Head Instructor Sarah Honored

Reins of Life Head Instructor, Sarah Meyer, has been named to the 2010 Michiana Forty Under 40 class by the Young Professionals Network and the Chamber of Commerce of St. Joseph County. Nominated individuals from the region must have demonstrated initiative, dedication in pursuing their career and investment in others through their involvement in civic, charitable and/or religious organizations. Winners will be honored at a luncheon on June 4th.

Michiana Forty Under 40 Nomination 2010

College Attended
Purdue University
Purdue University North Central

Business Accomplishments
Job Title: Head Instructor; Reins of Life, Inc. (ROL)

Job Responsibilities:

Reins of Life Volunteer & Horse Honored by the Indiana Horse Council

The Equine Assisted Program Committee of the Indiana Horse Council has named Reins of Life volunteer Diane Sennett Volunteer of the Year and Reins program horse Boons Gunna Command ("Gunny") Indiana Therapy Horse of the Year.

Diane has served as a class volunteer and horse feeder since Reins opened its second facility in Michigan City in 2007. She donated over 600 hours of her time in 2009 alone. During classes Diane assists riders by either leading the horse or acting as a sidewalker whose role it is to support the rider emotionally and/or physically. She feeds program horses and does stable chores 5 mornings a week in all weather but trades in her barn bots and jeans to help with special events. Diane has developed an insatiable appetite for knowledge regarding horsemanship and is currently participating in an advanced horse handling class to continue the training of Reins of Life horses.

Gunny is a 25-year-old American Quarter Horse mare who is in her third career as a therapy horse after winning national reining horse competitions and spending several years as a broodmare. She has worked at five therapeutic riding centers across the state of Indiana, always serving well and helping to change the lives of hundreds of participants in a variety of programs. Her patience seemingly knows no limits as she stands quietly while students with limited mobility struggle to mount independently or volunteers with little or no horse experience learn the ropes. Gunny has served Reins of Life since 2008.

The Indiana Horse Council is a nonprofit corporation dedicated to the well-being of the horse industry. The IHC protects, promotes, and preserves the interests and activities within the Indiana equine industry in areas of education, legislation, promotion, and philanthropy.

Mandy Firnhaber

NARHA 2009
National Adult Equestrian of the Year

Amanda Firnhaber, a Reins of Life participant since 2007, was been named the 2009 National Adult Equestrian of the Year by NARHA, the international accrediting organization for therapeutic horseback riding centers. The honor is awarded each year to a rider with a disability who symbolizes the celebration of ability, optimism, diversity and a shared love of equines.

Mandy was nominated by instructor Amanda, who noted that "as a role model Mandy is unparalleled." While completing the final year of her program to achieve a Doctorate in Pharmacy, Mandy was involved in a car accident that left her in a coma for four weeks and ultimately with a severe traumatic brain injury. She was not expected to live without life support.

Amanda calls Mandy's progress "astounding" and says "her fantastic personality" makes her a "joy to be around." Mandy is now an amazing advocate for the therapeutic riding program that she credits with her progress. She regularly shares her story with groups in the community and was invited to sit on Reins' Board of Directors.

Mandy and her family traveled to Fort Worth, Texas to accept the award at the NARHA National Conference on November 21st.

Courtney Strychalski
Association of Fundraising Professionals
2009 Youth Fundraiser Award

Courtney anxiously awaited her thirteenth birthday on May 11, 2006 because that was the age when she could begin volunteering at Reins of Life. Sure enough, she began her career with us just a few weeks later, in June of 2006. That year she logged 56 volunteer hours. In 2007 it was 126.25 hours; in 2008 she gave 197.5 hours and in the first nine months of this year, she has already logged 197 hours. Of course, those are just the ones we keep track of. Although her primary role is a horse leader in our therapeutic riding classes for people with disabilities (6-12 hours/week), she has also willingly fed horses, cleaned stalls, worked with new horses, helped train new volunteers, bathed horses in preparation for events, planned and led day camp activities - the list goes on and on. Courtney has not only given her time to Reins, but also money earned at a summer job that came inside a heartwarming letter.

Her mom said that Courtney was a "selfish girl" before she came to us, but that her experience with Reins has changed her daughter. Of her experience with us, Courtney wrote, "It made me realize how selfish and greedy I was…..It showed me how much everyone takes life for granted."

The AFP award includes a college scholarship.

WSBT News: A Horse's Worth
SOUTH BEND — With around $50 million in breeding rights, and $3 million already earned on the track in winnings, it is estimated that each one of Big Brown’s legs is worth around $13.25 million. The horses at Reigns of Life don’t cost nearly that much, but they may be worth even more.
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WSBT News: Reins of Life trains new volunteers to work with disabled children
SOUTH BEND — A local organization that helps disabled children work with horses held a training session for its new volunteers. Reins of Life in South Bend provides therapy through horseback riding.
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