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Small children are convinced that ponies deserve to see the inside of a house.

Hippotherapy

(No, we don't do therapy with hippos - hippo is Latin for horse.) Hippotherapy is the use of the movement of a horse as a treatment strategy by an occupational, physical or speech therapist to reach stated therapeutic goals for the client. This strategy can be used to address physical, cognitive, and psychological needs in children as well as adults. Clients are referred by area doctors or therapists and services are provided weekly. This program is our heaviest in terms of volunteers needed. Each client needs 3 people as well as the horse to do their therapy - one leader, one side walker and the therapist. Benefits to the client for this program cannot be overstated. Not only does the client improve physically, but somehow the horses and the outdoor environment improve behavior, attitude, and well-being. For more information visit American Hippotherapy Association.

Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP)

EAP is an experiential process in which horses are used as a tool for emotional and spiritual growth and learning. EAP is a joint effort between a licensed therapist, a horse professional, and a trained therapy horse. This team effort is a strong benefit to the participants as they learn about themselves and others by participating in activities with the horses and then processing (or discussing) the feelings, behaviors, and patterns that were revealed in the session. This is not a riding program - 90% of these activities are done on the ground in the arena with the horse at liberty.

EAP is a powerful and effective therapeutic approach that has an incredible impact on individuals, youth, families, and groups. EAP addresses a variety of mental health and human development needs including behavioral issues, attention deficit disorder, substance abuse, eating disorders, abuse issues, depression, anxiety, relationship patterns and communication needs.

We are currently providing 2 different EAP programs. One for residential groups and one for family therapy.

For more information you can check out EAGALA's web site.

Group Riding Lessons

Riding lessons are available for children and youth ages 8 and up, and are held once a week for one hour. Groups consist of 4 - 6 students. Lessons include all aspects of horse care, riding, and psychology.

Riding Programs

Summer camp is a blast! We provide 3-5 weeks of camp each summer. The weeks are specific to riding level and ability and are open to all youth ages 8-18. Camps run Monday through Saturday from 9:00 to 12:00 each day. Saturday is for graduation and parents are invited to come and share what their kids have been working on.

SCHOOL-BASED Programs

Reins of Life offers school-based programs held during the school day for students from Stephens, Franklin, Hart, and Banks counties. We are currently working with Summit Alternative School students, Alpine students, and special ed students from several counties. Sessions are held once a week for 8 weeks and transportation is provided by the schools. Sessions include horsemanship, equine safety, life skills, and some academic work. We use experiencial therapy to help kids understand consequences of their decisions and actions and how they can make different and better choices in life.

Challenge Ropes Courses

This program is available to any organization or group in our area and is available on request. It is ideal for church youth groups, college groups, mens and womens retreats. The program can be a stand-alone one-time event or a series of sessions.