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Sponsoring riding lessons for those in need • Sharing Jesus and hope through horses 🐎

Origin Story Part 3 I’ve shared a little about my

Origin Story Part 3

I’ve shared a little about myself and who Anna was. Now I’d like to show you how the two became a vision.

I was once the little girl who asked for riding lessons, only to hear my mom say we didn’t have the money. I wasn’t good at sports. I struggled to feel confident in anything… except with horses. It was devastating. I was fortunate to own horses, but learning and growing without a mentor can be hard.

Fast forward to after Anna was born, and I began imagining what it would look like if more people could experience the gift of horses — without cost standing in the way.

In January 2024, that vision became a reality.

Through Anna Roan Ministries, we provide each participant with a scholarship to help cover the cost of riding lessons and time spent with the horses. For many families, the opportunity to learn about horses simply isn’t financially possible.
But we both know it’s so much more than riding.

Horses teach lessons that are hard to put into words — patience, confidence, responsibility, and sometimes even healing. Time with a horse creates space for conversations, growth, and moments that stay with someone long after the ride is over.

Since we began, we’ve had the privilege of serving more than twenty people through these scholarships and experiences with the horses.

And I am deeply grateful.

Grateful for every lesson.
Every volunteer who showed up to help.
Every prayer spoken over this ministry.
And every donation that made these opportunities possible.

This story is still being written.

If you feel led to be part of it, I would be incredibly thankful for your support. Every donation — no matter the size — helps us continue offering scholarships so more people can experience the joy, growth, and life lessons that horses bring.

You can give online today at annaroan.org/give

Thank you for being part of the story.

-Rachel Brown, Founder of Anna Roan Ministries

Origin Story Part 2: Who Anna Roan Was 💛 Meet Ann

Origin Story Part 2: Who Anna Roan Was 💛

Meet Anna Roan — my sweet baby girl who lived for 112 minutes and changed my life forever.

Losing a child at any stage is devastating. But losing her so quickly, before she ever had a chance to grow up, laugh, or be known by the world, brought a unique kind of pain.

For those 112 minutes, though, she was deeply loved.

I held her, studied every tiny feature, and tried to soak in every second I was given. And then, far too soon, I had to say goodbye.

The grief that followed was overwhelming.
My husband felt the loss too, but we processed grief very differently.

One day I called my pastor in tears and asked him to pray for me. He did — but he also gently encouraged me to spend time with my horses and do the things that once brought me joy.

So I did.

Many evenings were spent crying into my horse Poncho’s neck, letting my tears fall into his mane. That time felt sacred to me. I could cry without being heard by the rest of my family or kids. Horses had always brought me comfort, but during that season, those quiet moments became a place where I could grieve.

Anna Roan is the reason I wanted to help others experience the comfort, peace, and healing that horses can bring. In one of the darkest seasons of my life, God used a horse to help carry my grief when I couldn’t hold it alone.

And that is where this story truly begins.

Stay tuned to learn how the ministry began.

Anna Roan Ministries Origin Series | Part One Hi,

Anna Roan Ministries Origin Series | Part One

Hi, I’m Rachel, the founder of Anna Roan Ministries.

I’m a lifelong horse lover and grew up right here in Northwest Arkansas. I’ve been riding and loving horses since before I could walk. I grew up riding dirt roads, trails—and once, even to Patrick’s hamburger joint with change from the couch.

My cousin and I rode our horses there just to get hamburgers. Patrick’s is still there today, but Northwest Arkansas has changed a lot since then—and there was a whole lot less traffic back then.

I was incredibly blessed to grow up in a horse family, and there has truly never been a time in my life when we didn’t have horses.

They weren’t just something fun to do.
They were everything to me.

I was very shy as a kid and struggled deeply with self-confidence. But when I was with horses, all of that faded away. With them, I felt safe. I felt capable. I felt at peace. Some of my very best memories have been made with horses—moments that I still carry with me today.

Now, as an adult, horses are still woven into my life. I’ve made wonderful memories riding and camping with my husband—and now, watching my own children grow up loving horses too.

From as far back as I can remember, horses have been a source of joy, comfort, and steady peace in my life. Little did I know then just how instrumental they would become for me emotionally as life unfolded.

I look forward to sharing more in Part Two—about who Anna Roan was, and why she matters so deeply to this story.

It may not be great riding weather right now, but

It may not be great riding weather right now, but it is a great time to get your application in for an Anna Roan Ministries scholarship. 🐎
If you’ve been dreaming of learning to ride or connecting with horses, we’d love to help make that a reality. Apply now and take the first step.
https://annaroan.org/apply-for-the-program/

Nothing like the magic of horses! 🐴✨ This mom and

Nothing like the magic of horses! 🐴✨

This mom and daughter have been taking lessons together for a couple of months. These photos their instructor shared, capture perfectly the joy, peace, and connection that horses bring! We are so grateful to help make moments like these happen! 💛

#FamilyTime #HorseJoy #AnnaRoanMinistries

Everything changes. As a native to NWA, I’ve watc

Everything changes.

As a native to NWA, I’ve watched this area change tremendously.

Change isn’t easy, they say. Or sometimes it’s a welcome change.

But in a world that’s constantly changing, God doesn’t.
He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

And as I reflect on change—whether it’s change I’ve welcomed or bucked—God is the creator of change too, especially in the heart.

Where hurt, anger, or sadness once resided in my heart, God has given me healing, peace, and everlasting joy. But I’ve also seen Him work through His creation. Horses, in particular, are amazing at offering those same gifts.

I’m so honored that we get to be a small part of His work, bringing horses and people together.

If you open your heart to Him today, He can change it in the most amazing ways with His love that never changes.

Where Your Giving Goes in 2026 🤍 When we say your

Where Your Giving Goes in 2026 🤍

When we say your donation goes to riding lessons, we mean it.

Here’s a clear look at how our 2026 budget is stewarded:

🐴 68% — Scholarships (riding lessons for our participants)
🎁 4% — Gifts & encouragement for participants
📅 12% — Event costs
🗂️ 7% — Administrative fees
🧰 2% — Miscellaneous expenses
⭐ 7% — One reserved scholarship for special or urgent need

We keep administrative costs low on purpose, and this year we did increase event costs—but that’s because we secured a venue that’s closer, more accessible for Horses for Hope.

We’re also incredibly grateful to say: we made budget this last year. That alone feels like a gift and a testimony to God’s provision and to you—our supporters who believe in this work.

Thank you for trusting us, supporting us, and helping make riding lessons and hope possible for families in 2026. 🤍

I wrote a blog post with some reflections on our 2

I wrote a blog post with some reflections on our 2024 year, our second year in ministry. This is a vulnerable, honest post where I share some of the ministry struggles—and the blessings we are grateful for. And there is so much to be grateful for. -Rachel Brown, Founder

https://annaroan.org/choosing-obedience/

May we see Christmas through the eyes of a child—f

May we see Christmas through the eyes of a child—full of wonder and anticipation for the greatest gift of all.

Jesus came as a baby and was laid in a manger, a humble place much like a barn. A place where I so often experience God’s blessings.

This Christmas, may our hearts be filled with gratitude for His love and the hope He brings.

Merry Christmas and thank you for your support!

Can I be real for a moment? Fundraising is hard.

Can I be real for a moment? Fundraising is hard.

Some of our recent efforts—including Horses for Hope and our silent auction—didn’t bring in what we had hoped. That was discouraging, and we spent time praying and trusting God with what felt uncertain.

And God provided. Two generous donors stepped forward, and because of them, we will be able to continue our program in 2026.

We’re deeply grateful—not just for financial support, but for the reminder that this ministry is sustained by God working through His people. There are many needs this season, and generosity is never taken lightly.

If you feel led to support a non-profit you believe in, we encourage you to follow that nudge. Your giving truly makes a difference.

✨ Joyful Gifts Silent Auction is LIVE! ✨ We’re ex

✨ Joyful Gifts Silent Auction is LIVE! ✨

We’re excited to share a beautiful collection of handmade treasures, gift baskets, décor, books, and more—all generously donated to support Anna Roan Ministries.

From cozy home décor to artisan pieces, a wellness basket, and of course some fun horsey items, there’s something for everyone on your Christmas list (or a little something just for you!).

🕯️ Browse. Bid. Bless a ministry.
Your joyful giving makes all the difference.

Link to the auction:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/anna-roan-ministriess-silent-auction
🎁

It’s the perfect week to count our blessings, and

It’s the perfect week to count our blessings, and our hearts at Anna Roan Ministries are full.

We are thankful for Jesus — He is leading and guiding us every step of the way. Thank You, Lord.
We’re also thankful for the people He has placed in our ministry path:
• our participants, who are the heart of this ministry,
• our donors, who keep us going,
• our faithful volunteers, who are always there for us,
• our board members, who consistently support us,
• and every single person who has attended our events and supported us, it means so much!

Thank you.
We are truly grateful for the opportunity to serve our NW Arkansas community.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours. 🧡
“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good.” (Psalm 136:1)

We love seeing our participants grow in confidence

We love seeing our participants grow in confidence! 💛🐴
This sweet girl has been trotting and doing poles all by herself — and loving every minute of it!

Her mom told us, “She’s doing poles without help and trotting… she LOVES it!”
When we asked her what her favorite part of riding is, she said simply: “The horses.” 🥹💛

These moments are why we do what we do.
So proud of her!

✨ Silent Auction Donations Needed ✨ Horses have a

✨ Silent Auction Donations Needed ✨

Horses have an incredible way of bringing peace, hope, and healing — and that’s the heart behind Anna Roan Ministries.

Our Horses for Hope fundraiser was such a joyful day, but we didn’t quite meet our funding goal. To bridge the gap, we’re hosting a follow-up Silent Auction — and we’d love your help!

Do you, your business, or your family have something you’d like to donate?
🎁 Items can include gift cards, handmade crafts, themed baskets, services, or unique experiences — anything that blesses others and helps support our mission.

Your contribution will directly support our horses and ministry programs, and we’ll recognize your generosity at the auction and online.

🐴 To donate: message us here or email Rachel at info@annaroan.org

Thank you for being part of what God is doing through Anna Roan Ministries! 💛

Today I stopped by to visit Anna’s grave. 💜 It fe

Today I stopped by to visit Anna’s grave. 💜

It felt like the perfect time to share where this ministry truly began — with the loss of a baby. The ache that words can’t quite describe.

Out of that pain came a longing to do something bigger than the heartbreak — something that would bring light, hope, and purpose to others.

That’s how Anna Roan Ministries was born.
What began as grief became grace.
What started with sorrow grew into service.

I’ll always wish I could have held her longer, but I’m thankful that her short life continues to reach hearts in ways I never could have imagined. 🌿💜

#AnnaRoanMinistries #BeautyFromAshes #PurposeInThePain #FaithThroughLoss

Horses unlock something powerful inside of us—ther

Horses unlock something powerful inside of us—there is such peace and love in their presence.

It costs nothing to be kind. 💛

It costs nothing to be kind. 💛

Our hearts are heavy with recent events. In times

Our hearts are heavy with recent events. In times like these, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by grief and uncertainty. At Anna Roan Ministries, we are choosing to focus on Jesus.

Now more than ever, we are committed to investing in our youth—encouraging them to grow, rise above challenges, and discover their purpose. To our community, we hope to bring encouragement, light, and beauty in the midst of these difficult days.

Sometimes I think horses touch a part of your soul

Sometimes I think horses touch a part of your soul that words can’t reach. 💛

Applications are still open!! If riding lessons ha

Applications are still open!!
If riding lessons have never been in the budget then let us help!
We believe horses have the capacity to heal, encourage, and strengthen us. Let us help unlock that healing power of horses in your life!
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