Thank you REINS, Camp Pendleton

During the recent fires, I was faced with the need to evacuate my horse that resides at Fallbrook Equestrian Center, which shares property with REINS Therapeutic Horsemanship.

I witnessed so many acts of dedication to the wellbeing of all the animals during the evacuation and the days that followed, I just want to say how wonderful our neighbors here in Fallbrook and Camp Pendleton can be.

People began to show up at REINS with trailers and helped transport the horses. We thank you! One such person was my niece, Heather Herko, who had been evacuating horses all over North County for more than 26 hours without sleep.

I want to thank Base Commander Colonel Seaton and Deputy Director of MCCS Mike Wilkinson, and the staff, for making the stables and the rodeo arena available for temporary housing of our horses. Upon arrival at the arena, we found people prepared, organized and ready to help.

Due to the inability to return to Fallbrook for several days, it became necessary for the horses to remain on Camp Pendleton. During this time there was always someone to answer questions, make sure there was food and water available and to just offer their support.

A fire broke out next to the stables, which caused a scare, but Debbie Shinner suggested we “trust the Marines” to take care of the situation and we would be alright. The Marines were immediately on the fire by ground and air and within what Debbie thought to be less than 30 minutes the fire was out and the animals were safe once again.

Debbie and several REINS employees spent several days and nights at the arena caring for the horses. I thank her and her staff for their dedication and hard work during this difficult time.

Rhonda Reinke