Sharing the love for REINS

During February, the month of love, REINS Therapeutic Horsemanship Program asked its student families and volunteers to "Share the Love" of REINS with everyone they know, by creating a personal fundraising page and sharing their story of how REINS has impacted them. Each page was personalized with a photo and a fundraising goal.

REINS (Riding Emphasizing Individual Needs and Strengths) is a nonprofit organization with a mission to support the physical, mental and emotional health of disabled children and adults with therapeutic equine-assisted activities. All lessons are subsidized through the generosity of others.

The importance of fundraisers became more evident when COVID-19 forced the temporary closure of REINS on March 18, 2020. The center was able to reopen on June 1 by implementing increased sanitation protocols with all the CDC guidelines.

Business Development Director Canece Huber said that 80% of student riders returned and subsequently the center has returned to full capacity. She said families expressed that the benefits of the program far outweighed the risk, and all were eager to return.

"Our instructors and volunteers have worked diligently to create a safe and healthy environment including hand washing, temperature taking, mask wearing and sanitizing of all equipment after every lesson," she said. "Before the pandemic, we held four large fundraisers a year. Last year, we were grateful that the Fallbrook Chamber invited us to partner for their Golf Tournament and we held a Virtual Hoedown. This year, we are scheduling our 31st annual REINS of Life Golf Tournament for this summer and our annual Country Hoedown will be on Oct. 9, either in person or virtual again if restrictions are still in place."

Huber, who began her relationship with REINS as a volunteer more than 10 years ago before becoming an employee, said the idea for the current fundraiser was the result of a brainstorming session with all the development staff. Currently the nonprofit has 100 weekly volunteers and more than 800 annually from ages 12 to 79. There are five fulltime and 18 part-time staff members.

"We work diligently to fundraise, grant write and engage with our generous donors," she said. "Debbie Shinner, our executive director (since 1995), reminds everyone that REINS has grown to serve almost 200 riders (ages 2-78) weekly through the support of our community. We are always grateful that through the years, the Fallbrook Regional Health District has supported REINS as one of the few services available for the special needs community locally."

The Nelson family has created a "Share the Love" fundraising page where they stated that REINS has been invaluable to their family and expressed how impressed they are with the nonprofit.

"From their expertise, organization and professionalism, down to their friendliness and commitment to helping everyone, especially military families, they are truly an excellent organization," Yuuki and George Nelson wrote on behalf of their student, Nina. "We are wholeheartedly fundraising for REINS Therapeutic Horsemanship Program because they do amazing work and we love their program. REINS makes their lessons affordable for all their students and families through their year-round fundraising efforts, and they are grateful for any amount you can donate."

Riders are asked to pay 25% of the actual cost of lessons, but Huber said the center works hard to never turn anyone away due to financial hardship, which is why fundraisers are so crucial to the nonprofit.

"Every dollar received goes directly to the program to provide lessons, feed and care for our (17) horses or to maintain our facility," she said. "Once you become part of REINS and witness firsthand the miracle benefits this program offers our riders, it becomes difficult to leave. I return each day knowing that my efforts are helping others."

Sandra Rivera's daughter, Amanda, has been a student for 13 years after hearing about the center from another special needs family.

"The impact REINS has had on my child has been life changing," Rivera said. "When Amanda first started riding, she could not sit up straight on the saddle; she needed full support. Now, she sits up with better posture than I. Another impact was her trust in therapists. She would not trust anyone but me and I had to be right next to her during every ride. Now, she takes her therapist Maggie's hand as soon as we arrive and practically runs to her horse Misha."

Lucy Martini has been riding for about 18 months, since the family learned about the nonprofit from a nurse at Balboa Naval Medical Center. Her mom, Bethany Martini, said the 50-minute drive to attend lessons is worth it.

"REINS is Lucy's first therapy that not only helps her physical development, but brings her so much joy," Martini said. "She always looks forward to her lessons and has the biggest smile getting ready for her lesson. It makes me so happy to hear her talking away to her instructor and her horse."

Martini said she also appreciates sharing REINS with her parents when they visit from Texas and can watch Lucy ride. Volunteers seem to get as much satisfaction as the riders and their families. Beverly Clark has been volunteering there since 2006.

"While I am still working full time, my time volunteering at REINS on Thursdays is my favorite day of the week," she said. "It keeps me grounded, centered, and brings important perspectives for me each week. Seeing a student who is typically in a wheelchair enjoying the chance to sit up high on a horse and get a new view of the world is truly special. There are so many great moments to be part of at REINS."

A volunteer since 2013, Lisa Williams said, "REINS is a slice of heaven." A particular event that really touched her heart and keeps her returning was when one of the riders would get on her horse and say, "I have my legs back" as soon as her lesson would start.

"I loved being a part of that experience for her," Williams said.

The center will be selling See's Candy for Easter from March 8 through April 3 and is encouraging everyone to save themselves a trip to the mall and support a good cause at the same time by shopping with them. Orders are for pick-up only at 4461 S. Mission Rd. in Fallbrook and can be ordered online at reinsprogram.org/support/sees-candies-fundraiser/.

To donate, text LOVEREINS to 71777. More information can be found at www.reinsprogram.org or by calling 760-731-9168.