The Program...

Stretching mind and muscles, therapeutic horseback riding produces remarkable benefits, and is recognized as one of the most progressive forms of therapy gaining recognition world-wide. The warmth and rhythmic movement of the horse provides numerous physical benefits.

Improved:

• gross and fine motor skills
• self-awareness
• body strength
• balance and coordination

The feeling of mobility and being able to control such a large animal provides psychological benefits leading to a feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment.

Increased:

• independence
• self image and confidence
• attention span
• motivation
  

Children with cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, autism, spina bifida, Angel man syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, as well as those with learning disabilities, hearing or visual impairments benefit from therapeutic horseback riding.

Under the supervision of trained personnel, Reins of Life develops the most beneficial therapeutic riding program to meet the needs and goals of our riders. Carefully trained horses, special equipment and procedures are used to ensure each rider's safety. The therapeutic qualities of horseback riding are recognized by many medical professionals, including the American Physical therapy Association, and the American Occupational Therapy Association.

I Saw A Child

I Saw a child who couldn’t walk,
sit on a horse, laugh and talk.
Then ride it through a field of daisies
and yet he could not walk unaided.
I saw a child, no legs below,
sit on a horse and make it go
through woods of green
and places he had never been
to sit and stare,
except from a chair.

I Saw a child who could only crawl
mount a horse and sit up tall.
Put it through degrees of paces
and laugh at the wonder in our faces.
I saw a child born into strife.
Take up and hold the reins of life
and that same child was heard to say
Thank God for showing me the way…

John Anthony Davies
used with prior permission of the author