Horseback Riding Helped Middlesex Teen Overcome COVID-Related Anxiety

MIDDLESEX, NJ — We all know student athletes who also bring their A-game to other parts of their lives.

Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize these heroes making a difference in their communities. We’re working to let all your neighbors know these individual stories.

This submission comes from a Middlesex boro woman who nominated her teenage daughter. She said she wants to give her daughter recognition because, like so many New Jersey teens and pre-teens, the girl suffered depression and anxiety in the coronavirus lockdowns and virtual learning.

This was because the young woman could not longer go to school in person, nor could she continue her beloved ballet lessons.

It was only when her mother signed her up to ride horses at Mt. Gilead, a horseback riding camp in Pennsylvania, and signed her up to volunteer with Crazy Faith Riders of NJ that she noticed a turnaround in her daughter.

Star student athlete’s name

Zahara M. Sanchez

Star student athlete’s home state

New Jersey

Star student athlete’s Patch town

Middlesex

What sport does the star student athlete play?

Equestrian

Why do you believe the star student athlete should be recognized?

Zahara was formerly a dancer at The American Repertoire Ballet in Princeton and with the onset of COVID she lost interest as classes were held virtual. She also began to have some mental health issues related to depression and anxiety, said her mother, Zunilda Sanchez.

"She fell into a depression and was also having anxiety and mood swings," said her mother. "She would not be motivated to complete tasks and was not doing well in school."

"I was able to get her into Mt. Gilead, a horse riding camp in Stroudsburg, PA, and her passion for riding grew. She also began volunteering at Crazy Faith Riders of NJ during their community service events."

Crazy Faith Riders is a Central Jersey horseback riding group that also incorporates a Christian message and promotes the work of Jesus Christ.

Her mother said that working with the horses and being outside proved to be the perfect way for her daughter to forget about her anxiety and depression.

"Mt. Gilead offered her a gift: A way to connect with nature and being away from home for recreation and having the opportunity to be with the horses was a great way for her to spend emotional energy and keep her mind occupied."

"With Crazy Faith Riders of NJ she provides literature about horse(wo)manship and teaches her peers about her love for horses by giving out stickers and hosting the information table at local events."

Today, two years after the pandemic, her daughter is now thriving.

"She’s earned her bronze award from Girl Scout Troop#81105 for her project in the community, which led to an animal food collection pantry because there was already an existing food pantry in place in Middlesex. She did this so people who had food scarcity could also feed their pets. She also did an animal food collection drive at South Plainfield Middle School and even marched in the Plainfield 4th of July parade this past summer," said her mother.

What's one thing you want everyone to know about the star student athlete?

"Zahara is one of five girls and she has taken herself into the sport with enthusiasm, commitment and discipline. She finds refuge in her time with horses and she’s an avid animal lover. She also enjoys serving her community."

Keep up the great work, Zahara Sanchez!

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Know someone making a difference in town? Nominate them as a local hero here.