Lucky Orphans Horse Rescue (LOHR), a nonprofit equine sanctuary located on Route 22 in Dover Plains, is home to 50 horses, two goats, a sheep and some barn cats. Its mission, “People Helping Horses Heal People,” is accomplished through equine-assisted psychotherapy and human-development programs.

     
The sanctuary is open to the public seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. In addition to typical equine programs, like riding lessons and pony rides, LOHR also offers educational programs, like 4H and volunteering opportunities, as well as a variety of holistic and somatic programs.

     
According to Deanna Mancuso, LOHR’s founder and executive director, outside practitioners offer equine-assisted yoga, Reiki, Bowen technique and sound healing. These programs are booked one-on-one or with groups to assist in healing from trauma or to improve self-discovery.

LOHR also offers Eagala Natural Lifemanship and Equine Experiential Education programs for mental and emotional health. Through these programs, the horses partner with social workers to help human clients overcome trauma and develop resiliency. LOHR encourages the public to visit the sanctuary, learn about the horses and get involved with the organization.