Happenings at the Ranch – June Edition
Gratitude Corner – june Edition
A Season of Growth and Blessing
As we look around the ranch this month, we are reminded of how many lives are being woven together to make this mission possible. Every volunteer, donor, prayer, and act of kindness becomes part of the story God is writing here, and we never want to take that for granted.
Because of your incredible support, we surpassed our Horses for Mental Health campaign goal, raising $10,800. What an amazing reminder that when a community comes together, healing and hope become possible for so many individuals and families.
We are also excited to welcome a wonderful two interns and a part time licensed professional counselor-associate who are joining the journey. Kristy is gaining hands-on experience in equine-assisted psychotherapy while being mentored in Natural Lifemanship principles. Her heart is to help people move beyond simply surviving and begin truly thriving.
Raema, our marketing intern from Nelson University, shared that she was looking for a place where she could make a genuine difference. She told us that the first thing she noticed about Runnin' Free Ranch was the heart behind the work and knew she would grow not only professionally, but personally, by serving alongside this community.
Soon, we will also welcome Morgan, our counseling intern from Tarleton. We are already thankful for the compassion, dedication, and fresh perspective she will bring to the ranch.
Each month brings new opportunities to witness healing, connection, and hope. Thank you for being part of this mission and for walking alongside us as God continues to work through Runnin' Free Ranch.
Off the Hoof with Eli
Some days at the ranch feel simple… and then there are days when something sacred happens right in front of you. When the veterans from Serenity Village came out this week, I, Eli, met someone I won’t forget. I don’t speak in words, but I feel things deep. And the moment this fella walked toward me, I felt a heaviness on him — the kind of tired that sinks past the muscles and settles
into the soul.
Not just worn out… but the tired of someone who hasn’t had a safe place to lay his head or rest his heart in a long while. He reached out slow, almost unsure if he deserved gentleness. I stepped closer anyway.
There was a longing in him — for connection, for safety, for a moment where he didn’t have to be strong. I’ll never understand how someone who served this country can come home and still have to fight battles no one sees. But I did understand the ache in his spirit. Horses know when a heart is hurting.
So I breathed with him. I stood still with him. I let him lean into my warmth.
And in that quiet space between us, something shifted. I felt strength rise in him — not loud or showy, but steady, like a small flame refusing to go out. I felt peace settle over him, soft and slow. And I felt hope… fragile at first, but real.
Our connection wasn’t complicated. It was honest. It was needed. It was healing.
Sometimes all a person needs is a moment where they’re seen — truly seen — without judgment, without pressure, without fear. That day, I got to be that moment for him.
And I won’t forget it.
Signed, Eli Your friend on four hooves
Upcoming Events at the Ranch — June & Beyond
✨ Save the Date: Annual Fall Gala — September 19 Our Annual Fall Gala is officially set for September 19 at the historic Telico Gin.
This year, we’re stepping into a bold new direction — a refreshed look, an elevated atmosphere, and an evening you won’t soon forget. We’re keeping a few surprises under wraps for now, but trust us… what’s coming in September is worth the wait.
💛 Join Us in Making a Lasting Impact
Horse sponsorship - Check HERE to learn about our horses stories and consider sponsoring one of our SPECIAL therapy horses.
As we continue to grow and serve our community, we are prayerfully hoping to expand our family of monthly supporters. Your ongoing generosity sustains the daily work of the ranch — caring for the animals, supporting our programs, and creating a place of hope and healing.
If you feel led:
👉 Click HERE to become a recurring monthly donor OR make a one‑time gift
Every gift, no matter the size, helps us continue the mission we’ve been entrusted with. Thank you for believing in this work and walking alongside us in such meaningful ways.
