February's Newsletter: Straight from Peaches the Cow's Mouth
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Straight from |
Moo there, friends!
As I swish my tail and look ahead at all the exciting things happening at Bit of Faith Ranch, I can’t help but feel grateful to be part of this special place. From my pasture view, I see joy, courage, and connection growing every single day. It’s not just the grass that’s thriving — it’s our riders, families, volunteers, and community too.
I’m especially excited about our upcoming Moms + Caregivers Roundup on Thursday, February 19th from 6:30–8:30pm at Redeemer Church (190 S Roscoe Blvd, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082). It will be an evening of creativity and connection as everyone makes a DIY Bunny Centerpiece — a sweet little touch of spring to take home. I may not have thumbs, but I’d absolutely make one if I could.
As winter winds down, there’s a fresh excitement in the air because our Spring Adaptive Riding Season is just ahead! Spring at the ranch means new goals, growing confidence, stronger riders, and proud moments in the saddle (my favorite kind of fence-line entertainment).
And because ranch life isn’t all work and hay bales, we’re also looking forward to our monthly moo-vie outing — this time to see GOAT! I’ll try not to take the title too personally.
There’s so much to look forward to, and I can’t wait to see all that this next season brings.
Winter has kept us busy at the ranch as our Winter Adaptive Riding Season and Mustang Learning Program continue in full swing. Even with chilly mornings, there’s been no shortage of determination, growth, and progress.
Of course, winter ranch life comes with its own adventures. Blankets go on and off the horses faster than I can flick my tail, water buckets freeze overnight, and the humans make early-morning “bucket patrol” rounds to keep everyone comfortable. It’s extra work — but that’s how love shows up around here.
We’ve also given a little extra care to one of our horses who wasn’t feeling their best. Around this herd, when someone needs extra attention, everyone steps in. That steady care is part of what makes this place so special.
Behind the scenes, we’ve completed important fencing work along the property line to keep everyone safe and secure — including a certain mischievous pair of goats. These projects may not be glamorous, but they help ensure our riders and horses have strong, safe spaces to learn and grow.
As for me and my mom, Trixie? We’ve been supervising from the pasture. Very important work. Between the crisp air, busy barns, and all the learning happening, winter at Bit of Faith Ranch has been full of heart — even if my nose is a little cold.
This past month brought both joyful moments and a time of heartfelt remembrance for our ranch family. As a community that walks through every season together — the happy ones and the heavy ones — we paused to honor a life that deeply touched Bit of Faith Ranch.
With heavy hearts, we share the passing of Michael “Sean” McGowan, beloved husband of our Board President, Cari McGowan. Sean peacefully concluded his courageous battle with Multiple Myeloma on January 15, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. He was a devoted husband, proud Marine, loving father, and cherished friend to many. His strength, humor, and unwavering love inspired all who knew him.
Sean also shared his heart with Bit of Faith Ranch as a volunteer consultant and occasional referee, always cheering on our board, riders, and families with encouragement and kindness. We are profoundly grateful for his support and the ways he helped lift up the individuals and families we serve.
Please join us in keeping Cari and her family in your prayers during this difficult time. We hold them in our hearts and honor Sean’s life and legacy with deep gratitude.
Even from the pasture, I see how much love shows up through our donors and families, whether giving directly or through Donor-Advised Funds. Every lesson, every milestone, every quiet moment of connection exists because people choose to invest in this place and the riders we serve.
These gifts may happen behind the scenes, but their impact is everywhere. They care for our horses, support programs and volunteers, maintain our facilities, and make adaptive riding accessible to families who need it most. That’s the kind of generosity that keeps the ranch moving forward — even when my hooves are standing still.
Each gift represents someone who believes in courage, growth, and connection. You’re helping riders build confidence, families find community, and moments of encouragement happen week after week.
From this grateful cow — and our whole two- and four-legged crew — thank you. Your generosity is part of every smile, every milestone, and every brave step at the ranch.
With a full heart and a happy moo,
Peaches
Check out our Upcoming Events Here: https://www.bitoffaithranch.org/events
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