Testimonials
Client review, April 4, 2019
”This is where I come to heal from combat. Their individual and family counseling has been paramount in my recovery. I spent 17 years in the Army and have finally found a place that has professionals and a sound treatment program. If you’re struggling, come to group and see for yourself.” -Army Combat Veteran, Pilot
Client review July 6, 2021
"Sunny Creek Ranch has been a life saver for my family. God bless them." USMC Spouse
Client review July 9, 2021
"When I found Sunny Creek, I was beyond hopeless because no other programs worked for me, including some extremely well-funded and connected programs. Money and numbers don't equate to the amount of people helped. I can vouch that many other veterans I've met in those programs feel the same way, however, through completely free means to other veterans and me, Sunny Creek has pulled me from my years' long struggles and best of all, I am not just helped and then forgotten. The program openly welcomes me back as many times as I need to go and always provides a safe and confidential environment. I recommend Sunny Creek to anyone I know and will continue to do so." Army Combat Veteran, OIF OEF
Program review, June 2020
“Jay and Shannon Novak are dedicated patriots of the highest order and are fully committed to providing much needed and effective therapy...equine therapy to heal and help our brothers and sisters struggling to come all the way home. These folks have gone the extra mile to be sure that they are offering the best possible therapy. Eagala- the gold standard- they do it right because VETERANS are their priority! " - Dr. Connie McNabb, USAF, BrigGen, TX, Retired
Client review, May 16, 2019
“This program has accomplished what years of therapy at the VA could not; peace of mind. Attending this program weekly, has literally saved my life. I would highly recommend equine therapy for any veteran struggling with PTSD, anxiety, or depression.” - Army Combat Veteran, OIF, OEF
Client review, June 25, 2019
“This program has absolutely saved my life. Coming home from the Marine Corps, getting a divorce and no job in sight... suicide was a very viable option. The Horses for Heroes program with Shannon at the helm and the horses using a different approach, completely turned things around for me. They just understand the Veteran mindset. I now look forward to waking up everyday and would whole heartedly recommend this group to any Veteran struggling with everyday life in the civilian world. Semper Fidelis!” - Marine Corps Veteran 0311
Client review, June 2020
“I am so proud of what this organization has done for people like me. They go the extra mile and take extra time to ensure proper care of each veteran's health and anonymity." - Female Veteran, USMC
Client review, May 2020
“If you are a Veteran in Texas and need to re-connect or come to a group with combat veterans of all eras or just want one on one counseling, be brave and contact these guys. They continuously help my family and I work through every issue with PTSD and everything else. Get out of your hole and get some healing-trust me I know. Let's work together to figure out how to adjust outside the military. You can't do it alone." - Army Combat Veteran
Client review, February 2020
“Woke today needing to get out so I went to Tuesday meetup at Sunny Creek Ranch. I haven't been there in months and it was like going home. Everyone was happy to see me and the horses and conversation with others was exactly what I needed. Thank you so much to everyone there today!”
- Veteran, USAF, Retired
Parent review, December 2019
"My daughter was struggling with communicating. This program has changed everything for her. She has finally found her voice. Thank you, Sunny Creek Ranch!" -USAF Spouse
Client review, January 2019
"This program saved my life and I will always be grateful. Actions, not words, and it's completely free. If you know a Veteran, send them and let the horses change their life" - Combat Veteran, USMC
Client review June 2021
"Such a welcoming, beautiful organization with the kindest, deeply caring people who really want to help! Thank you for all you do." USMC spouse
Our History
Shannon Novak founded the very first Eagala Certified Equine Assisted Psychotherapy program for veterans and their families in Montgomery County, Texas in 2016. She became Eagala Certified in 2016 after witnessing the impact horses made on her husband's life after serving 20 years in the military. In 2020, her program earned the distinction as an Eagala Military Services Provider, the only certified program of its kind in SE Texas. She and her husband raised two beautiful kids in the midst of multiple combat deployments and duty station changes. It was through these difficult times that she developed a deep love and admiration for veterans and their families. She has followed her passion to serve veterans and their families ever since. Through years of hard work, grit, and perseverance, she has facilitated hundreds of veteran equine therapy sessions along with her team, Marla Neely LPC and Robert Knapick, Ph.D. The team is facilitating sessions on a private, 10-acre ranch in Montgomery, Texas. Sessions are private, confidential, and provided at no cost. Because Sunny Creek Ranch is veteran operated, the unique challenges that our heroes and their families face is well respected and understood.