How Horses Bring Joy, Movement, and Connection in Dementia Care | with Dr. Beth Fields

Breathe with Intention: Focus on your breath. Inhale deeply, hold for a moment, and exhale slowly. Conscious breathing helps neutralize overwhelming emotions and brings a sense of calm.
Be Your Own Comfort: Imagine what you would tell a dear friend who was feeling the same way. Now, say those kind, reassuring words to yourself. Whether it’s a phrase like, “It’s okay to let go” or “I’m safe now” , affirmations can help soothe your mind.
Anchor Yourself: Use your senses to ground yourself in the present moment. Notice what you see, hear, or feel around you. This practice helps disrupt the rumination cycle and reorients you to the here and now.

E144
30:49
May 8th 2026

What if care could also look like fresh air, nature, and the gentle rhythm of a horse?

In this heartfelt episode, Isabel speaks with Dr. Beth Fields about Riding in the Moment, an adaptive horseback riding program created for adults living with dementia.

Together, they explore how horses, movement, and community can support joy, connection, balance, long-term memory, and moments of relief for caregivers as well.

This is a hopeful conversation about the many ways care can remain meaningful, human, and deeply connected to what brings us alive.

A Time to Care: The Caregivers Podcast

I’m Isabel Melgarejo, and I was raised never to talk about the uncomfortable things in life and to put myself after everyone else’s needs (just like any other woman I know). In college, after Dad’s passing, I had to change all my beliefs. I had to talk about death, about my mom’s future, and I had to ask for a LOT of favors.

After connecting with many caregivers when I moved to Texas and remembering one of the toughest seasons in my life, I created a program to help caregivers navigate these very uncomfortable conversations and help them through their particular journeys with their loved ones. In this podcast, I want to share advice on how to prioritize your mental health, how to have those difficult conversations, and how to talk you out of feeling guilty and overwhelmed.