WAYNE, Neb. -- What started out as a dream for the Nelson family has turned into reality. After over 25 years, the family has opened their own equestrian ranch in Wayne. The goal of the ranch is to help military members and first responders.

Dreamer's Place Equestrian Ranch opened to the public Memorial Day Weekend and after a month the ranch is helping about 30 people a week.

Laura Nelson, the president of the ranch, grew up near Offutt Air Force Base in Bellevue.

She said horses and other animals helped children of military parents relieve stress.

"I watched their families struggle while they were on TDY; when their moms and dads went overseas for training," she said. "But, I found that they relaxed when they were among their friends and the animals."

Attendees can do what they like with the horses.

Activities include feeding, petting, grooming and even just watching the horses.

Nelson said visitors have had positive experiences at Dreamer's Place.

"Everyone of them walk away and say this is just what I needed. I just need time with the animal, I just want to sit here and hold the cat or I just wanted to sit here and pet the horse," she said. "They didn't realize they needed it at that moment, so they come back. We have a lot of people that come back now to volunteer. We check that stress at the gate. You just come in and are just able to relax with the horses."

The ranch also assists those with mental health issues and disabilities.

They have six horses so far and plan to add more.

The ranch is open Saturday through Wednesday to the public and by appointment only on Thursday and Friday.

"For anybody that comes here, there is no charge," Nelson said. "We host community events and things like that and it's based off of what people want to throw into a donation box."

Their next event will be held on July 9 during Chicken Days with multiple activities and a bar-b-que planned at the ranch.