Other Equine-Assisted Programs
Driving
People who have limited use of their bodies, are over the weight limit for the safety of the rider, horse, and volunteers, or otherwise cannot ride astride are able to learn to drive a pony and cart. Driving is a one-on-one driver/instructor opportunity to experience a different method of interaction with the horse. Driving provides many of the same benefits as riding.
Mini-horse Visitation
Cherokee and Flaxie are our minihorses that we use for the outreach program. We take them to schools, hospitals, libraries, and various special events. Their quiet, gentle nature provides many of the same benefits derived from petting, grooming, and tacking up on site at Reins of Life. This is a form of pet therapy that has been widely recognized as beneficial to people of all ages.
When Cherokee and Flaxie visit schools, each lesson is carefully planned to integrate educational objectives into horse care. Lessons are tailored to each child's ability to participate and understand. Grooming and tacking encourages fine motor skills, stimulates imagination, allows self-expression, and improves language skills. Interaction with the minihorse promotes sensory stimulation, coordination, following directions, memory retention, self-confidence, and a sense of well-being.
South Bend Tribune article about our mini-horse program
Flaxie cheers up dying woman
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