March 31, 2025
Excitement and change have swept through Healing With Horses Ranch in recent weeks, with thrilling competitions, major improvements, and unexpected challenges shaping the journey ahead.
The nonprofit recently concluded its annual Donation Derby, a fun and lighthearted fundraising competition in lieu of Amplify Austin. During this roughly month-long campaign, each equine at the Ranch competes against one another to raise the most funds. Participants champion their chosen horse, mule, or donkey, using creative social media campaigns to rally support. This year’s competition remained fierce until the final moments, with Sweet Pea, the Ranch’s beloved donkey, securing victory just two minutes before the midnight deadline on the final day, after an extremely close race. In total, the event raised an impressive $12,893 to support the entire herd. Though all funds benefit the Ranch’s equines, Sweet Pea’s supporters might prefer to keep that detail under wraps.
In addition to fundraising successes, Healing With Horses Ranch has seen significant improvements in its infrastructure. A newly constructed fence now surrounds the front portion of the property, made possible through a grant secured by the Ranch’s founder, Patty D’Andrea. Volunteers worked diligently to remove the old fencing one pasture at a time, allowing professional builders from Stand Strong Fencing to install the new structure safely and efficiently. The Ranch has expressed immense gratitude for its dedicated facilities team, whose hard work made the project possible.
However, the past few weeks have also brought challenges. On the night of March 18th, a fully renovated RV, intended for use as a temporary counseling office, was stolen from Healing with Horses Ranch property. Volunteers had dedicated hundreds of hours across many months toward refurbishing the vehicle, installing new fixtures, hardwood floors, wallpaper, and a functional bathroom. The loss is a setback, but Healing With Horses Ranch remains resilient and determined to move forward despite the significant loss. Local news station KXAN further elaborates on this story here.
Looking ahead, the Ranch is honored to be one of three nonprofit organizations supported by Height Fight, a fundraising event hosted by Austin Bouldering Project, Westgate location. Set for Saturday, April 12th, from 8am to 8pm, the event will feature rock climbing competitions, entertainment, music, food, and raffles. All proceeds from competitor registration fees will benefit Healing With Horses Ranch, Every Dog Behavior Training, and Austin Parks Foundation. The Ranch has extended its gratitude to the Austin Bouldering Project for their generous support.
The beginning of spring is also bringing a beloved annual tradition back to the Ranch once again: the Egg Hunt & Spring Market. Scheduled for Saturday, April 19th, from 3pm to 5pm, this free, family-friendly event will welcome the community to search for Easter eggs along the Ranch’s trails, with equine friends lending a helping hoof. In the case of inclement weather, the event will be moved to the covered arena.
With continued community support, Healing With Horses Ranch remains committed to its mission of changing lives by building resilience, independence, and healing through the power of the horse.