A local woman is using her personal experience with loss to help others in the community who may be struggling.
Pam Siddall is the owner of RG Wellness and Care, a new business in Kirkton, focused on mental health support, companionship, and wellness services.
Siddall says these visits are not meant to replace therapy, but instead offer support for those who may not be ready or comfortable seeking formal help.
Along with this, Siddall has created an equine companionship program, combining her lifelong love of horses with her passion for helping others. She says working with horses can have a powerful impact on mental health.
After losing her father, Siddall spent much of her time at the barn with her horses. She says it was during that time she experienced firsthand how calming and healing animals can be.
The equine program is open to everyone, including people with disabilities. Over a series of guided sessions, participants learn how to safely interact with horses, understand their behaviour, and build a connection with them.
Siddall shared that one of her most powerful memories was riding her horse after her father’s death. In that moment with her horse, Bella, she says she felt a rare sense of freedom and release.
She says that experience helped her understand how deeply horses can connect with human emotions. Over time, she learned that horses respond to body language, stress, and even changes in heart rate, often mirroring the feelings of the person with them.
Siddall says there is still a stigma around mental health and suicide, and she hopes sharing her story will help others feel less alone.
Her message to anyone who may be struggling is to keep reaching out and try different types of support.
She adds that her goal is simple, to create a safe space where people feel supported, understood, and connected.
