LEXINGTON, Ky. — Kentucky is known for being the horse capital of the world. Annie’s Answer is a nonprofit helping young people and adults heal from life traumas with the therapy of caring, riding and learning about horses.
Katarina Salisbury is a teen leader for Annie's Answer, she is making sure every horse a part of Annie's Answer get all the royal treatment, love they desire.
“Do you want to help Kip? So we are going to need a curry comb, a hard brush,” said Salisbury.
Those are the two tools Salisbury needs to remove the dirt off horses to prepare their winter coats, she is in charge of spreading the knowledge to the younger children about horse care, love.
“So the back of the horse and like directly in front of the horse are the no zones. So we do not stand there because they cannot see us and then they could accidentally kick, hurt us and we do not want that,” said Salisbury.
Salisbury is a part of the volunteer team at Annie’s Answer helping children and adults like herself heal, learn, and grow from all sorts of life traumas including those experiencing the foster care system.
“I felt very alone at the time, so when I heard about this place I figured yeah I would give it a try because I love horses but also a chance to meet people who knew more of what more of what I was going through,” said Salisbury.
Salisbury suffered the loss of both her father and grandmother at 5 and 10 years old, now she shares her personal experiences to aid in the healing process of many individuals. Which included those referred to the program by local therapists, teachers, family court judges, school and hospital counselors.
“I found people who really helped me when I was struggling with a lot with grief, anxiety and during a really hard period in my life,” said Salisbury.
Just outside of the barn another opportunity for the healing process is takes place, it is quite messy and a favorite of participants.
“The painting,” said Hellabusch.
Courtney Hellabusch’s other favorite activity includes being on the beautiful animals.
“Just getting to ride,” said Hellabusch.
Opportunities like grooming horses and painting their gates are prime examples of what it means for founder Alexandria Pannett, being that she serves as a family law attorney in Fayette county, has seen first hand what children have experienced in their lives. Ultimately that is why she established Annie’s Answer seven years ago after attending law school at the University of Kentucky, moving from her home in San Antonio, Texas.
“Certain therapies do not always work for all children and there were so many kids struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma behaviors especially as we look in the foster care system. You saw the pressure absolutely on social workers, judges, on the families themselves, whether they have custody of the children or not,” said Pannett.
Annie and the rest of the horses continue to be the answer for those healing of all ages.
“Now that I am in a better place with my life I want to be that person that helps others,” said Salisbury.
For Annie’s Answer participants it is about taking things one day at a time. Annie’s Answer offers youth and adult programs where participants can enjoy an exciting hands-on camp with horsemanship, caring for horses and horse themed crafts.