At Easterseals Southwest Florida’s The Easterseals Ranch, Grace is known for her gentle wisdom and quiet presence. With a lifetime of experience and a calm that only comes with age, she’s the matriarch of the herd, lending her patience and soothing demeanor to everyone she meets. Born in 1993, Grace has been part of the ranch for many years, touching lives with her steady spirit.
Grace isn’t one to rush—she knows that healing and trust take time, and she brings that philosophy into her therapy sessions. Here, she shares a bit of her story and what it means to be the wise elder at The Easterseals Ranch.
Q: Grace, you’ve been around for a while. What’s your favorite part of life here at The Easterseals Ranch?
Grace: “Oh, you know, I’ve seen a few hayrides in my day. But this place, it’s different. There’s a peace here. My favorite part is watching people come in feeling one way and leave feeling lighter. Being a part of that transformation, just by being myself, is a gift.”
Q: You have a calm, comforting energy. How do you help people who may be nervous?
Grace: “Patience, dear. I take my time, and I let them take theirs. We don’t have to do much—sometimes, it’s enough just to stand together quietly. I’ve learned over the years that silence can be a friend, too. I like to think people can feel that calm when they’re with me.”
Q: What role do you play in the therapy sessions, especially with younger children?
Grace: “I’m here to listen. With the kids, it’s about creating a safe space where they can be themselves. Sometimes, they talk to me as if I’m an old friend, and I don’t mind that at all. I just stand close, let them know I’m there, and wait. You’d be surprised at how much trust that builds.”
Q: Do you have a favorite moment or memory from your time at The Easterseals Ranch?
Grace: “There was a young girl, very quiet and shy, who came here every week. She would only talk to me—wouldn’t say a word to anyone else. Little by little, though, she started to smile, then laugh. One day, she whispered, ‘Thank you, Grace.’ Those are the moments that stay with me.”
Q: What advice would you give to anyone who comes to visit you at the ranch?
Grace: “Slow down. Life moves fast, but here, we have time. Take a deep breath and let things be. Trust takes time, but there’s no rush—we’ll get there together, one step at a time. After all, it’s not a race; it’s a journey.”
A Soothing Presence
Grace’s quiet strength and wisdom make her an anchor at The Easterseals Ranch. Her gentle approach and patience have brought comfort to countless visitors, especially those seeking a calm space to heal and reflect. She’s more than a therapy horse; she’s a teacher of life’s gentler lessons. Meeting Grace is like meeting an old friend, and for anyone lucky enough to spend time with her, the experience is unforgettable.