By Brad Segall

NORRISTOWN, Pa. (CBS) - A Chester County non-profit organization is enriching the lives of cancer patients and their families by providing them with access to a horsemanship program.

Animals, including horses, have long been regarded as natural healers. Horse Power for Life offers a sixteen-week program dedicated to improving the physical and emotional quality of life for people diagnosed with cancer.

Co-founder Shiree Radie says there are positive therapeutic effects of companion animals on people who live with a wide range of illnesses and disabilities.

“They come in, they learn all aspects of horse care from putting the halter on the horse, grooming, picking their feet, to learning how to ride.”

She says 90 minutes a week allows the patients to just forget about the disease and bond with the horse and the world around them.

Because a cancer diagnosis goes beyond the patient to the family, they also offer the program to a family member. Horse Power for Life will hold its fifth annual Pink Horse Shoe Gala this Saturday in King of Prussia to raise money for their program.