Reins of Life

What Reins of Life does

Reins of Life is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization incorporated in 1978 that provides equine-assisted therapy services to children and adults with disabilities across an 11-county region in northern Indiana and southwestern Michigan. The organization operates two PATH Intl. Premier accredited facilities — a 30-acre South Bend campus and a 46-acre Michigan City campus — and is one of only ten U.S. centers offering all three mounted disciplines (therapeutic horseback riding, therapeutic carriage driving, and interactive vaulting) alongside unmounted programs including Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy (delivered in partnership with LPA Associates), Equine Encounters, Nuzzles & Snuggles, and a mobile Mini-Horse Visitation program. Specialized programming extends to the ROL Veterans Team (launched 2019) and a K-12 school program, with a "Reins to Recovery" addiction/recovery program in development. The organization serves more than 450 people per month from an estimated 100-mile radius and maintains a waitlist of 15-25 individuals per session.

The underlying service model is physical and human-mediated: PATH Intl. certified instructors deliver weekly lessons at $30 per rider, with eligibility criteria (documented diagnosis, age 2+, 180 lb weight cap, 6-month seizure-free rule) governing participation. Universal Design for Learning principles are integrated into programming, and credentialed Equine Specialists in Mental Health & Learning support EFP and trauma-related services. The organization has invested in storytelling infrastructure (video gallery, social channels on Facebook/Instagram/TikTok/YouTube, ROL Newsletter) and maintains a multi-channel donor acquisition engine.

Revenue mechanics are diversified across participant fees, individual donations (one-time, monthly recurring at $10-$250 presets, cryptocurrency), planned giving/legacy gifts, named endowments (Kelsey Marie Meekhof, Alex Price), foundation grants (CFSJC, Juddleighton, Health Foundation of La Porte), corporate sponsorships (Michigan City Community Enrichment Corporation, Basney, Tire Rack), and 6-7 fundraising events annually. An active South Bend Facility Expansion Capital Campaign is soliciting major gifts for capacity additions. Go-to-market is community-led: healthcare provider referrals, school partnerships, ROL Ambassadors volunteer outreach, and five regional chamber memberships drive awareness across the Michiana region.

Name

Reins of Life

Legal name

Reins of Life, Inc.

Website

https://reinsoflife.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1978

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Reins of Life is a 501(c)(3) non-profit operating two PATH Intl. Premier accredited facilities in Indiana that deliver equine-assisted therapy — riding, driving, vaulting, and psychotherapy — to children and adults with disabilities, veterans, and aging adults across an 11-county Michiana region, serving over 450 people monthly.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Equine-Assisted Therapy Services

NAICS

Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (62412)

SIC

Services-Health Services (8000)

akta.pro primary industry

Home Health Physical Therapy & Mobile PT (HSADAIAO)

Keywords

• Equine-assisted therapy
• Therapeutic horseback riding
• Therapeutic carriage driving
• Interactive vaulting programs
• Adaptive horsemanship services

Headquarters

HQ city

South Bend

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Participant Fees: Participants pay fees for therapeutic riding sessions. Financial assistance is available on an as-needed basis. Fees are collected online through the organization's payment portal. The per-rider weekly rate is $30.
2. Donations and Contributions: The organization accepts one-time and monthly donations at various preset amounts ($10, $25, $50, $100, $250) and custom amounts. Donors can contribute via the website, leave legacy/planned gifts, donate cryptocurrency, and donate goods (horse/pony donations, Amazon Wishlist items).
3. Cryptocurrency Donations: Reins of Life accepts cryptocurrency as a tax-efficient method of supporting programs.
4. Planned Giving / Legacy Gifts: The organization encourages donors to include Reins of Life in charitable estate planning and planned giving conversations with their tax accountant, estate attorney, or financial planner.
5. Capital Campaign: An active South Bend Facility Expansion Capital Campaign solicits major gifts to fund construction and facility improvements including a dedicated classroom, additional office space, paved parking, larger indoor arena, eight new stalls, and fire suppression system.
6. Event-Based Fundraising: The organization hosts 6-7 fundraising events annually and community fundraising events organized by area groups (motorcycle rides, chili suppers, benefit concerts, rummage sales) that generate donations and community engagement.
7. Special Funds and Memorial Scholarships: Named endowment and memorial funds (Kelsey Marie Meekhof Memorial Fund, Alex Price Memorial Scholarship Fund) accept designated donations to support riders and families in need of fee assistance.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Reins of Life provides equine-assisted therapy services to children and adults with disabilities through therapeutic horseback riding, therapeutic carriage driving, interactive vaulting, equine-facilitated psychotherapy, and unmounted programs (Equine Encounters, Nuzzles & Snuggles, mini-horse visits). Programs are delivered at two PATH Intl. Premier accredited facilities in South Bend and Michigan City, Indiana, with a K-12 school program, ROL Veterans Team, and active duty military retreats extending reach into the community.

Product overview

Reins of Life is a non-profit organization offering a comprehensive portfolio of equine-assisted therapy programs and services. The organization operates two PATH Intl. accredited centers in South Bend, Indiana and Michigan City, Indiana. Core offerings include Therapeutic Horseback Riding, Interactive Vaulting, Therapeutic Carriage Driving, K-12 School Programs, Equine Encounters, Nuzzles & Snuggles, Mini-Horse Visitation, Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy, and the ROL Veterans Team. Additionally, a new 'Reins to Recovery' program is upcoming. These programs serve children and adults with disabilities, aging adults, trauma survivors, and veterans through mounted and unmounted equine-assisted activities.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Therapeutic Horseback Riding Equine-assisted therapy using horseback riding to help children and adults with disabilities improve physical, cognitive, social, and emotional skills through weekly lessons taught by PATH Intl. certified instructors at the South Bend and Michigan City facilities.
• Interactive Vaulting A mounted discipline where participants perform movements on and around a horse, fostering teamwork, confidence, balance, and strength through vaulting exercises led by certified instructors.
• Therapeutic Carriage Driving A driving program that offers participants with physical, mental, sensory, or emotional disabilities the opportunity to interact with and control a horse or pony from a carriage seat, providing an alternative to riding.
• K-12 School Program Year-round therapeutic riding and equine education programs for school groups, featuring social skill exercises, healthy emotion expression, group teamwork, and experiential learning activities.
• Equine Encounters Instructor-led ground work activities with horses for individuals with emotional and behavioral diagnoses and those who have experienced trauma and loss.
• Nuzzles & Snuggles Unmounted equine-assisted activities at the facility designed for aging adults, particularly those with Alzheimer's disease, other dementias, autism, MS, and Parkinson's disease, including horse grooming, reading to horses, memory activities, and crafts.
• Mini-Horse Visitation Mobile program bringing miniature horses to libraries, schools, hospitals, and assisted living facilities for one-hour educational and therapeutic visits conducted by a certified instructor and volunteer team.
• Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy Treatment program conducted in partnership with LPA Associates to improve psychological health through horse-assisted therapy sessions targeting behavioral issues, depression, anxiety, trauma, and addiction.
• ROL Veterans Team Monthly program providing veterans with opportunities to work with horses, learn horse-handling skills, and bond with the herd, as well as active duty military retreats focused on equine training and herd interaction.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 450 people served per month across two facilities
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• PATH Intl. (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International)coreOthersReins of Life holds PATH Intl. Premier accreditation, the highest level of accreditation. The organization utilizes PATH standards for all three mounted disciplines (riding, driving, vaulting) and unmounted programs. Staff instructors are PATH Intl. certified in various specialties including therapeutic riding, interactive vaulting, therapeutic driving, and equine-assisted services.
• LPA AssociatescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerReins of Life and LPA Associates have partnered to offer Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy (EFP) services. LPA Associates provides the licensed therapist component required for EFP, while Reins provides certified instructors and equine partners. EFP is used to help participants identify, cope, and recover from traumatic events, psychological disorders, and addiction.
• Kelsey Marie Meekhof Memorial Fund (administered by CFSJC)minorOthersAn endowment fund established in memory of Kelsey Marie Meekhof, a former rider at Reins of Life. Donations can be made through the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County (CFSJC) website. The fund supports the ongoing mission of Reins of Life.
• Alex Price Memorial Scholarship FundminorOthersA scholarship fund established in memory of Alexandra Price to support Reins of Life riders directly. Scholarship funds are distributed to rider families in need of fee support. Contributions can be made through the Donate Now option on the Reins of Life website.
• CFSJC (Community Foundation of St. Joseph County)coreOthersCFSJC has featured Reins of Life expansion efforts and facility news. The foundation is listed as a partner in support on the Reins of Life website. CFSJC administers the Kelsey Marie Meekhof Memorial Fund for Reins of Life.
• Juddleighton FoundationminorOthersThe Juddleighton Foundation published an article about Reins of Life expanding to meet the needs of the South Bend community, indicating grant funding or foundation support for the organization's expansion efforts.
• Health Foundations (HFLaporte)minorOthersHFLaporte (Health Foundation of La Porte) supports the K-12 School Program at Reins of Life as a program sponsor.
• Michigan City Community Enrichment CorporationcoreOthersMajor supporter and sponsor of Reins of Life's Michigan City facility. Funded the purchase of horses including Fay, Bonbon, Princess, and Tonka through the Michigan City Community Enrichment Corporation. Also supported the purchase of Elegant Ed through a grant from the Michigan City Enrichment Corporation.
• Autism SpeaksminorOthersListed as a partner in support on the Reins of Life website, indicating alignment with autism-focused advocacy and services.
• United Way of St. Joseph CountyminorOthersListed as a partner in support on the Reins of Life website. United Way supports community nonprofits in St. Joseph County where Reins of Life's original facility is located.
• BBB (Better Business Bureau)minorOthersReins of Life is listed with the Better Business Bureau and displays the BBB accreditation logo on their website, demonstrating nonprofit accountability and transparency.
• Regional Chambers of CommerceminorOthersReins of Life is a member of five regional chambers of commerce including Duneland Chamber, La Porte Chamber, Michigan City Area Chamber, South Bend Regional Chamber, and Valparaiso Chamber, supporting community outreach and visibility.
• Nancy and Lloyd Taylor (Land Donors)coreOthersIn 1991, Nancy and Lloyd Taylor donated twenty acres of their land on Quince Road near Lydick, providing Reins of Life with its permanent home. This donation enabled the organization to establish its original South Bend facility.
• Todd and Janice Much (Property Donors)coreOthersIn June 2007, Todd and Janice Much donated a 46-acre property in Michigan City (Royal Acres Equestrian Center), valued at $2M. This enabled Reins of Life to establish its second facility in Michigan City.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Cheff Therapeutic Riding Center: Michigan-based PATH accredited therapeutic riding center serving individuals with disabilities. Operates from a dedicated facility and serves a similar rider population with comparable mounted and unmounted programming.
• Hearts & Horses Therapeutic Riding Center: PATH Premier accredited therapeutic riding center in Loveland, Colorado serving individuals with disabilities through equine-assisted activities and therapy. Comparable in scale, programming, and nonprofit operational structure.
• Equest: Texas-based PATH Premier accredited therapeutic equestrian center offering therapeutic riding, hippotherapy, equine-assisted learning, and carriage driving. Matches Reins of Life in multi-discipline breadth and nonprofit community-based delivery.
• Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center: PATH Premier accredited center in Washington state offering occupational, physical, and speech therapy incorporating equine movement. Comparable to Reins of Life in serving riders with a wide range of disabilities and in clinical-program integration.
• Mane Stream: PATH Premier accredited center in New Jersey offering equine-assisted services for individuals with disabilities, including therapeutic riding, hippotherapy, and carriage driving. Highly comparable in multi-discipline approach and nonprofit operating model.
• High Hopes Therapeutic Riding: PATH Premier accredited center in Connecticut serving people with disabilities through equine-assisted activities and therapy. Closely matches Reins of Life in scale, accreditation level, and the combination of mounted and unmounted programs.
• BraveHearts Therapeutic Riding & Education Center: PATH Intl. Premier accredited therapeutic riding center serving children and adults with disabilities in northern Illinois. Directly comparable to Reins of Life in mission, accreditation tier, and multi-discipline programming.
• Saddle Up!: PATH accredited therapeutic riding program in Franklin, Tennessee serving children and adults with disabilities. Comparable in mission, participant profile, and reliance on volunteers and donated resources.
• Theraplay: PATH accredited therapeutic horsemanship center in Pennsylvania serving children and adults with disabilities. Comparable in mission, accredited programming, and use of equine activities for physical, cognitive, and emotional development.

Others

• Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.): The industry accreditation body for equine-assisted services. Reins of Life holds PATH Intl. Premier accreditation through this organization, making it a key industry infrastructure provider and standards-setting entity relevant to the center's operations.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCltklehy_AbteufuqL3rRrA/videos?view_as=subscriber
• Facebookfacebook.com/ReinsROL
• Instagraminstagram.com/reins_of_life_inc
• TikToktiktok.com/@reinsoflife
• Xx.com/reinsoflifeinc
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/reins-of-life-inc

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles19 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Reins of Life