Therapeutic horseback riding brings about remarkable benefits to its riders through stretching both mind and muscles. Improvements in posture, balance, coordination, muscle tone, confidence and self-worth are amazing. Spastic muscles relax and muscles not ordinarily used are challenged. For someone who cannot walk, see, communicate or succeed at the simplest tasks, riding a horse allows them to experience a new sense of freedom; they are transported to where dreams come true and spirits soar.
Reins of Life’s Miniature Horse Visitation Program brings miniature equines to libraries, schools, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers. Bandit, Rosie, and Donkey Dar educate people about horses, their value in our society, and the possibilities for their impact on countless lives, while spreading cheer and goodwill wherever they go. The impact of human-animal contact is well documented and includes benefits for not only individuals living in an isolated environment, but also the employees of the residential facilities who provide their care.
Read how Flaxie fulfilled a dying woman’s wish.
Reins’ IIT program is based on NARHA’s mentor-oriented model. Candidates must pass written tests of knowledge regarding the Association’s standards, basic horsemanship, and teaching techniques as well as complete CPR and First Aid courses before beginning practice teaching. After observing classes, many hours of studying and functioning as a Ring Assistant for several classes, IIT students must log in at least 25 hours of supervised teaching before being eligible to attend a NARHA three day workshop and certification session. Testing covers the candidates’ knowledge of disabilities, teaching ability, horsemanship and riding skills. The entire process often takes 18 months to two years to complete. By offering this program to promising volunteers, Rein of Life is not only increasing its ability to serve more disabled individuals, but also if fulfilling another of its purposes: “To promote the mental, physical, emotional, and social growth of all involved in the program.”