Reins of Life in Michigan City has provided equine-assisted services for children and adults with varying abilities for 47 years and relies heavily on the support of committed volunteers from the community. Reins is located at 9375 W. 300 N, Michigan City, and provides therapeutic riding, therapeutic driving, interactive vaulting, K12 school program, and equine-assisted psychotherapy to youth and adults with disabilities.

Reins is seeking volunteers ages 13 and up to assist with therapeutic riding lessons. Volunteers are responsible for assisting in lessons by sidewalking with participants who require extra support. Skills such as grooming, tacking and horse leading will be taught. Lesson volunteers generally help once a week for 1.5 hours during each six-to-nine-week session.

Reins is also seeking volunteers to feed the 16-horse herd. Horses are fed twice a day at 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.—filling water troughs, cleaning stalls and more. Feeders must be 16+ years old. No horse experience is required—just a willing attitude, desire to learn, and ability to take directions. Feeders are asked to commit to one shift a week.

Jodi, a fourth-year volunteer shared, “Reins is a wonderful place to volunteer. When I began working with the horses and children, I quickly felt like part of a family. I needed a lot of help getting accustomed to tacking and leading, and I received support in the most generous and kind ways. Watching the children blossom over the years has been a joy, and through this journey, I’ve discovered that I, too, have grown in remarkable ways thanks to my experience at Reins of Life.”

New volunteer training will be offered on Monday, March 24, from 2-4:30 p.m. and Tuesday, March 25, from 5:30-8:30 p.m. CT. After attending one training, new volunteers will be qualified to help in therapeutic riding lessons and the school program. Feeder training is offered one-on-one as people sign up.

If you or someone you know is interested in one or more of these volunteer opportunities, please call 219-874-7519 or email beth.cortelyou@reinsoflife.org. Initial training will be provided to all volunteers, as well as ongoing training throughout the year to ensure success and safety for all. Visit www.reinsoflife.org for more information.