Purposeful Living and Healing Through Nature and Art

Painting with Ponies at the Happiness Horse Ranch

Over the past five years as an artist, entrepreneur, and founder of Purposeful Dreamer, an online art business based in Brevard County, I have witnessed the incredible power of art and nature in promoting healing and well-being. When these two forces come together, something truly magical happens.

Along this journey, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting amazing people who are passionate about giving back and making a difference in their communities.

One such person is Emily, the owner of Happiness Horse Ranch. When I met her late last year, I could immediately feel her love and dedication—not just for the farm and its animals, but for what it represents to the fast-growing community of Palm Bay. She has poured her heart and soul, along with her family and volunteers, into creating this sanctuary for rescued animals and a space for community connection.

As you walk through the ranch, you can see this love reflected in every corner. Each of the happy and friendly animals has endured heartbreaking pasts, yet they have found a safe and loving home at the farm, where they now receive the care and respect they deserve.

The Beginning of a Creative Collaboration

Through a series of chance connections, I learned about Emily’s search for an artist to lead a new art class at the ranch’s newly built learning pavilion, a dreamlike setting surrounded by nature, just across from the barn.

During our first in-person meeting, I volunteered to help with an upcoming painting class she had planned. This event featured a group of special-needs students who participated in a unique, Asian-inspired T-shirt fish painting activity, along with other interactive experiences at the farm.

I was deeply moved by what I witnessed that day—the joy, the peace, and healing presence of the animals and nature for these children. It was a moment that reinforced just how powerful creative expression can be in the right environment.

Bringing Art to the Ranch: A Successful Test Run

After months of planning and a successful test run featuring a horse painting activity, we officially launched our Painting with Ponies class. The response and feedback have been nothing short of amazing! 

Everyone had their own unique and beautiful expressions of the horse and we had the best time feeling and petting the horses and ponies, and we even had goats come by our paint area jumping on the tables for a good laugh. 

I’m so grateful for this memorable day of creativity and connection with animals where with this class we helped support a nonprofit organization that provides a safe haven for rescued animals while offering learning opportunities through nature and art to the community. 

Watch Our Special Event Photos!

I’ve put all the pictures in this google file capturing the highlights of this event. If you participated and would like a copy of one of your photos, feel free to contact me directly at karina@purposefuldreamer.co.

📲 Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated on future events, or check out Happiness Horse Ranch’s events website for more information.

Help Us Keep This Sanctuary Alive!

We need your support to protect this special place, ensuring it remains a sanctuary for rescued animals and a space for community healing.

Right now, the ranch is facing unfair challenges with the city of Palm Bay, including excessive stormwater fees that don’t apply to a farm without stormwater runoff. If you’d like to help, please contact the Palm Bay City Council and encourage them to find a fair resolution to protect this community landmark.

As a 100% volunteer-run nonprofit organization, events like these play a crucial role in helping the farm continue its mission. Your support makes a real difference in keeping this sanctuary thriving in an increasingly overpopulated and fast-developing area.

✨ Visit Happiness Horse Ranch to learn more and get involved!

Karina Hines, Founder 

✨ About Purposeful Dreamer ✨

Purposeful Dreamer is more than just an art business—it's a space for creativity, healing, and inspiration. Through my artwork, I strive to encourage self-expression, empowerment, and connection with the world around us. Whether it’s through meaningful art prints, creative workshops, or collaborations like this one, my goal is to remind others that dreams are worth pursuing and that art has the power to heal, uplift, and bring communities together.

💛 Join me on this journey! Explore my artwork at here, at www.purposefuldreamer.co and follow along on Instagram and Facebook for more creative inspiration.