Special Alert
Thank You Dr. Kovner!!
For the past four years, Dr. Vic Kovner has served on the REINS Board as a Director. In his short tenure as a Board Member he gave so much of himself and expected so little in return. He believed whole heartily in our Mission and was on a steady course to help fulfill our vision of becoming a leading Therapeutic Riding Program in the United States.
Sadly, Dr. Kovner passed away December 12th after suffering a massive brain hemorrhage. However, his accomplishments while serving on our board cannot go without mention. Vic, being an avid horse lover, understood how these wonderful animals served as our tool to help the disabled community. Growing up on a ranch, he also understood how work intensive it is to run a ranch. With that said, he along with his devoted wife Donna, made sure REINS was here to stay. They proceeded to find a donor to pay off our mortgage and also build us a hay barn and repair our bridge, which is the only access to our facility.
For me, Vic’s most defining quality as our Board Member was his ability to put our Mission first. He had that deep and abiding passion for helping people, all people. His approach was pragmatic and filled with love.
So Vic, on behalf of all of us here at REINS, thank you for your knowledge, wisdom and all you have done to improve the lives of people with special needs through therapeutic equestrian activities. REINS is a better place because of your skilled and dedicated service.
You will be sadly missed.
Student Profiles
Student Profiles
Jacob - A Typical REINS Day
Students and Parents – Student Profiles
A Typical REINS Day:
Once a week Jacob comes to ride a horse at REINS. Jacob is so busy having fun on his horse that he doesn't realize just how much therapy he is getting at the same time. When Jacob arrives at REINS with his parents, he gets out of his car and is greeted by his instructor. Together they go to the helmet cupboard and put Jacob's riding helmet on. Then Jacob and his instructor go over to the loading ramp, where he is greeted by his horse, leader and sidewalker*.
From here there are many options to choose from. Jacob will either take his horse on a trail ride or into the arena, or maybe both! In the arena and also on trail there are many opportunities for Jacob to learn and stimulate his different senses and abilities. Jacob's instructor (with the help of our Occupational Therapist) has come up with a lesson plan that will give Jacob the best therapy by utilizing various tools. As Jacob's skills improve his instructor will change his lesson plan to keep things challenging and fun. After Jacob's lesson (approximately 30 min.) Jacob 's instructor helps him off his horse and then they go to the tack room to put his reins back and get carrots for his horse. Jacob brings the carrots to his horse along with some gentle pats. After rewarding his horse and himself for a job well done Jacob's parents take him home where he utilizes the skills he has learned.
To learn more about who we are, what we do, and how you can help, please watch a video profile of the REINS Program originally broadcast on KUSI.
*Depending on students' ability, a sidewalker may or may not be necessary.
Written by REINS Staff Last Updated on Thursday, January 21, 2010
