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.
Donate a Horse
Donate a Horse
We Care For Our Horses...
REINS offers the best possible care for our "Equine Therapists". Each horse is kept on a regular vaccination, de-worming and farrier schedule. Their nutritional needs are evaluated and addressed on an individual basis. The horses are turned out daily to romp and play and return to an individual pen with shelter at night. Each horse is assigned a special human buddy who gives his or her assigned horse special care and TLC. The horses are brushed thoroughly and examined for cuts or anything unusual daily. Additionally, our horses are placed on a fitness schedule to ensure each one stays in the best possible shape, both mentally and physically.
What we look for in a Therapy Horse...
REINS serves around 180 riders, with the assistance of over 100 volunteers each week. Serving our riders can be mentally and physically stressful for our equine therapists. Consequently, it is essential that our horses have a solid work ethic, enjoy people and are healthy and sound. A great therapy horse is sound at the walk, trot and canter, with three rhythmic and balanced gaits. The quality of the horse’s movement is what most benefits the participant. Other qualities we require include varied life experience, a quiet personality and at least eight years of age. Our riders have a very wide range of special needs, and our herd must be varied to meet those needs; therefore, the specific qualities we are seeking in a horse can change depending upon the current needs of our program.
The donation process...
REINS therapy horses carry precious cargo and we take great care in selecting, evaluating and training them. Our Program Coordinator first evaluates all horses being considered to join the REINS herd. The horse’s conformation, movement, and behavior are evaluated, as well as their ground manners, ability under saddle, and suitability for riders with disabilities. If the horse is then accepted, he will come to REINS for a 90-day trial period. If the trial period is a success, donation papers are signed and REINS accepts the horse with gratitude. When a horse becomes ready for retirement the original owner has the right of first refusal. If they waive that right, REINS carefully selects a good home for our retiring Equine.
If you donate your horse to REINS you can be assured that your horse will receive exceptional care, unlimited love, and constant attention and appreciation. Further, you will receive the deep satisfaction of knowing that you are helping to make a profound difference in the lives of children and adults with special needs!
Does your horse have what it takes to be a Therapy Horse?
Answer the questions below. If you have more true than false your horse might have the "Right Stuff" to have a second career as a therapy horse. Please review the list below, and then download and print our Horse Donation Packet in the 'attachments' section at the bottom of this page. Contact Sarah at 760-731-9168 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it if you have more questions. Thanks for thinking of REINS!
- My horse is physically sound, and does not have any major health related problems.
- My horse tolerates two people working on both sides simultaneously.
- My horse has some level of professional training.
- My horse can tolerate loud noises and does not startle easily.
- My horse can maintain his cool when startled by moving objects.
- My horse is a comfortable mount with even gaits.
- My horse can handle uneven weight on his back.
- If a rider becomes unbalanced, my horse will stop and wait for the rider to regain control.
- My horse is comfortable with strangers and enjoys the company of humans.
- My horse is sociable and good with other horses
 Horse Donation Application |
Written by REINS Staff Last Updated on Monday, November 09, 2009
