Nestled on Hickory Street in Niceville, Florida lies a small two acre ranch that is home to some incredibly special horses. Grace Rides was founded in 2009 by program director, Sherry Hall and a small core of volunteers striving to extend the benefits of equine-assisted activities and therapies to individuals with special needs.
Equine therapy offers a unique and incredibly beneficial opportunity for these riders. Besides being a fun activity, therapy sessions provide many physical benefits, including improvements in balance, posture, reflexes, motor skills, and hand-eye coordination. The riders are also able to develop bonds with the horses, learning how to feed, groom, and tack before and after their riding sessions. Currently Grace Rides has 11 horses of different sizes and breeds, making it possible to pair each student with a suitable match. Sherry and her team of volunteers pour their hearts into each session, making riders feel safe, valued, and important. With so many physical and emotional benefits that come along with equine therapy, and so many families in need of these services, the program began to grow in size without ever advertising its facility.
With a growing waiting list of families, it became clear that the program was outgrowing its little ranch and the team started dreaming bigger. In 2015, a beautiful grass-covered, hilltop site was purchased by Steve and Sherry Hall to serve as the future home of Grace Rides. Located near Defuniak Springs, this 10 acre site will be home to a fully accessible equine therapy barn facility. The dream plan includes a 9,000 square foot barn space, dressage-size arena, shaded sensory arena and riding trails, covered tacking bays, fully accessible restrooms and classroom areas, as well as a horticulture area for work and study opportunities. In the next phase of planning, Sherry and the team hope to add a covered arena, 2+ miles of walking/riding/nature trails, cabin housing for camps, and a multipurpose building to serve as an auditorium and cafeteria. With big plans ahead, Grace Rides aims to improve and increase program service capability for children and youth with special needs, and create a safe and extraordinary space for healing and giving back to the community.
As a non-profit organization, Grace Rides still has a long way to go to make this dream a reality. The fundraising team has received some huge blessings from local organizations, such as Impact 100, to put towards the construction of their new facility. Whether it’s a donation, volunteer, or supplies, every bit of help is welcomed and greatly appreciated, and no one is more deserving than these helping hands and hooves.
To learn more about Grace Rides click here, and if you are interested in contributing to this special project, please visit the Grace Rides donation page here.
