Brittany Miller started at Happy Trails this past January. After suffering a severe traumatic brain injury in 2011, it has taken years of grueling surgeries and rehabilitation for Brittany to get to where she is now.
Her family moved to Visalia two years ago and was quickly introduced to Happy Trails through friends. Though Brittany needed a little more time to get herself ready, Happy Trails welcomed her earlier this year with open arms.
Brittany rides in the solo therapeutic riding class and her journey is nothing short of amazing. Brittany was first introduced to horses when she was 15 years old — volunteering as many of our current volunteers do — assisting riders and instructors at a therapeutic riding center. Her love of horses deepened when she was gifted Rosie, a horse that has become a lifelong companion. Though her accident has forced Brittany to ease back into being around horses, there was not a dry eye at Happy Trails on March 31st when Brittany rode for the first time, after having been told by doctors it would never happen.
When asked about what she wanted people to know about Happy Trails, she proclaimed, “horses are God’s instruments for healing.” Brittany has a unique perspective having once been a volunteer, to now being the student. One thing is for certain, Brittany is what Happy Trails is all about. Her spirit, smile and loving voice is the essence of the healing that so many of our riders experience. Not for a single second does she let her hardships get in her way. In fact, she shares her story freely, being the living example of determination, perseverance and success.
