COSMO'S JOURNEY

The Tall Gentleman

Dear Sponsors,

This month, Cosmo continued to serve as one of the steady pillars of our therapeutic program.

As an Appendix Spotted Appaloosa with years of experience, Cosmo brings more than strength and athleticism, he brings emotional intelligence. His predictability, responsiveness, and calm demeanor make him especially valuable for riders working through anxiety, trauma recovery, confidence barriers, and emotional regulation challenges.

💛 Therapeutic Impact This Month

In January, Cosmo participated in:

• 18 therapeutic riding sessions

• 6 groundwork-based emotional regulation sessions

• 4 transitional confidence sessions for riders advancing to larger horses

For one teen participant navigating anxiety, Cosmo’s steady pace and willingness to stand quietly during moments of overwhelm allowed the session to continue successfully rather than end early. That moment of stability matters more than any jump.

🇺🇸 For Our Veteran Families

For veterans and their families, horses like Cosmo provide something unique: nonverbal connection without judgment. This month, during groundwork sessions focused on leadership and trust-building, participants practiced boundary setting and communication through body language alone. Cosmo’s responsiveness reinforces immediate feedback, when a participant regulates their breathing and posture, he softens.

That kind of real-time relational feedback cannot be replicated in a traditional clinical setting.

🌿 Health & Stewardship Update

Because Cosmo is a seasoned member of our herd, long-term sustainability remains a priority.

• Maintained healthy weight and muscle tone

• Regular farrier visit completed

• Continued joint-support supplementation

• Conditioning schedule adjusted to balance therapy work and light jumping exercise

Outside of therapy, Cosmo continues to enjoy structured jumping sessions. These keep him mentally engaged and physically strong, which directly supports his safety and soundness in therapeutic programming.

Strong horses make safe therapy partners.

🤝 Sponsor Accountability

• Hay and grain feed costs• Joint supplement support• Farrier care• Arena maintenance• Staff support during sessions

Every dollar directly supports his ability to serve.

🐎 Why Cosmo Matters

Cosmo is powerful, yet gentle. Experienced, yet patient. Athletic, yet steady.

He has been on this farm for many years, and his wisdom shows in how he carries each rider physically and emotionally.

When a participant feels nervous, he waits. When a rider succeeds, he carries them forward. When someone doubts themselves, he remains steady.

Because of you, The Tall Gentleman continues to change lives quietly, consistently, and faithfully.

With deep gratitude,

The Firstlight Equine Team