A CENTER FOR 21ST CENTURY LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT:
Where horses and nature bring the best of leadership together for the dignity and benefit of all.
First Nature Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Your gift is tax-deductible and directly supports healing, leadership, and growth.
April 2026
First Nature Notes: Cultivating Connection and Change
Dear Friends of First Nature Foundation,
While we are grateful the chill of winter is behind us, we have already had a preview of summer here! The heat index has risen above 90 on several days over the past few weeks. We’re not complaining, though, as there have been some truly beautiful stretches of weather, and for a time the pastures responded with a vibrant flush of green.
More recently, though, those early spring rains have tapered off, leaving the forage dry and nearly crispy, so we’re still supplementing with hay. We always know the grass is at its best when the horses turn up their noses at the hay, and we are definitely not there yet. With rain in the forecast later this week, we’re hopeful the paddocks will green up once again.
Last month, I shared that our first-ever First Nature Foundation Impact Report was nearly complete. We’ve made a few additional refinements since so it should be out in the next few weeks!
In the meantime, it’s been a full and meaningful season at the ranch. We hosted our second quarter Nonprofit Roundtable, which was both well-attended and well received. We also launched our second Horse Wisdom for Heroes cohort of the year. We were also honored to receive a generous grant from continuing sponsor AdventHealth in support of our Parents and Spouses of Suicide virtual grief support group.
In addition, we’ve begun conversations with the Orlando Health Cancer Institute about bringing their patients, caregivers, and teams to the ranch for programming, and we’ve continued to pursue several new grant opportunities to further expand our impact.
This past Sunday, we held our spring fundraiser, a beautiful Ladies Afternoon Tea featuring a selection of wonderful teas, multiple courses of handmade savory and sweet treats, and a variety of thoughtful touches including engaging games, a flower arranging session, and plenty of meaningful conversation.
While we don’t yet have final numbers, this event was designed to support our Horses Healing Hearts program, and we are so grateful for the outpouring of support. Thank you to everyone who attended, participated in the silent auction, made donations, and shared such kind encouragement about our work. We are also deeply thankful to our sponsors and donors who made it possible to gift seats to individuals who are especially meaningful to First Nature Foundation.
We’re excited to carry that energy forward as we welcome a new group from Inner Hope Transformative Healing Group for our next Horses Healing Hearts session this coming weekend.
Our weekends are quickly filling with new programs and bookings! This Saturday alone, we’re hosting three events! With our 2026 calendar becoming increasingly full and new inquiries arriving each week, now is a great time to secure your date if you’re planning an event, retreat, or program the second part of the year.
If you haven’t visited yet, we’d love to show you around the ranch, introduce you to the horses, and explore how the space can support your vision. Simply reply to this email to start a conversation or use the buttons to schedule a tour or virtual meeting.
One of our offerings that continues to grow in popularity is our First Nature Foundation Serenity Sessions. For $60, you can spend a supervised hour with one of our horses, petting, grooming, walking alongside, or simply enjoying quiet connection (no riding involved). It’s a stress-reducing, grounding, and genuinely heart-lifting experience that tends to stay with you long after you leave.
Serenity Sessions also make a thoughtful and unique gift for someone you care about. In fact, one of our treasured staff members first came to the ranch for a Serenity Session, then became a volunteer, and is now part of our team. It really is that impactful! We recommend booking early to secure your ideal date and time!
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If you’re planning an event, retreat, or program and are searching for a unique setting, we’d love to welcome you to First Nature Ranch. Our calendar has been quite full since the beginning of the year, and we expect that momentum to continue as more groups discover and book the ranch. If you’ve been considering hosting something here, now is a great time to reach out and explore available dates before the calendar fills further.
If you haven’t visited yet, we’d be happy to show you around and talk through how the space might work for your event. Use the buttons below to schedule a tour. It’s a special place, and one we’re always excited to share with others who are looking for a peaceful, inspiring venue.
A note from Allyn, our Executive Director:
This past weekend resonated with us in a special way. Watching so many women gather at the ranch while showing up with openness, generosity, and a willingness to support one another. It was a powerful reminder of why our equine-assisted work matters.
Moments like these reflect what we’re building together: a place where women feel seen, supported, and connected, and where community becomes part of the healing process. We’re grateful to be growing this work alongside all of you and to continue expanding what’s possible for the women (and men!) that we serve.
Thank you for being supportive of our little nonprofit and the transformative work we’ve been doing for over four years!
From Our Herd to Yours,
Kerul and Crew
First Nature Ranch / First Nature Foundation
“Where the past, present, and future of leadership come together for the dignity and benefit of all.”
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