There are many organizations that provide assistance to veterans and civilians alike, and they are located all around the state. One such group can be found in Pahrump, Nevada, not exactly in the center of things, unless one is located in southern Nye County. But wherever you are in Nevada, it is certainly worth traveling to.

The Nevada Sundance Ranch has a worthwhile mission. It is to provide therapeutic horseback riding and animal-based therapy to adults and children — civilians and veterans — who face emotional, mental and mild physical challenges. Horsewoman Jeannie Hammerly said, “We focus on serving people with special needs, veterans and active military personnel, first responders and others who would benefit from animal therapy with a special emphasis on horses.”

The ranch offers horsemanship lessons, guided trail rides (some with campfire meals), educational experiences about the history of ranch life and special events such as birthday parties and field trips. “It’s all in a safe and welcoming environment,” she said.

The cowboy rides are unique. They offer an opportunity to ride in the Mojave Desert and make the participants feel like a cowboy (or cowgirl) and enjoy the scenery from the back of a horse. “Even if someone has not been on a horse before, our horses are gentle and well trained to take care of riders.” Before going out on the trail, riders experience a slow circular ride in order to get to know their horse before moving onto the trail.

The ranch is a non-profit 501(c)3 project that offers annual happenings such as Old West Cowboy Weekends, Halloween Fest, Valentine Rides and a Spring Fling with food, music and lots of fun for youngsters.

Individuals with minimal to no riding experience can learn to brush a horse, saddle it and then ride. Children can also interact with other farm animals at the ranch, such as chickens, ducks and sheep.

For those with some forms of mental health problems, horses can provide emotional support and therapeutic benefits, giving comfort to such persons. Horses can help to alleviate symptoms like anxiety, depression, and loneliness. Pets and other animals can relieve stress since they generally love people and people tend to trust them. Some individuals believe that if those with mental health problems open their hearts completely to a horse or a pet that the animals can touch them deep within their soul. Nevada Sundance Ranch makes no such claims, but it’s a fact that their horses have helped veterans, military and others.

The Pahrump Sundance Ranch can be contacted at (775) 990-9137. It’s worth visiting from wherever you are. It’s a non-profit, so they are always looking for donations and volunteers. And horseback riders.