Reins of Life Therapeutic Riding Sessions
 We average 76 riders a week. Their abilities vary as much as their disabilities. The disabilities include, but are not limited to, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, spina bifida, stroke, autism, developmental disabilities, mental retardation, fire and accident related injuries.
We conduct five riding sessions every year. Four are eight-weeks long and one is a five week holiday session. Grooming and tacking are an important part of the lessons. Riders, with the help of volunteers, are encouraged to do as much as they possibly can.
Group, semi-private and private lessons are available. Group lessons consist of three to six riders in each class. Riders range in age from 2 to mid-70s. Private lessons are recommended for riders under the age of 4. They must have a written referral from a physician or therapist and an evaluation by one of our certified instructors.
| 2008 Riding sessions: South Bend |
| Winter |
January 28 - March 29 (9 wks) |
| Spring |
April 14 - June 7 (8 wks) |
| Summer |
June 23 - August 9 (7 wks) |
| Fall |
August 25 - October 18 (8 wks) |
| Holiday |
November 3 - December 13 (6 wks) |
Lesson Fees
| 8 week session |
5 week session |
Length |
| Group Lessons |
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| $120 |
$75 |
1 hour each |
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| Semi-Private Lessons |
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| $200 |
$125 |
45 minutes each |
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| Private Lessons |
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| $240 |
$150 |
30 minutes each |
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Scholarships are available on an as-needed basis. Scholarships are limited. You may request the form if financial assistance is needed.
To enroll a rider, download the forms and return them to us. Or call the office and we will mail or fax them to you.
 Benefits of Therapeutic Riding
Physical
- Improves coordination, balance, and body awareness
- Strengthen and stretch muscles; decrease spasticity
- Improves basic motor skills
- Improves respiration and circulation
- Increases speech
- Better sensory integration
Emotional and mental
- Increases concentration, patience and discipline
- Improves self-confidence, -esteem -motivation and -discipline
Social
- Develops social skills and interpersonal relationships
- Bonding with horse and people
Educational
- Differentiation of right/left, numbers, letters, shapes, colors
Sequencing
- Improves hand-eye coordination and visual spatial perception
Horseback riding gives the rider a freedom he/she does not experience without an assistive aid such as a wheelchair or cane.
"The horse is giving me long legs and walking for me," says an eight-year old child.
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