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 brings more than 20 years of senior executive experience in the nonprofit sector, where she has helped advance mission-driven organizations across the country. Her work is rooted in a deep passion for meaningful impact—championing causes that strengthen communities, support vulnerable populations, and inspire long-term philanthropic engagement.
With a bachelor’s degree in psychology and political science from the University of North Texas and a master’s in international marketing, Ashleigh blends analytical insight with strategic vision. She is also a certified equine therapy practitioner, uniting her professional expertise with her lifelong love of horses. Ashleigh now focuses on bridging human and animal healing, continuing her education in equine rehabilitation to create transformative programs that empower both horses and the individuals they serve.
Through Winsome Acres, Ashleigh combines psychological principles with compassionate equine care to rebuild horses’ trust and prepare them for new roles as companion, therapy, or sanctuary animals. She is deeply committed to community education, offering programming centered on equine welfare, ethical horsemanship, and the therapeutic benefits of human–horse connection.
A lifelong horse owner and advocate for ethical treatment, Ashleigh champions the expansion of equine-assisted therapy as a powerful tool for personal growth, emotional resilience, and holistic healing. Her work stands as a testament to the strength of the human–animal bond—showing that with patience, expertise, and compassion, even the most wounded spirits can find their way back to connection and wholeness.


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