THE GRACE STORY
Grace Rides began because a small group of people decided to take a small step towards a God sized vision to love and serve others by using the horses that encompass their daily lives to invest in the lives of people with all different abilities. Through this journey Grace has countless stories of God using selfless people to make a huge impact in the lives of of our amazing riders and their families.
Grace Rides was started in 2008, with a small core of volunteers, working out of the Oak Heaven Stables equestrian facility in Niceville. Our aim was to continue the good work of RACE (“Riding for Adults and Children With Exceptionalities”), RACE was Okaloosa County’s first therapeutic riding program. Mary Ellen Mayer, Helen Steels, and Linda Smith from RACE were great inspirations and we are truly grateful for the help they provided in launching Grace Rides. In addition to the support from RACE, we also had great help from Storybrook Farms, Opelika, AL, Shangri-La Therapeutic Academy of Riding, Lenoir City, TN, and Leaning Post Ranch, Molino, FL.
Since 2008, we have grown from a pilot program of 4 riders per week to over 35 rides per week in 2017. Last year, more than 5,800 hours were invested into our program by devoted volunteers, and we provided at least 890 rides for program participants.
Due to the incredible support of our community and generous donors we were able to build a 9,000 sq/ft barn in Defuniak Springs, FL. This allows us to serve more people and improve the lives of so many. We are planning on launching other programs for people that will continue to improve the lives of so many.
THE KING WILL REPLY, “TRULY I TELL YOU, WHATEVER YOU DID FOR ONE OF THE LEAST OF THESE BROTHERS & SISTERS OF MINE, YOU DID FOR ME.”
-MATTHEW 25:40
Notices Related to Our Non-Profit and Charitable Entity Status
Grace Rides, Inc. is the business entity that has been created to carry out the business of this ministry. It is a Florida not for profit corporation which was formed in 2008. The corporation is approved as a publicly supported charitable organization under the provisions of Section 501(C)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Charitable Solicitation Disclosure
GRACE RIDES, INC. 501-C-3 NON PROFIT CHARITY FED ID# 26-3084817. GRACE RIDES, Inc. will publish a detailed financial summary information as a part of its annual reports, financial reports, and IRS 990 forms. Financial information about GRACE RIDES, Inc. may be obtained by contacting us at 1560 Hickory Street, Niceville, Florida 32578; 1-850-897-1233, or as stated below:
A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE, 1-800-435-7352 WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. CH – 694