The power, warmth and movement of a horse can work wonders for humans.
7Everyday Heroes Shirley and Carl Hanson discovered that nearly 30 years ago.
The couple founded and operates the non-profit called Praying Hands Ranch.
It is a 40-acre horse ranch outside of Parker with both indoor and outdoor arenas that offer equine therapy for those suffering mental and/or physical challenges as well as at-risk youth.
Tens of thousands of people have been helped at the ranch.
They are people like Kelly Curry.
She is an accomplished equestrian, who was severely injured in a riding accident.
"The horse I was riding had an aneurysm and died underneath me, so I got hurt very bad and was in the hospital for a really long time," explained Currey.
Praying Hands Ranch is helping Currey re-train her injured motor skills.
"And also the cognition and the balance. So, the horse is our dynamic movement surface that facilitates all those muscles," said Molly Stuchlik, of Praying Hands Ranch.
"This place isn't really about what you can't do. It's not about limitations. It's about what you can do. So, it's pretty awesome," added Mandy Martinez, of Praying Hands Ranch.
"It helps everything. It helps your brain. It helps your body," said Currey.
Praying Hands Ranch is a place where miracles happen for those facing physical, mental or emotional hurdles.
"Thank God they're here," said Currey with a big smile.
"We have tremendous miracles here every single day," said Shirley Hanson.
"We have a special needs son and we were looking for something that would really help him," said Shirley.
The Hanson's started with seven clients.
Today, they help more than 100 people a week.
"I had a dream about this place and Shirley had an actual vision of the place," said Carl Hanson.
The Hansons could make good money charging for equine therapy, but clients only pay a nominal fee to cover costs and only pay if they can.
The ranch survives thanks to donations, volunteers and the kindness of its owners.
"Shirley and I tried to fund the whole thing for several years but it go too big," said Carl.
"The miracles, the growth, the love, the mercy, and all the wonderful things here are just too great to let go," said Shirley.
The Hansons hope to open Praying Hands Ranch II later this year.
It will be dedicated to helping wounded warriors.
To learn more go to www.prayinghandsranch.org
Mitch Jelniker anchors 7NEWS Now in the mornings from 4:30 to 7 a.m. He also features a different 7Everyday Hero each week on 7NEWS. Follow Mitch on Facebook and Twitter. Nominate a 7Everyday Hero here: thedenverchannel.com/nominate-7everyday-hero.
