About

A young boy is riding a horse in an indoor arena while playing with hula hoops.

25 Years of Caring Service

Reduced-Fee Lessons

In the beginning, Don saw a number of children and adults turned away because of their inability to pay for this service. Thanks to generous donations from community members and corporations, we are continuing to provide therapeutic services at affordable rates.
A man in a baseball cap stands next to a brown horse

Benefits of Therapeutic Horseback Riding

A child who participates in therapeutic horseback riding can experience physical, emotional, and developmental rewards.

Because horseback riding gently moves the rider's body in a manner similar to the way a person walks, riders with physical disabilities often show improvements in flexibility, balance, and strength.
A woman wearing a cowboy hat and a blue hoodie.
A woman is standing next to a brown horse in a stable.

Psychological Benefits of Riding

Not only does therapeutic riding offer physical benefits to students, but it also offers psychological benefits.

The rider feels a sense of achievement that often enhances motivation towards recovery and builds concentration skills. Many of our riders also experience a close bond with their horse.
A little boy is riding a pony in an indoor arena

Why Therapeutic Horseback Riding?

A child who participates in therapeutic horseback riding can experience physical, emotional, and developmental rewards. Because horseback riding gently and rhythmically moves the rider's body in a manner similar to the way a person walks, riders with physical challenges often show improvements in flexibility, balance, and strength.

Not only does therapeutic riding offer physical benefits to students, but also psychological benefits. The rider feels a sense of achievement that often enhances motivation towards recovery. It also builds concentration skills.

Individuals having special needs often form a unique relationship with a horse that can lead to self-confidence, patience, and increased self-esteem. Medical professionals, as well as the American Physical Therapy Association, recognize the positive qualities of therapeutic horseback riding.
A boy wearing a helmet is feeding a horse from a blue bowl
The logo for the volunteer center in washington county.

Member

Meet the Rides & Reins TECs' Board of Directors

Renée Elias, President & Executive Director

Retired, Corp Ad sales

renee.elias43@gmail.com 


Daryl Laatsch, Vice President

Attorney at Law

dwlaatsch@gmail.com


Paul Schmanski, Treasurer 

Northwestern Mutual Life, Assistant Director - Product Finance

paul@schmanski.net


Tabitha VanderWaal, Director 

Barn Manager & Riding Instructor

tabbyvanderwaal15@gmail.com


SJ (Sara Rogers), Director

Volunteer/Mechanical Engineer

sara.jane5778@gmail.com


Henry Pettigrew, Director

Volunteer and Student Youth Counselor

henry_pettigre8629@att.net


Matthew Giovanelli, Director
Volunteer/Environmental Geologist
iceage1416@proton.me

A little girl is riding on the back of a horse.
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