Kids Rein is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that promotes the use of the horse for individuals with physical, emotional and learning disabilities.
"High-Five" game gets everyone involved!
KIDS REIN Mission:
The mission of Kids Rein is to provide therapeutic horseback riding using early intervention techniques to benefit children with special needs.
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Kids Rein interacts with the child through different teaching methodologies by using hand-over-hand, one-on-one intensive teaching, speech and verbal behavior, physical exercises, cognitive learning skills, early intervention techniques, social engagement, and social play skills. We play learning games and physical exercises on the back of a horse and the best part is... the kids love it!
Therapeutic Horseback Riding has been widely accepted as a unique and beneficial therapy to many persons with various disabilities. This type of therapy benefits the horse as well as the individual with physical, emotional and learning disabilities. For individuals with disabilities, equine-assisted activities have been shown to improve muscle tone, balance, posture, coordination, motor development as well as emotional well-being. Individuals with almost any cognitive, physical and/or emotional disability can benefit from therapeutic riding. Because horseback riding gently and rhythmically moves the rider's body in a manner similar to a human gait, riders with physical disabilities often show improvement in flexibility, balance and muscle strength. For individuals with mental or emotional disabilities, the unique relationship formed with the horse can lead to increased confidence, patience and self-esteem.
Teressa Tucker and Phyllis Smeaton (Founders)
Teressa Tucker (founder) is a NAHRA Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (North American Riding for the Handicapped Association) and is fully qualified, experienced and passionately dedicated to children with disabilities, as she herself has a young son diagnosed with Autism. Teressa is proud and honored to be elected as a NARHA (North American Riding for the Handicapped Association) Region 3 Representative overseeing the states of West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina 2006-2008.
Phyllis Smeaton (founder) is a Critical Care Nurse at Presbyterian Hospital in Charlotte and has the extensive medical experience necessary to enhance this type of program to its fullest potential. Phyllis has many years of medical and horse experience and is a great asset to any therapeutic riding program! She has a special working relationship with the children and horses.
Through the many years of working with different teaching methodologies and techniques, Teressa and Phyllis have discovered various ways of working with children with different disabilities. They are pround that KIDS REIN is able to reach out and make a difference in the lives of kids with special needs - all on the back of a horse!
To Donate now just click on the green "Donate Now" button below:
KIDS REIN is proud to be a Center Member of NARHA (North American Riding for the Handicapped Association). www.narha.org
