Hello my friends, and welcome to another edition of the Gimli Gazette, where the world comes to sit at my feet and learn equine wisdom. You should consider yourself privileged to be reading these words that flow from my heart at no charge to you. It is my gift to humanity.
The first session (April-May) at Mercy Spring Ranch is about to conclude, so I decided that I would take a few moments to reflect on all that has happened. My thoughts are prompted by a young girl in the current session who wrote to me. She asks, “Do you really like it when we come here?”
This is a sweet question, so I am happy to answer it. I always feel that the ranch is at its best when the children are here in sessions. Apart from the joy that they all bring me, it is great to see the ranch being used for its intended purpose. We are here to be a blessing to the children; and if there were no youngsters here, we would not have much of a ministry. I love it when the children are visiting me. Every smile on their young faces as they leave the ranch is payment enough for me.
The ranch is so quiet when the children are not in session. Sure, there are a lot of chores to be done (which is why I have Miss Mo and Mr. John in my employ), but there is a strange stillness in the air when the ranch is not filled with the laughter of my young friends. I love it when they groom me. As a reward, I let them ride me around the arena or in the round pen. I often whisper encouragement in their ears when they are unaware of my doing so. They may be petting me, but it is I who is pouring out love to them in so many unseen ways.
The first session this year was a great success. In addition to riding horses, the children got to groom us, paint us, and even clean up poop around our paddocks. This is an experience that they cannot get from video games or watching television. This is real life, and I rejoice to be a part of their precious lives.
Well that’s all for now. Session two (June-July) starts next week, so I’ve got to get rested up for it. I’m sure that a horse cookie or two (hint, hint) will give me the energy that I need to better serve the children in the weeks to come.
Happy Trails,
Gimli May 28, 2026