Sunny Creek Ranch
Sunny Creek Ranch
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    • Home
    • Horses For Heroes
    • Donate
    • Our Team
    • Groundwork
    • Testimonials
    • FAQ
    • In the News
    • More In The News
    • Forms
  • Home
  • Horses For Heroes
  • Donate
  • Our Team
  • Groundwork
  • Testimonials
  • FAQ
  • In the News
  • More In The News
  • Forms

FAQs

How do I get started in the Horses for Heroes program?

Call/Text Shannon Novak at 281-229-3633 or email shannon@sunnycreekranch.com. 

DD214 or Valid Proof of Service is required for our Horses For Heroes program. Please review our online forms section before your first session.  

What is an equine assisted psychotherapy (EAP) session like?

Therapy that doesn't feel like therapy. We offer small groups or private sessions available to fit your needs. No prior horse experience is necessary, no horseback riding is involved in our programs. Our sessions are held outdoors on a private ranch for your comfort and safety. Each session is facilitated by a licensed mental healthcare worker, an equine specialist, and therapy horses. Sessions are confidential, hands on, and solution focused. What is said at the ranch, stays at the ranch. All Sessions are Confidential & Private. There are no volunteers on site intruding on sessions. Your anonymity and privacy is protected at Sunny Creek Ranch.  

What is a coaching or equine assisted learning (EAL) session like?

These sessions have a certified equine specialist facilitating at all times. Sessions include horse time, peer groups, spouse groups, & warrior round ups. No prior horse experience is necessary, no horseback riding is involved in our programs. Our sessions are held outdoors on a private ranch for your comfort and safety. Sessions are supportive, hands on, and solution focused. Life coaching is a process in which a coach helps individuals identify and achieve their personal goals. The coach works with clients to create a plan of action and provide support and guidance throughout the process. 

Why horses?

Because horses communicate without speaking, it is much different than traditional talk therapy. Horses respond with unique insight into exactly who we are in the moment. They do not judge and they do not lie. As prey animals, they are profoundly gifted reflectors of our true selves because their very survival depends on reading us correctly at all times. Without a spoken word, horses teach us stress reduction, boundaries, anger management, coping skills, and so much more.

What if I have physical limitations?

Many of the veterans and family members who come to the ranch have physical limitations and disabilities. We are happy to find a way to make the sessions effective and work for you.

What do I wear?

Closed toe boots or shoes and clothes that are comfortable and can get a little dirty.

Do you offer volunteer opportunities?

Because our sessions are confidential and private, we have very limited horse related volunteer opportunities at Sunny Creek Ranch. Anyone with marketing, fundraising, or grant experience with a true heart to serve our mission is greatly appreciated. Scouts or other community building projects are a huge help as well. We are happy to offer volunteer opportunities for students who need community service hours for NHS, NJHS, etc. 

What age do you have to be to participate?

In order to directly participate with the horses in a session, we ask that kids are aged 12 and up.

Do you need more horses for your program or will you take a donated horse?

No, sorry. We are not a horse rescue. 

I want to start my own program/Can I come visit to see how you run your program?

No, sorry. Our services are confidential and we do not allow visitors during our therapy sessions. We do not provide business consulting or share intellectual property. 

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