The competition raised more than $1,000 for the nonprofit Healing Strides.

A thank you note written by a veteran warmed the hearts of those at Healing Strides.

BOONES MILL, Va. Many right now are looking for something pleasant to escape to and thats where Healing Strides comes in. Healing Strides of Virginia is used to helping hundreds of people who face personal challenges. Right now pretty much everyone pretty much has a personal challenge, I havent met anybody that doesnt," Young said. During this tense time, Healing Strides is hosting Horse Safaris. Shari Winebarger's daughter Maci has been coming to Healing Strides for the past eight years.

ROANOKE, Va. – Some local nursing home residents may be a little happier thanks to some unusual visitors. Two horses from Healing Strides in Franklin County were walked and ridden around Brandon Oaks nursing center in Roanoke on Wednesday. (WSLS)The nursing home’s assistant administrator, Stephen Davies, said residents had been talking about the visit for weeks. “(We’re) trying to think of ways, creative ways, ways to think outside the box, ways to keep resident’s stimulated and raise just try to lift spirits," Davies said. After visiting the nursing center, the horses visited the independent and assisted living center across the street.