focusing on the positive & things will get better. BTDT in my own life. It's hard, to be sure!

You came so far and we are so proud of you of how much you recovered! Yes you are limited to what you can do but don’t let it hang you down take it easy day by day. Its okay to be scared soon enough you will overcome this! We believe in you! 🤍🫶

All about slowly pushing your limits to get your footing again, which you are doing a great job of. It takes a lot of time so don’t be hard on yourself.

You have gone through soo much this year, major life changing events and some still coming in and putting on such a brave face bc of it. It is only fair that some of the pent up feelings comes forward it is a lot easier while talking. ❤

I love your videos! Happy to see you back in the saddle. Take it easy and be patient with yourself! Thank you for sharing the good stuff and the hard stuff.

As the poster boy for rushing back head first into things after injuries just give yourself a little more time, and give yourself a break it will get even better. Anyway I'm pulling for you.

New sub and I love your content. Please know your being prayed for and I hope you get back to being fully healed !

Thank you for sharing the video your Christmas tree is very good and I hope things get better for you in time and you get stronger and stronger have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year take care now

I was in a car accident over 3 years ago and the result was debilitating pain in my shoulder and neck. I had to stop working with my horses and other things I love and work has been a huge source of stress. I just turned 30 and really resonate with the feeling of helplessness of not being who you use to be or able to do what you used to do. I feel like I lost the last few years of my 20s and the last of my youth being in pain from that accident. I finally found a good treatment that seems to be working, and I have improved a lot the past year. But it’s been really really hard, especially when the pain acts up again. I hope to keep improving but It’s nice to hear about your experience as it makes me feel a little less alone. I really wish you the best on your recovery

give yourself some credit emmie!! you are ALIVE!! that’s all that matters!! time is all you need right now, don’t be so hard on yourself. we’re here for you!

From someone who’s been through multiple depressions I just wanted to tell you, I know it sucks to cry trust me I feel like I’ve cried enough for several lifetimes but you have to let yourself cry. Your body needs you to cry, it releases pressure both physically and mentally. With time that need to cry will lessen. This won’t last forever just hang in there, be kind to yourself and I wish you a Merry Christmas❤️

“Master got me working. Slave for Christmas” caught me off guard.

Pretty country and I’m glad you were able to get back out on your horses. Merry Christmas to y’all!

youre an awesome tough human being. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings.

So Glad seeing your vids again!!!! Hey those are huge steps that you took, you're pretty brave, you should give yourself more credit! I hope you see more kinder days and healing

Pretty badass to still be going at it after such a serious Injury. You have more nerve than me, girl ❤

Yay, good to see you back posting longer videos here! I have no experience working with animals like this so I have no advice to offer like others have, but all I can say is how cool and capable you are! Also your tree is so cute, you had the perfect lil snowfall while cutting it too lol, where I live it's just cold and raining at the moment. Sorry about your phone!

Merry Christmas 🎄 Sending love ❤️

I love horses too but I think meals are awesome as far as what you’re doing out there. They’re more for sure footed so you probably had to get a mule to go with your others. They’re awesome

My mom got kicked in her head when she was trial riding as a kid with her friend, she got knocked out and didn't wake up for hours, somehow she lived. She never rode English again after that. My grandma was queen of the cow palace at age 16 and she rode and showed western until she was almost 90!