At Forward in Faith Ranch, horses are more than part of the landscape — they are part of the ministry. Every lesson in the arena becomes an opportunity to build confidence, teach responsibility, and remind young people that they are seen, valued, and deeply loved by God.
Forward in Faith is a teaching ranch. That mission took on new meaning in February 2024 when Forward in Faith partnered with Big Oak Ranch, a ministry devoted to providing children with loving homes and life-changing opportunities. Through their programs, Big Oak Ranch helps children heal from difficult circumstances, grow in faith, and discover God’s purpose for their lives.
One of Big Oak’s outreach programs, Ascend, was created to help young adults transition into adulthood through housing, higher education, and practical life-skills training. During a visit to Big Oak Ranch and participation in their Planting Oaks ministry, the team at Forward in Faith quickly recognized how important the ranch’s horse and cattle programs were in helping students grow emotionally and spiritually.
That connection opened the door for a remarkable partnership — and for a young woman named Gail Watts.
Gail came to Big Oak Girls Ranch when she was just five years old. Over the years, she flourished in the care and support of the ministry, especially through the steady love of her house parents, Tony and Rhonda. From the very first visit, it was clear that the bond between Gail and Rhonda was built on deep trust, respect, and unconditional love.
One of the greatest influences in Gail’s life was Big Oak’s horse program. As she grew older, Gail shared how working with horses helped her process grief and loss in ways words never could. Through the horses, she found healing — and eventually, a calling.
In Gail’s own words:
“All my life, I have had doubts about my future and whether or not I was actually going to make it in the world. For so long, I thought it did not matter what career I chose because I was told by so many people that, because of my family’s struggles with drug and alcohol addiction, I would end up just like them.”
Though those voices weighed heavily on her, Gail held onto one certainty:
“The only thing I knew for sure was that horses were something I wanted in my life forever.”
Her passion for horsemanship grew steadily, eventually leading her to become Head Wrangler at the Girls Ranch in Springville, Alabama. But Gail wanted more than a job working with horses — she wanted a future built around purpose, healing, and faith.
That search led her to Forward in Faith Ranch.
When Gail joined the Equestrian Instructor Internship program, she began studying under Elizabeth Stanley, one of the founders of Forward in Faith Ranch. What started as professional training quickly became a life-changing mentorship.
“Elizabeth Stanley, one of the founders of FIF, was my instructor. She is an amazing woman who I admire and respect deeply,” Gail shared. “I spent two years with her gaining an incredible amount of knowledge about horses, but I also gained important life lessons.”
Through the internship, Gail committed herself to an intensive hands-on training program, studying 25 hours each week. She developed skills in horsemanship, teaching, communication, teamwork, leadership, and spiritual growth while preparing for certification through the Certified Horsemanship Association.
But beyond the practical training, Gail discovered healing and hope.
“She always told me that horses have an amazing way of helping our hearts heal from the pain and trauma we have endured,” Gail wrote. “But honestly, so do the people around us. Mrs. Elizabeth was one of those people for me.”
Gail described how Elizabeth continually encouraged her to persevere through some of life’s darkest moments, pointing her toward Christ and helping her see strengths in herself she had never recognized before.
“She constantly pushed me to be the best version of myself, lifting me up when I needed it most and showing me something in myself that I had never seen before — resilience.”
In May 2025, Gail achieved a major milestone by earning her Level 2 Certified Horsemanship Instructor certification. Along the way, she matured into a confident instructor with a strong understanding of safety, leadership, and compassionate teaching.
Today, Gail serves as barn manager at Kids to Love, where she continues sharing the healing gift of horses with children who need hope and encouragement.
Reflecting on her journey, Gail says the lessons she learned at Forward in Faith Ranch will stay with her forever.
“Everything she taught me — about horses, faith, perseverance, kindness, and strength — will forever stay in my heart. The lessons she gave me changed the way I see myself and the world around me, and I will carry those lessons with me for the rest of my life.”
Forward in Faith Ranch is incredibly proud of Gail and grateful for the partnership with Big Oak Ranch that made her journey possible. Her story is a powerful reminder that when faith, mentorship, and meaningful opportunities come together, lives can truly be transformed.
