Reins of Life therapeutic horseback riding center has provided equine-assisted services for children and adults with varying abilities for 47 years. It relies heavily on the support of the community volunteers for all aspects of its operations. Reins is located at 9375 W. 300 N., Michigan City, and provides therapeutic riding, therapeudic carriage driving, interactive vaulting, K12 school program, veterans program, and other equine-assisted services.

Reins is seeking volunteers aged 13 and older to assist with therapeutic riding lessons. Volunteers are responsible for assisting in lessons by walking alongside participants who require extra support. Horse experience is not necessary, skis such as grooming, tacking, and horse leading will be taught. Lesson volunteers generally help once a week for 1.5 hours during each six-to-nine-week session. Some volunteers have worked with the same participants for years and develop strong friendships. Recently, volunteers brought cupcakes, party hats, and presents to celebrate a participant's birthday. She requested the happy birthday song twice!

Volunteers are also needed to feed their 17-horse herd. Horses are fed twice a day at 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., in 2-hour shifts. Feeders must be 16+ years old. No horse experience is required - just a willing attitude, desire to learn, and ability to follow directions. Feeders are asked to commit to one shift a week. Feeding crew members get to know the volunteers they work with and interact with each horse at every shift.

Volunteer training will be offered on Monday, October 20, from 2-4:30 p.m. and Tuesday, October 21, from 5:30-8:30 p.m. CT. After attending one training, new volunteers will be qualified to help in therapeutic riding lessons and the school program. Feeding training is offered one-on-one as people sign up. There is also additional training for those interested in therapeutic carriage driving and interactive vaulting.

If you or someone you know is interested in one or more of these volunteer opportunities, please sign up by calling 219-874-7519 or emailing beth.cortelyou@reinsoflife.org. Initial training will be provided to all volunteers, as well as ongoing training throughout the year to ensure success and safety for all. Visit www.reinsoflife.org for more information.