Veteran Story
Emanuel's Story
"Healing often begins when we choose to care for something beyond ourselves."
Emanuel Soham-Miller served eight and a half years in the United States Marine Corps, first in communications and later in aviation operations and training. Today, with a bachelor's degree in psychology and as a graduate student, he works for BJC HealthCare supporting individuals within the community.
Along his journey, Emanuel found Grey Horse Equestrians — and more often than not, you'll find him cleaning stalls instead of riding.
"I've spent more time volunteering than riding," he said. "Caring for the horses and cleaning their stalls has become the most meaningful part of the experience."
Emanuel was introduced to Grey Horse through the veteran community. After attending a few sessions, life interrupted, and he lost touch with the program for about a year. When Executive Director Brenda Wasser reached out about a new session, he returned.
"Miss Brenda is the reason I came back," he said. "She's genuine. You can see it in the way she cares for people and honors the horses. Going to the barn feels more like being welcomed into her home than visiting a facility."
For Emanuel, the greatest gift isn't riding — it's serving. "It stinks, it's hard work, and when I'm done I'm exhausted. But it's the best kind of tired. I feel like I'm giving something back to the horses."
Caring for the horses is his way of expressing gratitude. "When I clean a stall or groom a horse, that's my way of saying, 'I see you.' It reminds me that healing often begins when we choose to care for something beyond ourselves."
When he does ride, Emanuel rides a horse named BB, whose stubborn personality reminds him of himself. "There's nowhere else you can be when you're riding an animal that won't let you stay in your head."
What Emanuel hopes others understand is that healing comes through the relationship itself. "There is a real, honest therapeutic effect to being around these horses. It's a beautiful experience, and I believe we'd all become better people if we had the chance to experience it."
After military service, personal losses, and the rigorous daily challenges we all face, Grey Horse has become part of how Emanuel continues choosing healing, his family, his community, and himself — one horse and one stall at a time.
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