Reins & Reading is a unique, ground-based literacy program that combines reading activities with meaningful interactions with horses. Children build confidence, communication skills, and a love of learning in a calm, supportive ranch environment.

No. Reins & Reading is entirely ground-based. Children interact with the horses through grooming, leading, games, literacy activities, and other hands-on experiences. No riding is involved.

Our program is ideal for children who:

• Need extra confidence with reading

• Love animals and hands-on learning

• Learn best through movement and experience

• Benefit from a calm, encouraging environment

• Simply enjoy spending time with horses

Children do not need to be struggling readers to benefit.

Reins & Reading is designed for children ages 5 and up. Activities are thoughtfully adapted to each child’s age, reading level, and individual needs, creating a positive and engaging experience for every participant.

Not at all! Most children have little or no horse experience when they begin. We teach everything they need to know while emphasizing safety, respect, and confidence around our horses.

Each session includes literacy activities, horse interaction, games, problem-solving challenges, and opportunities to build communication and confidence. Every activity is thoughtfully tailored to meet each child’s reading level, interests, and individual goals.

Yes. Safety is our highest priority. All horse interactions are closely supervised, and children learn proper horse safety before working with the horses. Our horses are carefully selected for their calm temperaments and suitability for working with children.

Each session is approximately one hour and meets once a week for six weeks. This consistent schedule gives children time to build relationships with the horses, strengthen their reading skills, and grow in confidence from week to week.

We intentionally keep sessions small so every child receives individual attention, meaningful time with the horses, and an experience tailored to their needs.

Many children with a variety of learning styles and challenges thrive in our program. While Reins & Reading is not a therapy program, our supportive environment often helps children develop confidence, focus, communication skills, and a positive attitude toward learning.

No. While children strengthen reading skills, Reins & Reading is much more than tutoring. We combine literacy with experiential learning, leadership, and meaningful horse interactions to create an engaging learning experience that builds confidence both in and out of the classroom.

Not at all. Every child is unique, and we tailor each session to meet their interests and goals. While many families choose Reins & Reading to strengthen literacy skills, we can also design sessions that focus on horsemanship, horse care, groundwork, confidence building, and leadership—with as much or as little literacy integration as best fits your child’s goals.

Children should wear closed-toe shoes (preferably boots) and comfortable clothing appropriate for spending time outdoors around horses. Sunscreen, hats, and a water bottle are encouraged during warm weather..

We monitor weather conditions closely and will contact families if a session needs to be postponed or rescheduled due to severe weather.

Yes! Depending on scheduling and availability, siblings are welcome to participate together.

Yes. Parents are welcome to remain on the property. We have a comfortable, shaded waiting area where you’re welcome to relax during your child’s session. To help children build independence, confidence, and meaningful connections with the horses, we ask that parents remain in the waiting area while sessions are in progress. This allows each child the opportunity to fully engage, make decisions, and develop their own relationship with their equine partner.

Simply visit our Register page, choose an available session time, and complete the online registration form. If you have questions before registering, we’re always happy to help.

That’s perfectly okay! Many children feel that way at first. We introduce horses at each child’s own pace and never force interactions. Building trust and confidence is part of the journey, and our calm horses are wonderful teachers.

Yes. Thanks to the generosity of our community, scholarship assistance may be available for families who need it. We never want cost to prevent a child from participating in Reins & Reading.

Absolutely! Donations to our scholarship fund help provide life-changing opportunities for children who might not otherwise be able to participate. Every contribution goes directly toward helping a child experience the confidence, connection, and joy that Reins & Reading provides.