In a world driven by technology and constant motion, we’ve fostered a culture of distraction—one that distances us from meaningful connections and the experiences that ground us. When distraction becomes a way of life, we lose our sense of purpose. For our family, the most important work we do happens within the walls of our home, and Winsome Acres was born from that belief—a place to reconnect, to live with intention, and to create memories that bond us together.
Our ranch was built with love, rooted in family. Every nail, every piece of wood, was crafted by my husband, Greg, alongside our sons. It stands as a sacred space, a place that keeps us grounded as our boys grow, and if ever we feel lost, a place where we can come back to find one another again.
A year after purchasing our ranch, we realized we could give this special place a greater purpose—advocating for the unseen and unwanted horses.
Winsome Acres began as a simple dream—a place where horses and humans could connect through nature, care, and compassion. Over time, that dream grew into a refuge for horses who had been neglected, abandoned, or deemed “unwanted.”
Every horse that arrives at Winsome Acres carries a story. Some have been rescued from neglectful situations, others from auctions where their futures were uncertain. At our sanctuary, these once-forgotten souls are welcomed with open hearts and the promise of a new beginning.
Our hope is that by sharing our story, we can open hearts and inspire the next generation of caretakers.
—Ashleigh Hughes
Ashleigh Hughes has over 20 years of experience as a senior executive in the nonprofit sector. Throughout her career, she has been instrumental in advancing the missions of organizations nationwide to support causes and issues she is deeply passionate about. Her leadership reflects a steadfast commitment to making a meaningful impact through strategic philanthropy and mission-driven initiatives.
With a bachelor’s degree in psychology and political science from the University of North Texas and master’s in international marketing, she now uses her expertise to bridge the gap between human and animal healing. Ashleigh continues her education with a focus on the rehabilitation of horses, creating transformative programs that nurture both horses and the individuals they serve.
Combining psychological principles with equine care, Winsome restores horses' trust in humans, preparing them for new roles as companion or therapy animals. A horse owner since a young girl, Ashleigh advocates for the ethical treatment of animals and the expansion of equine-assisted therapy as a powerful tool for personal growth and healing as a testament to the resilience of both species, demonstrating that with the right care and compassion, even the most broken spirits can find their way back to wholeness.
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.