At The Easterseals Ranch in Nokomis, where therapy horses do much more than trot around, there’s one superstar who grabs all the attention: Missy. If she had a phone, she’d be on TikTok, showing off the latest mane styles and flaunting her best angles. Missy isn’t just a pretty face, though; she’s an important part of the Easterseals Southwest Florida therapy team, bringing her unique brand of sparkle and sass to every session.
In the interview below, Missy spills about life on the ranch, her favorite treats, and what makes her a star among her herd mates.
Q: Hey Missy! So, what’s it like being the most fabulous horse at The Easterseals Ranch?
Missy: “Oh, honey, it’s a blast! I’m telling you, life here is all about looking good, feeling good, and making everyone else look at least half as good as I do. You wouldn’t believe how many carrots I score just for batting my eyelashes! I’m the one everyone remembers.”
Q: We’ve heard you have a bit of a mischievous side. Any truth to that?
Missy: Laughs. “Who, me? Okay, maybe a little. I like to keep things fun around here. If I see a visitor who’s looking a little too serious, I might give them a gentle nudge—just to remind them we’re here to have a good time. And I might have a knack for sniffing out hidden treats… not that anyone’s complaining!”
Q: Do you have a favorite activity during therapy sessions?
Missy: “Posing, of course! And strutting my stuff. But I love being there for the kids, especially when they’re nervous at first. I’ll give them my ‘I’m-the-coolest-horse-ever’ look, and they relax. I mean, confidence is contagious, right? By the end, they’re smiling and maybe a little more stylish too—just from hanging out with me.”
Q: How does it feel being part of the Veterans and First Responders Program?
Missy: “It’s amazing! Those sessions are something special. I can tell when someone’s had a rough day, and I tone it down—just a little. Sometimes they just need a calm friend, and that’s when I bring out my ‘serious’ side. I love it when they come back week after week, and I get to see them lighten up a bit.”
Q: What’s your go-to look on a perfect day?
Missy: “Glad you asked! I’m all about a glossy mane with a slight breeze. And if there’s a chance of getting my photo taken, I’ll make sure my coat’s perfectly brushed. They call me the TikTok queen around here, so I have to live up to the name!”
A Star and a Friend
Missy’s charm is infectious, and she brings a dash of fun to everyone’s day at the ranch. With her eye for style and her heart for helping, she’s a star in her own right and a favorite among the team at Easterseals Southwest Florida.
For anyone who visits, Missy is sure to be a highlight of their time at The Easterseals Ranch.