Taking the Reins provides a second home and second family to our girls. And in times like the ones our student Pilar has been through the last year, that means more than words can accurately describe. But, we will try.

This year started with a shock to our Los Angeles community. Thousands of families lost their homes – their place of safety and security – to the flames that took over many parts of southern California. Pilar was one of those kids who suddenly found herself with her things, memories, and possessions gone. She was already an avid and active part of Taking the Reins, but 2025 was definitely one of transformation for her. A year that began with destruction took her to some monumental moments.

One of those highlights was when TA Prelude (Luke) entered the Taking the Reins program in early May. He is an accomplished purebred Arabian western pleasure horse who Program Director Liz Aulestia has known about for years. She anxiously waited for the day that he would join the TTR herd. Once he arrived, she knew just the partner for him. Liz has taught Pilar for many years. She rode barn-favorite Cyzzle as she learned basic skills and commands. And, although the show team fights for who can ride “Mr. Perfect” on Sundays, he is retired from showing. So, Liz had big dreams for Luke and Pilar. They competed at their first show in October, earning many first place ribbons and adoration from the stands. But, that isn’t what stands out about their dynamic.

“Luke just feels safe,” Pilar said when asked what her favorite thing about him was. “Luke and the other horses have helped me find trust. And being around them gives your mind a break from other things going on.”

This was not the first time that Pilar spoke about finding the ability to trust at TTR. She also talks about finding trust in the people at Taking the Reins – like staff, friends, and fellow show team members. Losing a home in a fire is traumatic. Knowing that Pilar can find comfort and trust here when navigating something so difficult, is really the whole point of what we do.

“I feel at home and content when I am at Taking the Reins,” she went on. These are powerful words coming from a girl who knows the pain of losing a home. Having her view TTR as a place she gets that same sense of calm and belonging is validating, but also a responsibility we do not take lightly.

“Pilar is a special kid,” Liz Aulestia shared. “In my position, it’s really fulfilling to watch these girls find their stride. She has grown so much in the last year, for many different reasons. She received our Peer Recognition Award this year because of her team spirit and willingness to help others.”

Pilar also mentioned TTR’s four pillars many times when reflecting on her experience. They are responsibility, confidence, teamwork, and leadership. She brought many of her answers back to these values that are engrained in TTR culture. These girls are getting to spend time with our amazing horses, staff, and one another, but there is always a bigger message being told to them. They understand that getting to help care for these horses comes with big responsibilities that help them grow up in meaningful ways.

As mentioned earlier, Pilar is part of the show team, which is a coveted place in TTR. They have a select group of horses who they travel with to local shows. But Liz helps them understand (with her guidance and support) that while these shows are fun, they also come with commitment and dedication. The girls handle all the care while at shows. That means early mornings and evening visits for feedings, doing all the grooming and preparation of the horses, along with cleaning their stalls and tack. Opportunity comes with hard work, which is a lesson that pays these girls forward in so many ways.

“Liz has taught me even more about responsibility,” Pilar spoke about show team further. “She keeps us all in check. My other teammates have learned that when one of us makes a mistake, we should all help each other. We all have a really special bond.”

What Taking the Reins provides is priceless. But, it does come at a cost. Please donate what are able so we can close 2025 with a boost of generosity to help more girls like Pilar as they navigate the ordinary (and unimaginable) days.

And because sometimes things are best “right from the horse’s mouth,” here is one of Pilar’s answers below.

“Why should people give to Taking the Reins?”

“It is near to so many people. It has helped so many young girls not just learn how to ride, but how to make more friends and learn the importance of our four pillars.”