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Denis Darlene

OUR STORY

Legacy of Compassion: The Evolution of Henry's Home

Established on December 29, 2014, by Donna Stedman, our Sanctuary honors her first adopted horse, Henry—a remarkable survivor of one of the most challenging starvation cases in SPCA history. Through unwavering love and care, Donna restored this gentle giant to vibrant health, where he now thrives as a beloved symbol of resilience and renewal. Originally conceived as a trail riding facility, it provided sustainable funding while creating a nurturing forever home for rescued horses, fostering an atmosphere of profound healing and rejuvenation.
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Meet our equestrian

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View All Team

Thelma Alexander

Founder of Charreria

Joe Greene

Trainer

Loretta Sparrow

Trainer

Dianne E. Campbell

Trainer

Betsey Carlile

Trainer

Bernard J. Maupin

Trainer

William Stewart

Trainer
In the years that followed, Henry’s Home broadened its vision to encompass equine-assisted learning programs, offering life-changing support to Veterans and Retired First Responders. These initiatives have inspired participants to reclaim their confidence, achieve emotional harmony, and forge meaningful community bonds through the timeless connection between humans and horses.
In September 2023, Denis and Darlene Gagnon, Co-Founders of WeKinnect Global Branding Agency, joined the Board of Directors. As accomplished entrepreneurs with a history of leading thriving businesses, they contribute invaluable strategic insight and operational excellence, propelling the nonprofit toward greater expansion and lasting influence.
Their strong family foundation resonates deeply with the Sanctuary’s ethos: as devoted parents to seven adult children and their spouses, along with treasured grandchildren, they embody a heritage of service. With roots in families of Veterans and one son who proudly served in the Navy, they hold a heartfelt dedication to uplifting our nation’s heroes. Their marketing expertise has infused the organization with innovative energy, harmonizing with a collective aspiration for progress and positive change. Upon Donna Stedman’s well-deserved retirement, the Sanctuary embraced an exciting chapter of innovation and growth.
On May 1, 2024, Denis and Darlene Gagnon stepped into leadership roles for the Sanctuary and its nonprofit operations, heralding an inspiring era of renewed purpose and boundless potential. The year 2024 became a time of exhilarating discovery and revitalization. Through collaborative dedication, over one million dollars was secured to enhance the property, developing programs for Veterans and Retired First Responders while providing a tranquil oasis for the horses. This renewal established a strong platform for enriched programs honoring our nation’s heroes, including Veterans and Retired First Responders. Every aspect of the organization was thoughtfully reenvisioned, opening avenues for deeper, more impactful involvement.
In 2025, a visionary Four-Step Plan was introduced to advance the Sanctuary’s mission:
– Connect: Actively forging meaningful relationships with Veterans and Retired First Responders, linking them to vital resources, and our programs. Thus, providing knowledge and tools to offer steadfast support.
– Educate: Enlightening our community about empowering opportunities and highlighting the essential needs of our heroes, while showcasing the transformative benefits of our programs for mental well-being. Our mission is to educate the community that horses are for mental health.
– Advocate: Championing greater awareness for Veterans, Retired First Responders, their families, and caregivers to ensure they receive the honor and aid they merit, while inspiring enduring community commitments.
– Collaborate: Teaming with corporations, organizations, and government entities to craft comprehensive strategies, weaving together resources from local to national scales to fulfill the long-term needs of Veterans and Retired First Responders.
As we move forward, Henry’s Home pursues this Four-Step Plan with resolute enthusiasm. Over the past two years, Denis and Darlene Gagnon have skillfully assembled a committed Board of Directors and nurtured a thriving community of volunteers, whose passionate contributions have been pivotal in bringing the Sanctuary’s dreams to life and will continue to fuel its aspirational future. By volunteering time, contributing funds for continued enhancements and programs, or sharing resources to broaden our influence, supporters become integral partners in this journey. Together, we can magnify healing, empower heroes, and cultivate a timeless legacy of compassion that inspires generations to come.

Founding Vision

In the heart of Texas, where the open skies stretch endlessly, Donna Stedman envisions a sanctuary where horses and humans can heal together. Her love for horses and people inspires the creation of Henry’s Home, Horse, and Human Sanctuary. Donna is driven to establish a refuge where rescued horses find peace and where humans, burdened by life’s challenges, can seek solace alongside these noble creatures.

The early days of Henry’s Home are filled with hurdles. Donna faces financial challenges, the daunting task of acquiring land, and the need to build a community of supporters. With determination as vast as the Texan plains, she brought together a community of volunteers and established partnerships with local businesses.

Transformative Changes

As of May 2024, Donna decided to step back, allowing new leaders to carry her legacy. Her retirement marks the beginning of transformative changes at Henry’s Home. Renovations are underway, enhancing facilities to accommodate the growing number of Veterans and Retired First Responders programs. The buildings expanded, pastures improved, and new therapeutic spaces for horses and our heroes are being constructed, breathing new life into the sanctuary.

Innovative programs are taking root, catering to the diverse needs of the sanctuary’s guests. Equine-assisted learning sessions become a cornerstone of Henry’s Home, drawing Veterans and Retired First Responders seeking healing and personal growth. Special sessions invite participants to connect deeply with the horses, fostering empathy and understanding in a world often in short supply.

Ongoing Legacy

These ongoing changes amplify Henry’s Home’s impact on local and extended communities, becoming a beacon of hope and healing. Donna’s vision lives on through the passionate efforts of those who follow in her footsteps. As the sanctuary flourishes, Donna watches with pride, knowing her dream is growing into something even more beautiful than she imagined. Henry’s Home continues evolving, a legacy of compassion and transformation.

Join Our Programs!

Veterans and Retired First Responders are invited to join our programs to experience healing, growth, and community support through natural horsemanship equine-assisted activities.

  • Mental Well-Being
  • Emotional balance
  • PTSD Relief
  • Trust building
  • Confidence boost
  • Community support
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Why Choose Us

We Provide The Best in Equine Assisted Learning & Natural Horsemanship since 2014

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Henry's Home Horse and Human Sanctuary White logo

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