For humans, interaction and physical contact with some animals can be soothing, intriguing or even therapeutic. Count horses among that group of special animals.

The healing power of horses is the premise upon which Greystone Manor Therapeutic Riding Center (GMTRC) is founded.

"There is a unique bond that can be found with a horse," said Stephanie Fleck, GMTRC's program director. "Science is starting to catch up and find out what horsemen have known for centuries. (Horses') ability to read body language is higher than any other therapeutic animal. Horses can feel a human heartbeat from 4 feet away."

"When you enter into a barn, you're entering into that relationship," continued Fleck. "If you come in with all this baggage, they pick up on that. That's why equine therapy is so beneficial. You can't lie to a horse."

Located on 30 acres at 1063 Hartman Station Road, Lancaster, GMTRC uses equine therapy to help at-risk individuals - folks with mental and physical disabilities, people with autism, veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder, inactive seniors, even some without a formal diagnosis. Through its lessons, programs and activities, GMTRC works with people from ages 4 to 80, both in one-on-one and in group settings. More than 200 people are served each year.

"There's no way to replicate the movement of a horse, and it's very beneficial and very therapeutic," said Fleck. "People find the movement of a horse to be very calming. Our students may be able to connect with their equine partners in ways they can't with human relationships. It's having fun with your horse. It helps progress them in their everyday lives."

GMTRC is home to 10 horses. Its facilities include an indoor riding arena, an outdoor riding arena and spaces to ride in nature. But some individuals also benefit from simply taking care of the horses.

"We love and rely on our horses. They're providing the services," said Fleck. "A lot of people have heard of us, but they really don't know what we do. If people come out, we find that they fall in love with it. We serve a broad scope of our community. Everybody knows someone who can benefit from our services."

Supported by a pool of 150 volunteers, GMTRC employs 10 staff members, three of whom are full time. GMTRC staff members are trained, but they are not licensed therapists or counselors.

"We have a large demand for services," said Fleck. "Our services are provided by trained and certified staff, but we are not licensed therapists. We work on horsemanship goals. Therapists would work on clinical goals. There is a distinction there."

Financed through donations, fundraising and grants, GMTRC began as Lancaster County Therapy Riding with seven students in 1981. In the beginning, the organization was operated entirely by volunteers.

"We've grown and grown over the years, and we've been able to add paid staff," said Fleck. "We're kind of poised for another growth period. We're working hard to expand our services. Currently, our wait list is way too long. We're looking at how to meet the needs of the community."

For additional information about Greystone Manor Therapeutic Riding Center, go to http://www.greystonemanortrc.org.