Therapeutic Horseback Riding Program Seeks Donations for its “Not So Extreme Barn Makeover”

Reins of Life, a nonprofit horseback riding program for children and young adults with disabilities, launched a fundraising campaign to refurbish a barn in Landenberg, PA that will be a permanent home for the program and its horses.

Local businesses, corporations and individuals are being asked to donate funds and building materials to defray the cost of repairs to the weathered barn and care for the grounds. Work must be completed by the end of November in order to move the horses before winter.

"We are following an aggressive timeline to get the work done," said Judy Freedman, Founding Director of Reins of Life. "This project is a dream come true, a milestone for our organization that will finally be met. The repairs will give the horses a safe structure to live in. The move to Landenberg will be a more central location which will allow Reins of Life to serve students from Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland."

Established in 1993, Reins of life has operated in rented, private horse farms for almost 16 years and is now at Wolf's Hollow Farm in Atglen, PA. Since inception, Reins of Life has provided therapeutic horseback riding for more than 250 children and young adults with special needs including, but not limited to Spina bifida, Down syndrome, Autism, cerebral palsy, speech, vision and hearing disabilities. Benefits of the therapy include improved balance and coordination, muscle-tone, and body strength. Riders also enjoy improved self-confidence, self-esteem and independence.

Reins of Life will host its annual benefit on May 1, 2010 to showcase the refurbished facility and the therapy horses. This year the theme is, Equine Homecoming, "Home is Where the Horse Is". Reins of Life is seeking interested sponsors for the event.

To donate funds or building materials, contact Judy Freedman at 610-274- 3300, or send donations to Reins of Life, 113 Crestwood RD, Landenberg, PA 19350. For more information on the Reins of Life program, visit www.reinsoflife.com.