Tamar Reno

Tamar Reno

With an academic background in Native American Studies focusing on language revitalization, Tamar has taught at a tribal college, developed curriculum for universities and cultural centers, and collaborated on language immersion programs. She has also worked extensively in the nonprofit sector.

She and her husband John live at Bear Creek Farm, on the aboriginal hunting grounds of the Cherokee, near Tryon, North Carolina. Her days begin and end in the shelter of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

John and Tamar coexist with their three horse relatives and a dog, a dog who puts the “great” in Great Pyrenees.

Centering on kinship, Tamar utilizes Indigenous ways of thinking to explore and deepen horse-human relationships. She also traffics in words.

In this episode of Relatively Stable, I speak with Tamar Reno from her home at Bear Creek Farm in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Tamar shares her incredible journey of building a life centered around kinship, community, and the healing power of horses. As a scholar of Native American studies with expertise in language revitalization, Tamar intimately knows the power of words, language, and story.

This episode delves into Tamar's personal narrative, her connection to the land, and the challenges her community has faced in the wake of Hurricane Helene. Through profound reflections, Tamar shares how resilience, community, and the wisdom of her horses have shaped her life and guided her responses to unimaginable losses and change.

In this episode you’ll find:

• Tamar’s Journey to the Blue Ridge Mountains: From childhood dreams to finding her forever home at Bear Creek Farm, guided by her beloved First Horse.

• Relationship and Connection: Exploring the horse-human bond and what this wisdom can show us about building home and community.

• Navigating Hurricane Helene’s Aftermath: Tamar discusses the devastation caused by the storm, the ongoing trauma, and how her community has come together in transformative ways.

• The Power of Story: How storytelling and writing became Tamar's anchor and a tool for witnessing, processing, and healing.

• The Role of Community: Highlighting the grassroots efforts of local changemakers and the importance of direct support for individuals in need.

• Wisdom from the Herd: Tamar reflects on the lessons her horses continue to teach her, including the value of asking the right questions.

Resources and Links:

• Support Hurricane Helene Relief: Tamar and I emphasize the importance of giving directly to individuals and grassroots organizations. Visit my list of resources to find trusted ways to help.

• Explore Bear Creek Farm: Follow Tamar’s journey and daily reflections on Facebook.

• Small Business Support: Shop at the Tryon Equestrian Center to help local businesses and artisans affected by the storm.

• Previous Stable Roots essays about Hurricane Helene: Generous to a Fault, Survivor’s Guilt, Field Notes from Appalachia, The Southeastern US Needs You to Keep Talking About the Devastation of Hurricane Helene.

• Join the Stable Roots Community: Connect with me and others navigating life’s challenges through stories on Substack at stableroots.substack.com.

Quotes to Live By:

• "The risk of living an ungenerous life is far greater than the risk of being scammed." – Tamar Reno

• "Recovery doesn’t happen while trauma is still unfolding. And the trauma is still unfolding." – Tamar Reno

• “Story is — everything.” — Tamar Reno

• "Ask a different question. And then wait. The right question will come." – Tamar’s First Horse

Stay Connected:

• Follow Relatively Stable on your favorite podcast platform for more stories of resilience, connection, and the healing power of community and horses.

• Subscribe to Stable Roots for exclusive insights, behind-the-scenes stories, and a supportive community.

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Thank you for joining us on this journey of resilience and connection. Until next time, stay grounded, inspired, ever-curious, and follow me as I seek the questions that help us define what it means to be Relatively Stable. 🌟