January 2026 First Nature News

January 2026
First Nature Notes: Finding Light in the Winter Months

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Dear Friends of First Nature Foundation,

What a roller coaster of a winter we have had so far! There have been frigid nights and mornings in the 30’s, followed a few days later with 80+ degree afternoons – swinging right back into cold weather advisories the next day. This weekend we will segue into February and we’re bracing for the coldest temperatures yet, dipping into the 20s. Brrrrr!!!! Still, we consider ourselves lucky that the warmer days outnumber the chilly ones, unlike the snowdrifts and ice the rest of the country is encountering this winter.

We kicked off our 2026 with our first Horse Wisdom for Heroes veteran’s cohort of the year earlier this month, welcoming a brand-new group of men from The Transition House. Their eagerness and excitement to participate has meant so much to the staff and volunteers who help make these programs possible.

We also had the pleasure of hosting The Education Foundation of Osceola County for their second Horseplay for Leaders program at the ranch. The feedback they shared was incredible:

“…[T]he reflections that emerged were incredibly meaningful. Team members shared how trying something new and courageous with the horses expanded their sense of what’s possible — not just in that moment, but in how they approach work, relationships, and personal choices. There was deep awareness around the energy they bring into interactions and a strong sense of mutual support as they navigated different levels of comfort and courage together. What stood out most was how naturally the experience translated into everyday leadership: increased confidence, intentionality, connection, and even joy. For some, being with the horses sparked a desire to seek out more of that kind of grounded, life-giving presence moving forward.”

Do you work in coaching or mental health — or just feel curious about a purpose-driven career helping people alongside horses?

We’re thrilled to host an Equine Experiential Education Association (E3A) Demo Day on Saturday, February 21 from 10am-2pm. This one-of-a-kind event invites you to experience how Equine Experiential Education fosters personal growth, strengthens leadership skills, and builds deeper team connections through guided, group-based interactions with horses.

Five First Nature Foundation staff members (myself included!) began E3A’s certification program earlier this month, and our ranch will be hosting a 5-Day Certification Capstone later this year. This Demo Day is the perfect opportunity to get hands-on experience, participate in guided activities, explore real-world applications in coaching, education, and team development, and connect with others doing meaningful, impactful work in this field.

The day offers a unique chance to experience the power of the horse–human connection and understand why so many people feel called to this work. Whether you’re a coach, therapist, equine professional, or simply curious, you’ll leave inspired — and maybe even ready to explore E3A’s training programs more deeply.

E3A DEMO DAY

The following week, we’re proud to host Horse Fair Day on February 27, held in partnership with the Horses and Humans Research Foundation as part of their annual conference. Horse Fair Day offers a unique opportunity to experience equine-assisted learning and development in a hands-on, interactive setting, while also highlighting the important research that supports the powerful connection between horses and humans.

I and our team have also been invited to attend the conference following Horse Fair Day, where leaders and researchers in the field will gather to share insights, evidence-based practices, and the latest developments in equine-assisted work.

If you’re curious about Equine-Assisted Learning and Development, we invite you to join us for Horse Fair Day.

HORSE FAIR DAY REGISTRATION

We will be hosting another Nonprofit Roundtable on Monday, March 30th as part of our first quarter 2026 gatherings. If you missed December’s high-energy event, this is a great chance to join us.

You don’t have to be a nonprofit leader to attend! This group is for anyone who wants to connect with local changemakers supporting our community. We typically meet at the ranch from 10:00am – 1:00pm, featuring guest speakers who share practical insights on what it takes to run a successful nonprofit, along with collaborative discussions on how we can support one another.

Interested in joining us? Send us a message because we’d love to include you.

Are you local? Do you find our work uplifting and engaging? We’re looking for a few additional local board members — community-minded folks who can offer just an hour or two a month (no more, we promise!) to help our small but growing nonprofit move to the next level.

Interested in learning more? Simply reply to this email — we’d love to connect with you.

Our calendar is filling up with new bookings at our scenic First Nature Ranch facility, so now’s the time to reserve your date! If you’re planning an event, retreat, workshop, or program and need a unique, inspiring venue, we’d love to host you.

Dates are going quickly, so don’t wait. If you haven’t visited First Nature Ranch yet, come see it for yourself — the photos just don’t do it justice.

We might be a little biased, but nearly everyone who visits comments on how special the space feels — and we’re proud to offer it at reasonable, accessible rates.

Reply to this email to schedule a tour or starts a conversation, or click the appropriate button below to book a visit.

SCHEDULE A MORNING TOUR

SCHEDULE AN AFTERNOON TOUR

Valentine’s Day is around the corner! Could a Serenity Session be the perfect gift for your sweetheart? It’s a delightful, relaxing, rejuvenating supervised hour with one of our horses. Booking one early allows you to pick your ideal date and time!

PURCHASE A GIFT CERTIFICATE

A note from Allyn, our Executive Director:

January can be a strange month for many of us. Some of us feel energized by the freshness of a new year, eager to start something new and dive into the possibilities ahead. Others move a little slower, caught in the wintry darkness, waiting for the warmer days to bring back their spark.

No matter where you find yourself on that spectrum, this time of year is a gentle reminder that growth doesn’t always happen in leaps and bounds. Sometimes it happens in small steps, quiet moments, and acts of connection. We see it every day in the people and horses who show up, ready to learn, support one another, and embrace whatever comes next.

As we move deeper into 2026, I hope you find a little space to breathe, reflect, and celebrate the small wins along the way; whether that’s trying something new, lending a hand, or simply showing up for yourself. Here’s to a year of curiosity, courage, and connection.

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.”

A CENTER FOR 21ST CENTURY LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT:

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January 2026
First Nature Notes: Finding Light in the Winter Months

January 2026 First Nature Notes: Finding Light in the Winter Months

January 2026
First Nature Notes: Finding Light in the Winter Months