Henry’s Home Horse & Human Sanctuary is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing a sanctuary where rescued horses, Veterans, and retired First Responders find healing and purpose. Its core mission is to deliver equine-assisted learning (EAL) programs that utilize the power of the horse and human connection to support the well-being, rehabilitation, resilience, and personal growth of Veterans and retired First Responders, as we believe horses are for mental health.
Scientific research shows that equine-assisted learning and therapy significantly reduce symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression among veterans and other participants. Clinical studies report substantial decreases in PTSD scores, with some participants no longer meeting diagnostic thresholds after structured programs, along with notable improvements in depressive symptoms and overall emotional well-being.
Such evidence underscores the therapeutic value of horses in addressing mental health challenges, as observed in programs like those at Henry’s Home Horse & Human Sanctuary.
Founding and Location
The sanctuary was established on December 29, 2014, by founder Donna Stedman and named in honor of her first adopted horse, Henry—a survivor of one of the most severe starvation cases in Houston SPCA history.
The current location at 14638 Perry Road in Conroe, Texas (a peaceful, wooded 21-acre property near The Woodlands/Spring area), came about after early challenges involving land acquisition and financial hurdles. The permanent site was generously donated by Board Member John Harrington and his wife, Linda (a dedicated volunteer), in July 2024, fulfilling the founder’s long-held vision and enabling the sanctuary to establish a stable, natural environment for its programs and residents after operating from temporary locations.
Development and Changes Over History
Henry’s Home began modestly as a small horse sanctuary and evolved into a professionally verified facility (accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries in 2018). Over its first decade, it grew into an operation caring for 25 horses while developing innovative, ground-based EAL programs that encompass natural horsemanship and are layered with HeartMath techniques, prioritizing natural horsemanship over traditional riding. In 2024, the sanctuary celebrated its 10-year anniversary. Founder Donna Stedman retired on May 1, 2024, after a decade of service. Leadership transitioned to CEO Darlene Gagnon (joined with her husband, Denis Gagnon), who brought entrepreneurial expertise to restructure operations, assemble a strong Board of Directors, secure over $1 million in funding for property enhancements and programs, and shift focus toward sustainability and expansion. The organization has since emphasized community partnerships, volunteer clubs, and a more robust business model while remaining true to its healing mission.
Biggest-Kept Secret That People Should Know
A lesser-known but profoundly impactful aspect of Henry’s Home is the principle of mutual healing: our horses not only serve as compassionate “therapists” for Veterans and retired First Responders but also regain purpose and emotional well-being through these meaningful interactions, creating a true reciprocity that benefits both species. This sanctuary-wide dynamic—coupled with the organization’s high operational efficiency (where the vast majority of donations directly support care and programs) and its all-beautiful grounds and meaningful spaces onsite —distinguishes it as a place of authentic transformation rather than one-way therapy.
We will serve 600+ veterans and retired first responders, along with their family members. We have a 99% approval rating for our program facilitators and a 40% reduction in depressive symptoms among our program participants.
Ways the Community Can Support Henry’s Home
The community can support the sanctuary through several meaningful avenues:
– Spread the word to the Veteran and Retired First Responder community. We are a tool in their toolbox to enhance their lives.
– Company Volunteer Days: Gather your company team-building days, from 5 employees to 125 employees; we can accommodate all sizes of groups. Our company dates allow organizations to learn about our cause, put in some solid sweat equity, and experience equine therapy themselves.
– Individual Volunteer Days: We are building our Equine Care Club, Fix-it Crew, and Garden Club, where volunteers can be
– Financial Contributions: Make one-time or recurring donations, including the “Join 1,000 Heroes” campaign ($25 per month).
– In-Kind Donations: Provide cleaning supplies, equine care supplies, or other resources for horse and facility care.
– Estate Planning: Include Henry’s Home in wills or legacy gifts.
All contributions help sustain free programs for heroes and daily operations.
Biggest Need as a Nonprofit
As a nonprofit relying on community generosity and grants (including support from the Texas Veterans Commission), Henry’s Home’s greatest need is sustainable funding—particularly recurring donations—to cover ongoing horse care (feed, veterinary services, and maintenance), program delivery (which is provided at no cost to participants), and facility enhancements for growth. Consistent, dedicated volunteers are also essential for maintaining daily operations and expanding services. Recent initiatives, such as donor-matching campaigns (e.g., dollar-for-dollar matches up to $250,000 in 2025), highlight the critical importance of financial stability to ensure long-term impact.
Events and Activities for Fundraising, Resources, and Awareness
Henry’s Home hosts a variety of signature events, fundraisers, and community activities to raise funds, resources, and awareness. These include:
– Community-oriented gatherings like Memorial Day and Veterans Day lunches, Self-Care Saturdays, and holiday/family events.
– Public participation activities, including the Woodlands 4th of July Parade and sanctuary tours/ribbon cuttings.
– Volunteer and corporate days (e.g., Garden Club Volunteer Day, Fix-It Crew events).
The Texas250 Heroes and Hooves Salute is an elegant fundraising gala hosted by Henry’s Home Horse & Human Sanctuary to honor Veterans and retired First Responders while celebrating Texas heritage and the transformative power of equine-assisted healing. Held on November 12th at the distinguished Madera Estates, the evening features live and silent auctions, fine dining, and meaningful tributes that highlight the sanctuary’s mission of mutual healing between rescued horses and heroes.
What Is on the Horizon for Henry’s Home
Under the leadership of CEO Darlene Gagnon and the Board, Henry’s Home is entering an exciting phase of growth and transformation with a visionary Four-Step Plan.
This plan focuses on connecting Veterans and retired First Responders with programs and resources while advancing education with the business community, empowerment, and long-term sustainability through expanded equine-assisted learning initiatives, facility enhancements, such as a covered arena, promoting our vision, and positioning the sanctuary as the premier equine-assisted learning center not just in the region but nationwide.
In addition, the organization will be developing a formal research paper to document and support the transformational changes observed in the horse-human connection.
