CODY, Wyoming — You may have heard of equine therapy. The two women who run an equine healing business in northwest Wyoming are bringing the magic of touch to the hands that need it most.

Shortly after lunch, residents of Absoroka Assisted Living Home walk to the bus and up the stairs. One by one, they complete the challenging climb. So many wanted to participate that day that they had to bring an extra car.

The reason for this is clear at Wyo Hoofbeats Ranch. Everywhere, young hands no longer nurtured young hearts. Residents of the Absaroka care facility touched, stroked and petted animals both large and small. Kittens and rabbits sat on laps and goats, ponies and horses stood eye to eye with the seniors.

Wyo Hoofbeats often brings horses, ponies, cats and dogs to the Cody and Powell senior homes. The visits are funded by donations and grants.

On this day, the seniors took the opportunity to come to the ranch. The magic of touch brought joy to the seniors who came to visit and to the animals they petted.

So why did co-founders Heather Bales and Jody Goldbach decide to do this?

“For that reason. It fills their bucket. It fills our bucket. Our mission is to expose as many people to horses as possible because we know the therapeutic power of horses. But we have the goats, and we have the cats, and we have the dogs and the rabbits … everything, and we know how incredibly great that is for them,” Bales said.

Goldbach pointed out that her equine-assisted therapy is aimed at helping young people solve emotional problems.

That’s true, but Goldbach explained: “But the issue with the elderly is just as important.”

The women knew that the connection between giving and receiving love is rare and precious.

“I like going there and I think they’re happy when we come. I think it definitely means quality of life for them,” Goldback said.

Visitor Joyce Franck smiled and said, “It’s been years since I had the chance to pet a little kitten like this. So soft. So soft. I love it. This is great.”