Happenings at the Ranch – May Edition

Gratitude Corner – May Edition 

We are continually in awe of the way God is moving and working in so many areas of the Ranch. Every day, we’re reminded that Runnin’ Free Ranch is sustained by the generosity, prayers, and dedication of the people who believe in this mission. Our donors, volunteers, and supporters truly mean the world to us.

Monthly Donor Spotlight: FBM

This month, we are honored to highlight FBM as our featured monthly donor. Their generosity and consistency have been such a blessing to Runnin Free Ranch. We deeply enjoyed our recent visit with their team and are incredibly grateful for their faithful support. Their partnership helps us continue serving our community in meaningful ways.

Celebrating Our Interns

We are blessed with the very best interns at Runnin’ Free Ranch. This month brings both a heartfelt farewell and a joyful welcome.

A heartfelt thank you to Chick-fil-A of Ennis for generously providing lunch to celebrate Caitlin, our counseling intern, on her last day at Runnin Free Ranch. We are so thankful for the time, compassion, and dedication Caitlin poured into serving our clients during her internship. Her impact has been truly meaningful, and we are grateful to have been part of her journey.

At the same time, we are excited to welcome our new marketing intern, Raema. We’re thrilled to have her join the team and look forward to the creativity and passion she will bring. Picture soon to come.

Every season at the ranch is shaped by the people God brings through our gates, and we are so incredibly blessed.

Off the Hoof with Zeke

Some afternoons at the ranch feel ordinary, and some settle deep into an old horse’s heart. This week gave me one of those moments.

Amy had finished a session and was sitting quietly in the grass when Jaime, our Director of Donor Relations, joined her after attending an Ennis Chamber of Commerce meeting. There, a mother openly shared about her family’s experience at the ranch years ago during one of the hardest seasons of their lives. She had lost a child, and her other son had lost his spark. I remember the heaviness he carried and the way he stood beside me like he wasn’t sure he belonged anywhere anymore.

But at that meeting, the mother shared something beautiful. She said the ranch helped bring her living son back to life. She watched the light return to his eyes and found peace here she could never replace.

And now? That young man is thriving. Strong. Successful. Living with the spark we all knew was still there.

Hearing that made this old horse’s heart swell with pride. I remember the moment he finally let me stand close, breathed a little deeper, and let the ranch hold him.

That’s the quiet healing of this place—steady, patient, life-changing work, one afternoon at a time. And sometimes, years later, we’re reminded why it matters so much.

From my pasture to your porch,
Zeke

Upcoming Events at the Ranch — May & Beyond

Horses for Mental Health Campaign – Begins May 1
We’re honored to share that we’ve been selected once again to participate in the nationwide Horses for Mental Health campaign. This initiative brings awareness to the healing power of horses and the importance of mental health support. We are excited to share that we have a $5,000 matching donation. When the Ranch receives $5,000 in donations a donor will donate another $5,000!!! Click HERE to give now to Runnin Free Ranch's Campaign in Horses for Mental Health in May!!!

✨ 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.