Today we’d like to introduce you to Leann Drozd.
Hi Leann, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
For many years, Wilson County and the surrounding rural communities of Karnes and
Atascosa Counties have faced a serious lack of access to mental health care. Tragically, it took
the 2017 mass shooting in Sutherland Springs to put a spotlight on this need. That
heartbreaking event deeply touched so many lives—including my own—and ignited a calling to
do something meaningful.
With the support of community members, church leaders, and mental health professionals, I
founded Courage Ranch in 2019. Located in Floresville, Courage Ranch is a nonprofit, trauma-
focused equine-assisted psychotherapy facility. Our mission is simple but powerful: to create a
safe space where children, adolescents, and adults can find hope, belonging, and connection
while building the foundation for lifelong well-being.
What makes our work unique is the way therapy is experienced. Each session pairs a licensed
mental health provider and an equine specialist with a horse (or donkey) and client. Horses are
incredibly intuitive—they hold relationships and offer clients a new way of processing
grief, abuse, trauma, anxiety, and depression. In this safe, natural environment, we inspire
bravery and vulnerability, empowering clients to build relationships rooted in trust, respect,
and understanding.
What began as a vision has grown into a trusted place of healing. Today, Courage Ranch
supports around 25 clients each week with the help of three dedicated therapists, an equine
professional, five horses, and three donkeys. About 90% of the people we serve are children,
but our doors are open to anyone in need. Our clients come from across Atascosa, Bexar,
Karnes, and Wilson Counties—individuals and families from all walks of life who are seeking
support, connection, and hope.
Courage Ranch exists because healing should not depend on where you live, what resources
you have, or what you’ve been through. With the continued generosity of our community,
donors, and supporters, we are proud to offer a place where people can rediscover strength,
belonging, and the courage to heal.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The journey of creating Courage Ranch has been both rewarding and challenging. As a retired
high school counselor, I had no prior experience in building or running a nonprofit—but what I
did have was a clear mission and the motivation to bring it to life. From the very beginning,
there were countless hurdles: filing for 501(c)(3) status, establishing a board of directors, and
finding a facility that could serve as both a safe space for clients and a welcoming home for our
horses and donkeys.
We also faced challenges in hiring and training therapists, setting fair salaries and therapy fees,
and navigating unexpected obstacles such as extreme weather and the global pandemic.
Fundraising, marketing, and building community connections have been constant priorities.
While the path has been far from smooth, each obstacle has refined our vision and
strengthened our resolve. Every challenge has ultimately deepened our commitment to
making Courage Ranch a place of hope and healing.
As you know, we’re big fans of Courage Ranch. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
At Courage Ranch, we specialize in trauma-focused equine-assisted psychotherapy—an
approach to healing that pairs a licensed therapist, an equine specialist, and a horse (or donkey)
with each client and their family. What makes our program unique is that the horse is not
simply a tool, but an equal partner in the therapeutic process. Horses reflect human emotions in real
time, offering honest feedback and helping clients recognize patterns, practice healthier
responses, and build stronger, more authentic connections.
Our therapy model follows the principles of Natural Lifemanship, which uses horse physiology
to help regulate human physiology, and horse psychology to heal human psychology. Clients
first experience trust, respect, and healthy boundaries in their partnership with a horse—then
gradually transfer those lessons into their relationships with themselves and others. This
powerful, experiential approach has helped people of all ages work through grief, trauma,
abuse, anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
What I am most proud of is the sense of safety and belonging we’ve built at Courage Ranch.
We are known not only for our innovative therapy model, but also for the way we embrace
every client with dignity and compassion.
I bring my own background into the heart of this work: I am a 1982 graduate of Texas A&M
University with a Master’s degree in Animal Science specializing in Equine Exercise Physiology, as
well as a Master’s degree and certification in School Counseling. After 32 years in public
education as a teacher and high school counselor, I understand firsthand the challenges faced
by today’s youth and families. My professional experience, combined with my roots in this
community, led me to found Courage Ranch and continue to fuel my passion for serving others.
Today, in addition to directing the nonprofit, I also serve as the equine specialist in sessions,
manage the property, and care for our herd to ensure each horse and donkey is healthy,
balanced, and able to show up as the best therapy partner possible. I also lead our grant writing
and community outreach efforts. Above all, I am deeply honored to walk alongside our
therapists, clients, and equine partners in this important work.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
There are many ways people and organizations can partner with us in this mission. Some step
into leadership by serving on our Board of Directors, helping guide the vision and growth of
Courage Ranch. Others support us through networking and collaboration, connecting us with
resources and community partners who share our commitment to mental health. We especially
love partnering with businesses—whether through sponsorships, hosting joint events,
employee volunteer opportunities, or creative collaborations that align with our mission. At the
heart of it all, we deeply value building lasting relationships in our community and beyond,
because we believe connection is what makes true healing possible.
Many supporters also give by attending fundraisers, making donations, or sponsoring programs,
all of which directly fund therapy sessions and the care of our animals. Whether through
leadership, business partnerships, or financial support, every contribution plays a vital role in
ensuring children and families in our community have access to the healing they deserve.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.courageranch.org
- Instagram: courageranchfloresville
- Facebook: courage ranch
