It was a beautiful fall day when riders, volunteers, friends, and family gathered at Reins of Life in Michigan City for a rider fun show. Each participant was able to show off the skills they had been working on during their weekly lessons. Thirty-five riders took turns riding nine horses. Participants ranged in age from three-years-old to adult. Horses ranged in size from a Shetland pony to Belgian and Percheron draft horses. Reins of Life is one of the few therapeutic horseback riding centers in the nation with two locations, and riders came from both the Michigan City and the South Bend barns.

The fun show, sponsored by GAF Roofing in Michigan City, was a well-organized event that introduced students to the world of horse shows. Up to five riders, each with one to three volunteers, rode in the large arena at once. The judge was Nicole Adams, a local horse trainer, instructor, and equestrian. Smiling, giggling, and waving to loved ones watching from the sidelines, each rider experienced the thrill of sportsmanship in an exciting, low-pressure competition. There was nothing but encouragement from the stands as everyone did their best with their equine partners. They all left with a trophy, a new learning experience, and great memories!

Reins of Life is a non-profit organization that began in 1978 and opened its Michigan City facility in 2007. Since then, they’ve been serving adults and children with disabilities through their various programs including therapeutic horseback riding, therapeutic carriage driving, school programs, veterans’ programs, and more. The Michigan City facility serves 100+ people per week, with a roster of 200 active volunteers.

To learn more about Reins of Life, visit their website at www.reinsoflife.org or follow them online.