Our Story
Nestled in the peaceful countryside of Ocala, Florida.
A Place to 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.
“Healing doesn't happen because of what we do to the horses. It happens because of the experiences and relationships we build with them.”
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.
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.
Everyone Deserves a Place to Heal
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.
Stay Connected
Receive stories, upcoming events, healing resources and opportunities to make a difference.