Deanna's Testimonial

Ava Dodson
Jul 15, 2025
3 min read

Acacia is a tree that symbolizes Immortality and the Soul in ancient cultures. Acacia is the name of a horse I ride as often as I can. Is it any wonder that I’m drawn to her?

I rode in Half Moon Bay years back when my dad was dying of cancer because it helped me feel grounded and at peace. All I needed to do was saddle up and go. Yet despite how wonderful it was to ride, and how mystical and fantastic it felt to be atop my horse, there was never a “we” connection that I felt when riding. Back then my experience was focused on receiving what a horse gave to me.

Years and years passed, and as more losses came into my life, I was called to ride again. As timing often leads the way in my life, I came across an ad for a weekend retreat organized by Crescent Moon Center. I was intrigued by their unique combination of horses and art workshops, but I could not have anticipated that these workshops would have such a tremendous impact on me. The Equine-Assisted Learning facilitator had a deep connection with her horses, and a shared language that I had never experienced before. I came to understand the intricacies of horses and how I had much more to learn from them, than they had to learn from me. I learned the art of boundaries, timing, and a communication that was so subtle and yet absolutely clear. I experienced healing and the embodiment of joy through art as a creative process of self-discovery. I am grateful to Crescent Moon for these experiences and the opportunity to be part of a community, to learn from seasoned facilitators and apply those lessons to my life. Since then, I came to understand that my relationship with Acacia was capable of so much more, and that in addition to her making me feel better, she could also teach me about myself.

It had been many years since I rode a horse, and yet it felt like a natural thing. Because of my time with Crescent Moon, there is now a “we” with Acacia which is inclusive of spending time with her before I place a saddle on her back. I hope to develop this deeper level of connection and communication in my other relationships as well. It is a beautiful thing to pause and notice subtle details as our world can be chaotic at times. Horses and art can teach us a way of being present with no words at all. Crescent Moon provides such opportunities to take notice and just be. And for that, I am grateful.

I’m helping raise funds for Crescent Moon Center and hope you might consider donating. With your support, equine-assisted learning and experiential arts workshops could be coming to a ranch near you! Crescent Moon Center’s program is expanding from Rush Ranch in Solano County to the North, South, and East Bay through partnerships with private ranches, County Behavioral Health Departments, and other nonprofits that serve people in recovery from addiction or at risk for drug and alcohol dependency. The majority of program participants receive scholarships as I did. I am now a volunteer in the training program working toward becoming a co-facilitator of workshops in 2025.

Your gift - no matter the size - can help us provide scholarships to people who would otherwise be unable to participate in our programs.

Make a Difference Today

Your generosity not only supports Crescent Moon Center’s mission—it transforms lives. Please consider making a gift before December 31 to help us reach our goal.

Here’s how you can help: