Reins of Life

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‘Reins of Life’

For Carol Anderson of Waxahachie, a 20 year old dream is unfolding before her eyes.

    Carol has recently opened “Reins of Life Therapeutic Riding” in 2005, as an equine assisted therapy program designed to benefit children and adults with special needs.  She believes that there is an unspoken connection between horses and the disabled and she is certainly supported by extensive research on the subject.  Through riding, stroking and grooming the riders develop improved coordination, muscle strength, spatial awareness, and concentration.  Benefits also include reduction in depression, loneliness and stress.  Carol has known for a long time that interaction with horses can produce a unique, joyous sensation for the rider and encourages them to reach beyond the confines of their world toward a higher goal. 

        Some 20 years ago, Carol visited another therapy ranch in Keller where she became aware of the benefits of equine assisted activities for handicapped children.  At that time she was attending school to become a physical therapy assistant.  Her job in the field of physical therapy led to immersion in the world of special needs children.   Through discussions and positive feedback with the parents of these children, she decided to pursue her own therapeutic riding program.   At one point she became involved with TROT (Therapy Riding of Texas), where she learned extensively about the inner workings of a riding program and attained some hands on experience. When Carol found her current Waxahachie property about 10 years ago, she knew that it would be perfect for what she hoped to achieve in an equine assistance program.  The property had a house, a barn and an arena.  Since that time everything has just fallen into place, “Little by little, God has brought about everything we need at the right time, with the right people and the right place,” remarks Carol.  “What is happening is not my doing, I put the word out and it all came pouring back.  I have been patiently waiting and things are materializing out of nowhere.” 

Fundraising is crucial to the success of a non-profit organization such as ‘Reins’ and the group is busy planning events that will help to finance this noble endeavor.  “We are just thrilled at the community involvement and enthusiasm.”  explains Carol.

Reins of Life opened their doors officially in mid-October 2005, with a 6 week session, meeting on Friday evenings and Saturday mornings.  They are open to children (ages 5 and up) and adults with physical, mental and emotional difficulties.    Before beginning the program, participants will be given an evaluation by a riding instructor and by a therapist to determine individual needs and abilities.   

             Volunteers are at the core of a successful Equine Assisted Therapy Program.  Persons from all walks of life who believe in the importance of the human animal bond can bring their different levels of education and training to benefit their fellow man.  Volunteers come thinking that they are giving something of themselves,  but they leave with so much more realizing how much they have received in return.    It is a give - give situation and everybody wins.   Volunteers are especially needed to assist rider participants as horse handlers and side walkers.      Horse knowledge is not a requirement, but an open heart is.    Additionally, there is a need for construction of ramps and access walkways, for clearing of an easement to provide riding trails, and for funds to build an indoor arena.