By Michele Hardman
Laura Bosco spent 23 years in the Air Force. Some of her favorite times were as a First Sergeant in California, where she worked with 186 Airmen. Her last duty station was at the Pentagon, but she wasn’t there on the day of the 9/11 attack. She had experienced physical abuse from a previous spouse and also sexual assault while she was in the military. In 2018, her husband at the time was unexpectedly killed, and Hurricane Michael hit Panama City that same year. The list of life’s unfairness was stacking up on her. But she drew from her strong faith, kept going, and opened up Living Waters Bridge Ranch in 2020, a non-profit ministry nestled in Youngstown.
When I asked Laura how she came up with the name of the ranch, she said she believes the Lord is our Living Water and our Bridge to freedom, so the name just made sense. When people of any age come here to the ranch, she wants them to know and feel how much they’re loved and that they have hope. It’s a proven fact that horses—and animals in general—are very therapeutic to humans.
No matter if someone’s dealing with autism, PTSD, anxiety, traumas, or any form of disability, it’s incredible how horses can sense our feelings and fears and connect with us on an emotional level. Some of the horses themselves are rescue animals and have gone through their own traumas. When they feel love and respect from a person, it helps them heal, too, so the ranch is a win-win from both sides. Often, when someone has suffered prolonged abuse, they instinctively want to remain in control of things in their lives. They feel safer that way. By working with the horses, they learn to let go a little and work more as a team. Here at the ranch, there’s no judgment. Laura meets every individual wherever they are in their journey. She gave me a wonderful analogy, and said to visualize as you’re working with a horse that you’re giving all of your burdens and cares to them to carry for you. You walk them out to the pasture, turn them loose, and watch them run away—taking all of your burdens with them. Then, some of the other horses may come up, and they all start stomping the ground—as if they’re helping to stomp your troubles into the dirt so you don’t have to carry them any longer. The next time you’re having a rough day, remember that feeling of letting all of that go. How freeing!
Laura has even built ramps to accommodate folks who are wheelchair bound and can get them onto a horse and riding if they want. But if you prefer to keep your feet on the ground, that’s perfectly fine too. You’re welcome to come out and bring some carrots or apples to feed the horses and just talk to them.
Youngsters learn what is involved in caring for a horse. They learn to muck stalls, clean water buckets, feed and brush them. Horses can even be used to teach math and reading skills, thanks to Laura’s creativity. Helmets and all necessary equipment are provided, and volunteers and donations are always greatly appreciated, with all money going to the care of the animals. And speaking of animals, there are a lot more than horses here. You’ll also meet goats, donkeys, rabbits, ducks, pot-bellied pigs, and Rosco. He’s the resident Community Relations dog.
There’s really no actual cost to come to the ranch. Donate some money if you can, or bring a sack of feed or other needed supplies. Laura doesn’t want money to prevent anyone from benefiting from this peaceful retreat. Call ahead to schedule a time to visit. And be sure to wear boots or at least closed-toed shoes.
Find more information on their Facebook page, LivingWatersBridgeRanch, or call (850) 866-5418 to connect with the ranch.
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