We are pleased to announce that this year's charity is Healing Reins Therapeutic Riding Center a non-profit located in Bend, OR that brings children and adults with disabilities and special needs together with certified instructors, caring volunteers and highly trained therapy horses in a safe and supportive, alternative learning environment.
Founded in 1999, Healing Reins is a Premier Accredited Center affiliated with PATH (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship) International and collaborates with 863 centers nationwide to deliver best practices in the field of equine-assisted activities and therapies. The only entity of its kins in all of Oregon east of the Cascades, Healing Reins serves 1,100 individuals annually through three core programs:
Founded in 1999, Healing Reins is a Premier Accredited Center affiliated with PATH (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship) International and collaborates with 863 centers nationwide to deliver best practices in the field of equine-assisted activities and therapies. The only entity of its kins in all of Oregon east of the Cascades, Healing Reins serves 1,100 individuals annually through three core programs:
- Therapeutic riding
- Hippotherapy (physical therapy on horseback)
- "Taking The Reins”, an equine-facilitated learning curriculum specifically designed to meet mental health needs
Healing Reins has grown thoughtfully through the years to address community demand for specific services. With the guidance and support from professionally certified instructors, and 125+/week trained and dedicated volunteers, program participants gain in four critical areas to improve quality of life through the power of the horse:
- Physically – increased range of motion, core strength, greater muscle tone, small and gross motor development
- Cognitively – improved sensory integration, task sequencing, increased attention span and concentration
- Emotionally – improved self-esteem and self-confidence, trust, and independence
- Behaviorally – improved self-concept, positive role models and successful outcomes lead to healthy boundaries, peer associations and family relations
The children and adults, ages 2-94, served by Healing Reins face myriad challenges, including paralysis, multiple sclerosis, autism spectrum disorders, Down syndrome, substance abuse, traumatic brain injury and issues related to trauma and abuse. Referring partners include: Deschutes County Health Services (DHS), Greater Oregon Behavioral Health (GOBHI), Central Oregon Downs Syndrome Network (CODSN), KIDS Center, The Alyce Hatch Center (Early Intervention), Bend/LaPine Schools, and other physical and mental health organizations serving youth.
Watch the video below to learn more about Healing Reins and click here to meet the horses.
Watch the video below to learn more about Healing Reins and click here to meet the horses.
