Nebraska’s Equestrian Enthusiast Veterans Get ‘Sweet’ Suprise, Take a Glimpse at Therapy Animals and Their Benefits

Horses are beautiful creatures whose powers lie beyond the strength and speed of the equestrian world. Horses also have the magical ability to heal. Equine therapy, or equine-assisted therapy, harnesses this healing power, which has been instrumental in relieving stress, calming anxiety, and addressing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Countless people over the years have shared their healing journeys and testimonies thanks to equine therapy. And now in Nebraska, veterans who have dedicated so much to service and have navigated complex challenges mentally and physically in their lives were recently treated to a ‘sweet’ surprise by these magical healing creatures.

Nebraska’s veterans treated to a heartwarming surprise

In a recent post on X by the Nebraska Department of Veterans Affairs, the handle shared a heartwarming update from the Norfolk Veterans’ Home. The account shared images of the former member of the armed forces currently under care enjoying the company of a furry brown horse with distinctive white spots on its back. The veterans petted the beautiful creature, which brought smiles to their faces and joy to their hearts.

In a delightful touch, they even placed a red cap on the horse’s head. The caption of the endearing post read, “Thank you to Dreamer’s Place Equestrian Ranch for visiting the Norfolk Veterans’ Home earlier this month! Our members had a great time interacting with Sweet Pea.” The initiative was carried out by Dreamer’s Place Equestrian Ranch, which is changing the lives of brave veterans with a noble mission.

Dreamer’s Place Equestrian Ranch, a place with a noble mission

Dreamer’s Place is a nonprofit organization in Wayne with a mission to help people in need receive joy and peace provided by equine animals. “A horse can feel emotion. A horse can tell when you’re sad, they can tell when you’re happy, they can tell when you’re nervous. They can tell when you’re frightened. They feel you out by their body language and your body language,” shares Laura Nelson, owner of Dreamer’s Place.

Laura Nelson, who has been an equestrian enthusiast her whole life, saw no better way to spread the joy and healing horses bring than by offering these gifts to others, even if it was for five minutes.  Coley Kiscer, a former Army sergeant, acknowledged the joy these creatures have brought him and told KCAU 9: “Therapy animals, they don’t judge you, unlike people that may or may not judge you. Therapy animals, may it be a service dog, a regular dog, or the horses here, they don’t judge you, and you’re able to be with them and be comfortable with them.”

Read more: “It’s Hard”: Illinois’ Equestrians Host Heartwarming Event for Special Needs Children, Spotlighting Therapeutic Horse Therapy

The ranch has horses and donkeys trained to be emotional support animals and is now helping veterans like Coley Kiscer and also the ones at Norfolk Veterans’ Home.

Watch this story: After Getting Back on Saddle, Bill Gates’s Equestrian Daughter Jennifer Gates Forced to Say  a Tragic Goodbye