Our Story
In June 2021, we traveled from Wilmington, North Carolina, to Rich Ranch in SeeleyLake, Montana. We spent most of the week on horseback, and for me (Melanie), it felt like coming home. Having grown up with horses, I realized just how much I had missed them. That week confirmed what God had already begun stirring in my heart—I needed horses to be part of my life again.
Rich Ranch provided the perfect retreat setting. The peaceful surroundings and time spent with the horses seemed to lift away the stresses of everyday life, especially for Jimmy, whose career is often demanding and high stress. During one trail ride, our guide asked a simple but life-changing question: "What's your plan for the rest of your life?" That question became the beginning of a vision God was planting in our hearts.
As we prayed, we sensed Him leading us to create a place where people could encounter His presence through Christ-centered yoga, horses, nature, and intentional time away from the busyness of life. We envisioned a retreat along the North Carolina coast that would nurture healing of the mind, body, and spirit. We thought it would be a five-year plan—but God had something else in mind.
God opened the doors to Peaceful Pastures in January 2022.
What began as a place offering Christ-centered breath & movement and quiet retreats soon grew into something far greater. Over the next year and a half, God provided horses and donkeys, nature trails winding through the North Carolina wetlands, and Biblically-based Equine Assisted Programs. By the end of 2023, Peaceful Pastures officially became a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing Christ-centered experiential soul care.
Since then, we have had the privilege of watching God bring hope, healing, and transformation to countless lives. We believe He is only getting started, and we look forward to welcoming you to this place of peace.
Peaceful Pastures is conveniently located in Rocky Point, North Carolina, less than 30 minutes from Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach, and Topsail Island.
