MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
Reins of Hope, a nonprofit therapeutic riding center, has been improving the lives of individuals with disabilities since its founding in 1994. Located on the east side of Hutchinson, the program is dedicated to enhancing the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of riders through horseback therapy.
“We are a therapeutic riding program, and we belong to the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship, or PATH,” said Jane Harder, the organization’s director. “We work with individuals with all types of disabilities, from physical to mental and emotional challenges, to help improve their quality of life.”
Harder explained that the therapeutic benefits of horseback riding are vast, including increased self-confidence, improved motor skills, and enhanced social and communication abilities. One of the unique aspects of the program is its focus on both children and adults, serving a wide range of individuals with diverse needs.
“We’ve seen a lot of success with our clients who struggle with mental health issues,” Harder said. “Therapeutic riding helps with anxiety, depression, and socialization, and it gives them a sense of calm.”
The center's approach goes beyond just riding; it integrates a team effort with parents, teachers, and other health professionals to tailor lessons to each rider's needs. Harder pointed out that the horses themselves play a crucial role in the therapy, acting as gentle partners in the process.
“Horses simulate the human gait, which is particularly beneficial for individuals with physical disabilities, like cerebral palsy,” she said. “The rhythm of the horse’s movements helps the rider’s muscles relax and develop a more natural stride.”
The therapeutic horseback riding lessons are structured to offer more than just physical benefits. They also provide emotional healing, often without the rider even realizing it.
“It’s not just about riding the horse,” Harder explained. “The goal is to have fun while getting therapy at the same time. The horses do much of the work, and it’s a great bonding experience for the riders.”
The program also works closely with local school districts, foster care programs, and adult care centers to provide services. Students and individuals from these organizations are encouraged to participate in therapeutic riding sessions, which are designed to meet the unique needs of each participant.
While the center has received significant community support, financial assistance and volunteers remain crucial to its continued success. Reins of Hope charges a minimal fee for its services and never turns away a rider due to financial constraints. Instead, the nonprofit relies on grants, donations, and volunteers to sustain its operations.
“We’ve been blessed by the community’s support over the years, but we still need help to continue our mission,” Harder said. “Funding and volunteers are our biggest needs right now. We’ve kept our rates the same since we began, but it’s a constant effort to maintain our program.”
For those interested in contributing to Reins of Hope, donations can be made through their website, reinsofhopehutch.org, or by mail at PO Box 57, Hutchinson, Kansas, 67504. Individuals can also reach the center directly at 620-665-0906 for more information on volunteering or making a donation.
The center’s horse care costs are another significant expense, with veterinary care, feed, and routine health maintenance totaling approximately $2,000 per horse annually. Currently, the nonprofit maintains a herd of seven horses, all of which are vital to the therapeutic process.
Despite the challenges, Harder remains optimistic and deeply committed to the mission of Reins of Hope. “It’s truly amazing to see the progress these riders make, both physically and emotionally,” she said. “We couldn’t do it without the support of our community.”
For more information on the therapeutic services provided by Reins of Hope or how to get involved, visit their website or contact the center directly.