Reins of Life in Michigan City offers therapeutic horseback
riding lessons, therapeutic carriage driving lessons, and interactive vaulting
lessons to adults and children in our community who have diagnosable
disabilities. In order to provide these life-changing services for everyone who
qualifies, Reins keeps its costs down by offering scholarships, fundraising,
financial aid, and through the use of volunteers to run every aspect of its
programming.
One of their largest programs is the partnership they have
with South LaPorte County Special Education Cooperative. Throughout the school
year, more than a dozen special education teachers bring their students to the
barn to ride horses or do interactive vaulting, which is akin to gymnastics on
horseback. Offered three mornings a week throughout the school year, Reins
needs reliable volunteers to help students groom, read to horses, and do
classroom activities. Volunteers also lead horses and side walk next to
students as they ride. It is rewarding to volunteers and teachers alike to observe
students overcome fears, gain confidence, say their first words, and witness
their joy.
If you’d like to become a part of this organization, please
attend one of the upcoming volunteer training sessions on Monday, August 5 from
2-4:30, or Tuesday, August 6 from 5:30-8:30. After attending one session,
you’ll be qualified to volunteer in the school program and therapeutic riding
lessons. If you’re interested in volunteering during interactive vaulting,
there is an additional training on Tuesday, August 13 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. CT. Volunteers
must be at least 13 years old and wear closed toe/closed heel shoes.
There are also volunteer positions
for horse feeders who sign up for one shift a week at either 7 a.m. or 3:30
p.m. Training for feeders is done as people sign up. Groups are also welcome to
sign up for one-time or repeating volunteer service projects.
To RSVP for a training session,
please call 219-874-7519. If no one answers, please leave a message including
your email address.
