February 18, 2025
The new year is off to a galloping start at Healing With Horses Ranch, with fresh projects, milestone celebrations, and a few surprise adventures. From birthday cake to city outings and bittersweet goodbyes, the Ranch is always full of stories to share.
Behind the scenes, our facilities team has been hard at work making improvements that keep the Ranch safe and welcoming. The barn office is getting a long-overdue makeover, fences are being prepped for a facelift, and plumbing repairs after the recent freeze are well underway. Their hard work creates a safe, welcoming environment for the herd, clients, and volunteers.
January marked a milestone as Healing With Horses Ranch celebrated its 13th anniversary. On January 25th, we hosted a birthday party complete with cake, games, and a joyful round of “Happy Birthday.” Our founder, Patty D’Andrea, started this tradition to be a perfect way to kick off each new year of growth, resilience, and life-changing moments at the Ranch.
For the third year in a row, the iconic Paramount Theater in downtown Austin welcomed us for a photoshoot under the marquee as a spotlight for Amplify Austin. Oreo, our miniature horse, and Sweet Pea, our ever-charming donkey, stole the show as they greeted surprised onlookers outside the historic venue. These two are more than just adorable, they are ambassadors for the Ranch, who show the world the incredible connections possible between humans and equines. A huge thank you to the Paramount for making this experience possible.
With joy also comes sorrow. We said goodbye to our beloved pony, Angel, who crossed the “rainbow bridge” in the first days of the new year. Angel was more than just a pony. She was a teacher, a source of strength, and a symbol of resilience at Healing With Horses Ranch. After losing an eye to glaucoma in 2021, she never missed a beat, helping clients learn the power of communication and awareness. Her unwavering trust in those who cared for her reflected the supportive environment the Ranch provides. Angel had been battling the painful effects of founder and laminitis for some time, and despite every effort, her condition worsened beyond recovery. With her comfort in mind, we made the heartbreaking decision to let her go. In her final moments, she enjoyed a feast of sugary treats and green grass, embracing the love that surrounded her. Angel’s impact will never be forgotten, and her legacy will live on in the countless lives she touched.
As winter turns to spring, we have even more to look forward to. Before we know it, we will be planning our annual Easter Egg Hunt & Spring Market just around the corner. Be sure to stay tuned for details for our public events. We are excited to welcome the growing community back for another season of fun, learning, and connection.