Testimonials
Izithias
I am writing to share our family’s deeply grateful testimonial about the incredible program and team at Saint’s Under Saddle. Watching Izithias, navigating with his ADHD, has had its challenges, but introducing him to the horse ministry at Saints Under Saddle has been one of the best decisions we have ever made for his development and well-being. We have been so blessed and fortunate that we were introduced to Ms. Kimberly and her horse ministry program.
Before starting with Saints Under Saddle, Izithias struggled with coordination, confidence, and sensory overload. We had tried various traditional play therapies, and while it was helpful, we noticed a dramatic shift in his engagement and progress once he got on a horse. He loves working with Ms. Kimberly, Button and Bella. He states that is his favorite place to be.
The unique, rhythmic movement of the horse has done wonders for him. Since beginning his sessions, we have seen remarkable improvements, including:
· Physical Milestones: His posture, balance and coordination have improved significantly. We notice he is much more confident in his physical movements during everyday activities.
· Emotional & Behavioral Growth: The bond he has formed with his horse, Button, and Ms. Kimberly has boosted his self-esteem. He looks forward to every session and leaves with a sense of pride and calm.
· Communication & Focus: Being on a horse has greatly improved his sensory skills.
What makes working with Ms. Kimberly and Button so special is that to Izithias, it doesn’t feel like any kind of therapy that he has done in the past, it feels like an adventure. Ms. Kimberly treats him with such patience, expertise, and genuine care, and love, creating a safe space where he can truly thrive.
Saints Under Saddle Ministry has given our son a newfound sense of independence and joy that ripples into every other area of his life. We are profoundly grateful to Saints Under Saddle for dedicating their time and hearts and prayers to this life-changing work.
Thank you for all you do!
Minerva L.
Wade
My son has been a part of Saints Under Saddle since July 2025. When Wade first started Saints Under Saddle, he was having a lot of anxiety and depression due to changes in his life and family issues. He first came to Kimberly, very sad and very withdrawn with life. Learning how to ride a horse was one of the very small things that Saints Under Saddle has done in Wade’s life. It has shown him how to relate to animals, to find trust and faith in God. Button and the other horses helped build back his confidence in himself and helped him learn how to trust and love life again.
Wade also learns scripture and how it relates to life. It gives Wade peace knowing God is always watching over him. Kimberly has really helped him with her own testimony and how she relates to everything around her based on her faith in God. Wade has really come alive and blossomed. He is not the same boy that started but continues to grow each week in his faith when he goes to see the “saints” horses that are a part of Saints Under Saddle.
This ministry has been such a blessing for our family, and such a God send for my son. I could not thank Jesus or Kimberly enough for all the things that they have done for Wade and our family.
Thank you Kindly,
Holly H.
Bradley
The comment I hear most often from parents caring for adult children with intellectual and developmental disabilities is heartbreaking: “My child does not have friends. He is very lonely, just spending the day in his room playing Nintendo or watching television.”
That loneliness is their reality. While many people grow up, get jobs, marry, build families, and enjoy outings with others, our children with special needs are often unable to experience those milestones in the same way. Many do not drive, which makes something as simple as visiting a friend’s house a real challenge. That was the story of our son, Bradley, and why finding Saints Under Saddle has meant so much for us. It is a place where our adult child is welcomed, valued, and given the chance to belong. My husband and I rejoice daily. It is exactly what our son has needed and wanted for so long.
Since joining Saints Under Saddle a year ago, Bradley has grown in beautiful and meaningful ways. His self-confidence has soared, and his understanding of Jesus has opened up a whole new world of self-love, value, and purpose in his life.
One of the greatest joys for this momma heart to witness is how much Bradley looks forward to going to Kimberly’s peaceful home in the country, where the ministry called Saints Under Saddle takes place. He can’t wait to see his horse friends, Bella and Button, and to visit with Ms. Kimberly. He wakes up each morning asking whether it is Friday yet, because visiting them has become the highlight of his week. Bradley, Button, and Ms. Kimberly share a deep and trusted connection. I often stand back and take photos as they spend time together. Later, when I look at those photos at home, I am struck by something difficult to put into words. The peace I see on my son’s face when he is there, standing with that horse. The joy. The love. It feels as though the spirit of Jesus is hovering over them. I cannot see it, but I can feel it. It is a sacred time for them. He connects with Kimberly and Button in a way I rarely see him connect with anyone else.
After each visit, Bradley comes home relaxed, happy, and at peace. There are times when I take him, knowing that something is bothering him. I share my concerns with Kimberly ahead of time. She prays about it and has the wisdom to know when and how to bring it up with him. Sure enough, Bradley opens up and allows her into his heart, giving her the opportunity to speak God’s truth into the situation. She has him memorizing scripture and learning to discern God’s voice. They talk a lot about the sheep recognizing the Shepherd’s voice. Bradley’s faith is strengthened every time he goes. I love that for him!
Everywhere we go, he wants to tell people about Saints Unde rSaddle. Watching his growth, joy, and confidence over this past year has been an incredible blessing. Saints Under Saddle is leaving a lasting impact on his life. We are forever grateful to this ministry and for Kimberly Wagner
and the unconditional love she has for all people.
-Lynn M.
Sunny
Saints Under Saddle has been such a blessing to our family. As the mother of a
daughter with profound autism, I have seen firsthand how much riding horses helps herfind calm and regulation in a way that is hard to put into words. The peaceful environment, gentle horses, and caring volunteers create a place where she can simply be herself.
Saints Under Saddle has been such a blessing to our family. As the mother of a
daughter with profound autism, I have seen firsthand how much riding horses helps herfind calm and regulation in a way that is hard to put into words. The peaceful environment, gentle horses, and caring volunteers create a place where she can simply be herself. We’ve watcher her become more released, more engaged, and more at peace after each visit. We are so thankful for this ministry and the love, patience, and hope they pour into children like our daughter.
-Samantha C.
Brooklyn
It’s hard to believe that it has been five years since Brooklyn started with Saints Under Saddle. When I look back at pictures, she was so small and afraid. Her favorite words were, “I can’t do that!” For two years she prayed with Kimberly and Miranda to be brave. One of the first verses that Kimberly taught her was Philippians 4:13, “I
It’s hard to believe that it has been five years since Brooklyn started with Saints Under Saddle. When I look back at pictures, she was so small and afraid. Her favorite words were, “I can’t do that!” For two years she prayed with Kimberly and Miranda to be brave. One of the first verses that Kimberly taught her was Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” and week after week that became Brooklyn’s verse. From learning to lead Beau, to sitting on him and being led around, Brooklyn became more confident with each lesson.
As she progressed and gained confidence and strength, her next big challenge was learning what she called, “the superman jump” where she learned to jump up and mount Beau bareback. She was so afraid but as Kimberly encouraged her and reassured her that she truly can do all things through Christ, Brookly took a leap of faith and jumped up on Beau. The joy on her face was priceless, and I feel that day was an absolutely turning point in her life to have faith and believe that she CAN do anything.
Now when I look at her process, she can brush Beau by herself, she can carry the saddle and saddle Beau with some assistance, after all he’s pretty tall, and she has even learned to pick up his feet. I’m amazed by my little girl who has become “the girl who can!”. Now she’s learning to trot and learning how to do the barrel pattern. Although Kimberly and Miranda continue to speak into her life about being brave, she now willingly attempts to do all the new lessons each week. I am so proud of her and so thankful for Saints Under Saddle and the difference that they have made in her life.
- Sharon C.
McKenna
My granddaughter started her journey with Saints Under Saddle in 2025. Being able to participate in horse ministry each week has made such a meaningful difference in her life. The calm, supportive environment and connection with the horses have given her a safe place to process difficult emotions without feeling pressured to put everythin
My granddaughter started her journey with Saints Under Saddle in 2025. Being able to participate in horse ministry each week has made such a meaningful difference in her life. The calm, supportive environment and connection with the horses have given her a safe place to process difficult emotions without feeling pressured to put everything into words.
Over time, we have seen her become more comfortable regulating her emotions, working through moments of frustration and grief, and finding a sense of peace and connection. We are so grateful to Kimberly and Saints Under Saddle for the difference they have made in McKenna’s life.
Dorris T.
Heather
Kimberly is the heart of Saints Under Saddle. Her horses trust and obey her gentle instructions. My daughter has learned how to calmy interact with Bella and Button. Kimberly speaks “horse” and knows how to teach this special language to my daughter. Each lesson is underpinned by scripture and spiritual lessons. This ministry has been a
blessing in Heather’s life.
-Virginia JH