WAYNE, Nebraska (KCAU) – Not far from the city of Wayne, there is a special place that veterans and anyone else can visit for free and find peace with some special four-legged companions.
Randy and Laura Nelson moved to Wayne in 2023 and opened what is now known as Dreamer’s Place Equestrian Ranch.
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“I’ve always wanted to do equine therapy. I see it working in my own life and also how I grew up. I lived near Offutt, grew up in Bellevue and the servicemen and women I went to school with calmed down by going with me to see some friends’ horses,” said Laura Nelson, the owner of Dreamer’s Place.
The ranch has been open for over a year now and Nelson says it’s been a huge success, but she wants to spread the word about the ranch’s work beyond Wayne.
“The Wayne community is behind us 100%. Right now it’s completely funded by my husband and I, a few donations come in now and then and we’re looking for grants. I just don’t have the time,” Laura Nelson said. “The people who come here need me more than they need my office, and that’s OK because we’re patient and we have a wonderful program here. And so the doors will continue to open.”
Charlene Burns and her family have been visiting the ranch for over a year now. She believes the ranch is very good for her mental health.
“My kids have fallen in love with horses. They come here, volunteer to help mucking out, feeding, doing whatever they can. And in return they get riding lessons and they’ve really grown and thrived since they came here,” Burns said. “It’s just peaceful. It really, really helps quiet the voices in your head. All the noise.”
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Nelson said anyone who wants to see the ranch should come by.
“The only thing we can do for mental health is to provide a quiet place where no one judges. These are Dreamers. No one judges here. And why would they want to? There are more success stories here than failures,” Nelson said.
Dreamer’s Place Equestrian Ranch is open daily except Wednesdays. Check out their Facebook page for more information.
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