Stories of strength and healing define the more than 40 acres of the nonprofit, Lucky Orphans Horse Rescue, in Dover Plains.

It is home to 50 horses that have been rescued from neglect and abuse.

"We welcome the horses that are missing eyes, we welcome the horses that have broken legs, we welcome the broken horses," Executive Director Deanna Hearn said, "we're very unique in that we're a sanctuary, we don't adopt them out."

Visitors can sign up for tours that'll go behind the stables of the special sanctuary.

In about an hour, you'll meet the horses and learn about what it takes to care for them, between the schedules, programs and more.

One of the important lessons is learning how the horses can teach humans critical skills about confidence, respect, body language and responsibility.

"We'll actually bring you right into the feed room, you'll see how the grain is made, what medications they're on," Hearn said, "we go through ten thousand pounds of hay a week, its physical, its emotional, but its super rewarding."

It's especially memorable to learn the unique path of each horse, and the inspiring stories of how their gentle nature can help people heal in the darkest of times.

"All of our programs are centered around veterans, people in recovery, we work with cancer patients and their families for grief loss and resiliency and bringing the light of horses into people's lives," Hearn said.

Wrap up your tour knowing you've made a new four-legged friend who is waiting for you to visit again.

It's a "Road Trip: Close to Home" to a place where people help horses heal people.

To learn more about tours, click here https://www.luckyorphans.org/book-tour