Nicole McCarthy has been around horses her whole life.

The trainer says these gentle giants have the power to change lives.

“When I was about 14 years old, I saw a kid who had severe autism. He never spoke in his life. And I heard him say "wow." That always sticks out to me,” said Nicole McCarthy, a horse trainer at “When the Ride’s Over” horse rescue.

McCarthy volunteers at "When the Ride's Over" horse rescue.

It was started three years ago by owner Anthony Polichetti.

The non-profit organization gives people with special needs the opportunity to "take the reins" and care for the horses.

Gerard has a developmental disability.

He's one of several members of Community Resources, an organization for those with special needs, who visit the stables each week.

He and the others have built a special bond with 11-year-old Quarter horse, Venus.

“It's nice and everything, I like to come here and wash the horses and everything. I like it,” said Gerard, a member of Community Resources.

“I just like working with them. They're nice and it gives me something to do!” added Cassandra, another member of Community Resources.

The rescue is home to 18 horses -- some are retired race horses and others were taken in from abusive situations.

Now, they're used for therapy.

When members of Community Resources visit, they brush, wash, and feed horses like Venus.

They even help clean up around the stable.

The trainers say the experience for them is therapeutic.

“It helps them progress in their life -- all day. You know, It builds their confidence and their self-esteem so when they leave here they have the ability to know they can do anything,” said McCarthy.

“She's great with them and they love her. She lets them do whatever they want. They hang on her, they do her feet, they brush her. She needed somebody and she felt right in with them, said Anthony Polichetti, the owner of “When the Ride’s Over.”

Polichetti plans to expand the rescue.

He also wants to open up a classroom on site and teach children how to train horses.

It’s all in an effort to build their confidence, letting them know that in life, anything’s possible.