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.
Volunteering FAQs
Volunteering FAQ
Can I do my Eagle Scout Project at REINS?
Yes! Over the years, many Life Scouts have chosen to do their Eagle Project here at REINS. Please contact Jennifer at 760-731-9168 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information.
Written by REINS Staff Wednesday, May 25, 2011
How old do I have to be to volunteer?
You must be at least 12 years old to volunteer. If you are under 18 years old, you'll need to have a parent or legal guardian sign the Volunteer Release form.
Written by REINS Staff Last Updated on Sunday, November 22, 2009
What do volunteers do at REINS?
Volunteer Routine
When you first arrive at REINS for your volunteering shift there are some things you need to do:
- Sign In!!! This is the way we keep track of your hours for your training milestones and for school or work so it is very important to sign in.
- Put on your name tag.
- Report to an instructor.
- Check Lesson Board for your lesson assignment or for any volunteer jobs.
- Get started!!!
- At the end of the day please log out and put back your name tag.
Volunteer Milestones
First Day:
-You will have an orientation with our Volunteer Coordinator, Chris Merry, or another staff member. You will be learning about our Tack Room, Lesson Board, grooming etc. We will give you a temporary name tag that you will need to wear at all times while here at REINS. You must be with another volunteer or instructor at all times until you have completed a group training session.
Level One (Red) Group Training:
-After you have gone through Volunteer Orientation and completed approximately 50-100 hours of volunteer work here at REINS you will be eligible for the Level One Group Training. One of the REINS Instructors or the Volunteer Coordinator will nominate you for the Level One Group Training Session. Upon successful completion of the Level One Group Training, you will be given a round REINS badge with your name on it. Please wear it so that REINS staff, students and parents will know who you are. At this time you will be able to sidewalk during lessons and do basic grooming.
Level Two (Blue) Group Training:
After spending more time at REINS, you will become experienced with our routine and how you can assist us. Once you have completed at least 100-200 hours or more of volunteer work here at REINS you will be eligible for the Level Two Group Training Session. A REINS Instructor or the Volunteer Coordinator will nominate you for the Level Two Group Training Session. Upon successful completion of this training your responsibilities will have increased. You will now be able to get horses from the pasture without a partner and lead horses in lessons.
Written by REINS Staff Last Updated on Sunday, November 22, 2009
What kind of time commitment am I making if I volunteer?
We need volunteers Monday through Friday for Morning Shifts (8:30a - 12:00p) and Afternoon Shifts (1:00p - 5:30p) and Saturday for Morning Shift (8:30a - 12:00p) and Afternoon Shift (12:30p – 4:00p). You can commit for as little as three months, but we greatly appreciate it if you can come for six months, a year, or more!
Please understand that we need our volunteers to be DEPENDABLE and PUNCTUAL! We depend on you to arrive on the days you have been scheduled. If you are not able to make it on your day, please call our office or let an instructor know at least one day ahead. Also, late arrival can cause problems in the scheduling and affect our lessons. Please be on time.
We keep track of your hours so you can use them for school, court or extra-curricular requirements.
Written by REINS Staff Last Updated on Sunday, November 22, 2009
What other ways I can help?
If you're not able to volunteer on a regular basis, please consider supporting REINS by making a donation, sponsorship, or campaign pledge.
Written by REINS Staff Last Updated on Sunday, November 22, 2009
What should I bring / wear when I come to volunteer?
- Sturdy, comfortable CLOSED-TOED shoes for safety and protection.
- Clothes that are comfortable and suited to the weather. We are in the sun a lot so please wear hats, sunglasses and sunscreen. Also in the winter a jacket is usually needed.
- We do have a soda machine and water but please bring any drinks or snacks you will want. We do not have a place for you to lock away any valuables so please leave them at home or in your car.
Written by REINS Staff Last Updated on Sunday, November 22, 2009
