Healing Begins Here
A Place where People Grow and Heal!
Life can leave us carrying burdens that feel too heavy to bear—grief, trauma, stress, illness, burnout, or the weight of caring for others. At Open Spaces Sanctuary, we believe healing begins when we reconnect with ourselves, with nature, and with the quiet wisdom of horses. Nestled in the peaceful countryside of Ocala, Florida, Open Spaces Sanctuary offers transformative equine-assisted learning experiences designed to restore hope, build resilience, and inspire lasting personal growth. Here, people and horses come together in a safe, supportive environment where authentic connection leads to meaningful change. Whether you are seeking healing, personal growth, or simply a place to breathe again, you are welcome here.
Larry, a retired military veteran, legally blind discovering the grounding connection between horses, presence, and simply being in the moment.
Healing Begins Here
The Healing Power of Horses
Horses have an extraordinary ability to reflect what we are feeling without judgment or expectation. They respond honestly to our emotions, energy, and intentions, helping us become more aware of ourselves in ways words often cannot.
Through guided, ground-based experiences—no riding—participants discover greater confidence, healthier boundaries, improved communication, emotional resilience, and renewed hope. Healing doesn't happen because of what we do to the horses. It happens because of the experiences and relationships we build with them.
Who We Serve
Who We Serve
Open Spaces Sanctuary welcomes everyone navigating life's challenges while offering specialized programs for:
No matter your story, you’ll find compassion, acceptance, and support here. Every person who comes to Open Spaces Sanctuary brings different experiences, needs, and goals.
What We Offer
Our Programs
Every person arrives with unique experiences and goals.
That’s why our programs are thoughtfully customized for the people we serve—meeting each individual where they are and creating space for connection, growth, healing, and confidence at their own pace. There is no one-size-fits-all approach here. We listen, we adapt, and we walk alongside each person throughout their journey.
Retreats
Immersive one-day and multi-day retreats offering space to reflect, recharge, and rediscover yourself.
Group Workshops
Interactive experiences that strengthen communication, trust, teamwork, and connection.
Private Sessions
Individualized experiences focused on healing, personal growth, confidence, and emotional well-being.
The Herd
Meet Our Horses
Every horse at Open Spaces Sanctuary has a story. Some of our horses are rescues who have overcome hardship and found safety, care, and a second chance. Others have simply found their way to us and into a new purpose. Together, they become remarkable teachers—offering honesty, patience, trust, and unconditional acceptance to every person they meet. Our horses are not tools. They are partners in healing.
Our Founder
Donna Blem
Open Spaces Sanctuary was founded by Donna Blem, whose lifelong passion for horses and service has impacted thousands of lives. As the co-founder and Executive Director of one of the nation's largest therapeutic riding centers, Donna spent over two decades building programs that changed lives while mentoring staff, volunteers, and equine partners. Her experience in nonprofit leadership, equine-assisted learning, and natural horsemanship now guides the vision of Open Spaces Sanctuary—a place where healing, hope, and connection flourish for both people and horses.
Support the Sanctuary
Help Us Change Lives
Every donation creates opportunities for healing—for individuals navigating trauma, illness, grief, and life's many challenges, and for the horses who make this work possible. Your generosity helps provide scholarships, exceptional horse care, educational programs, and a peaceful sanctuary where transformation can happen. Together, we can create hope, one person and one horse at a time.
Newsletter
Stay Connected
Join our community and receive inspiring stories, upcoming events, program updates, and opportunities to make a difference.
Welcome
Everyone Deserves a Place to Heal & Grow.
Whether you're looking for support, searching for meaningful ways to give back, or simply curious about the incredible partnership between people and horses, we'd love to welcome you to Open Spaces Sanctuary.
Come experience the healing power of connection