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Charles Fletcher says he gets paid in hugs and smiles.

A North Texas man is being honored for his work in changing the lives of hundreds of children.

The Real Estate Council recently named Charles Fletcher, who runs SpiritHorse, a Denton County horse therapy facility, as one of its Unsung Heroes.

Counting may not seem like a big accomplishment for a 6-year-old.

But for Brock it is.

"He's come a long ways... we waited a long time for him to say any words at all," said Kambry Zimmer, his mother.

Brock has a rare syndrome that has delayed his development.

His first words were spoken here at SpiritHorse.

SpiritHorse is a place where lives are changed one step at a time.

Founder Charles Fletcher, his staff and volunteers provide therapy for hundreds of children, free of charge.

"The ponies and horses can do wonders for anyone who needs them," he said.

"What is really special about what he does is that the families can come here and they don't have to pay for it. And that is really a heroic thing," said Lesley Range-Stanton from the Real Estate Council.

He cares about each kid and they are all learning so much.

Learning and loving - something that goes hand-in-hand at SpiritHorse.

Sara, 11, is now a natural on a horse.

Sara has Down's syndrome.

Doctors told her parents when she was born she wouldn't live more than a week, a year at most.

"Words can't describe how exciting it is... and to see the challenges she's overcome and those accomplishments. It's incredible," said her mother.

Physically Sara's health has improved and her self-esteem has soared.

"So to be able to come out here and have my daughter benefit physically from all of this, but also not have to pay, and then for it be so enjoyable, it's something that she loves to do. It just speaks volumes for what Charles Fletcher and SpiritHorse is all about," Sara's mother added.

Volumes about love.

"I get paid in hugs and smiles. I'm the richest man in the world - it's the best currency there is," Fletcher said.

The Real Estate Council chose to honor Fletcher not just for his work with children with physical disabilities but also for his work with other youth in need, abused children, those in alternative schools and those in trouble with the law.

E-mail sslater@wfaa.com.