The Reins in Motion Foundation is a volunteer-based, therapeutic riding program that seeks to enrich the lives of people with special needs and life-threatening illnesses by connecting them with horses and outdoor activities.
The healing power of horses
On a ranch nestled in the rolling hills of Livermore, California, children and adults with special needs and life-threatening illnesses grow and heal by engaging with Shirley, Fab, Moonie, Eclipse, Theo and Cody — the horses at the Reins in Motion Foundation.
Since 2010, Reins in Motion has provided therapeutic riding programs led by instructors certified by the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) and supported by passionate volunteers.
According to the organization, the advantages of horseback riding are plentiful. There are the physical benefits of increased mobility, strength, coordination, balance, and posture control, but also a positive impact on riders’ emotional and mental health.
Building bonds and confidence
Weekly therapeutic riding lessons are the core program at Reins in Motion. During lessons, riders might engage their horse in weaving through cones, ring tossing or playing basketball. Riders may also help during the grooming and tacking process, and all riders are encouraged to bond with their horses through lots of petting and thanking them for the lesson.
“Horses bond with their human companions without judgment,” said Katy Kempton, executive director and PATH-certified instructor for Reins in Motion. “They only ask for love, care and play. The relationship between the rider, horse, instructor and volunteers promotes a can-do attitude that helps riders develop social skills and increase their self-esteem and sense of accomplishment.”
“Horses bond with their human companions without judgment. They only ask for love, care and play.”
– Katy Kempton, executive director and PATH-certified instructor for Reins in Motion
In addition to weekly lessons, Reins in Motion hosts summer camps at its Livermore facility and provides on-site riding lessons for a nearby camp that serves children with special needs. The organization also supports veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) through its Reins for Heroes riding group.
Wild about horses and helping
Family-owned Gene Morgan Insurance has operated in Livermore for 70 years and is an avid supporter of Reins in Motion — as the agency’s leadership and staff share a passion for animals and giving back to their community.
“Horses can bring about remarkable changes in their riders,” said Stacie Logan, marketing representative and agent with Gene Morgan Insurance. “Whether it’s helping them build strength to improve their mobility or developing verbal skills in a previously non-verbal individual — Reins in Motion makes a difference in the lives of the children and adults they serve.”
“Horses can bring about remarkable changes in their riders.”
– Stacie Logan, marketing representative and agent with Gene Morgan Insurance
Agency staff support Reins in Motion by volunteering to assist with riding lessons, securing donations, and getting the word out about the organization to clients and the community. Staff, who are provided paid time off to volunteer, also help with the annual Lil’ Pardners Rodeo, which pairs children with special needs with a real cowboy or cowgirl for simulated rodeo activities, such as steer roping and barrel racing with stick horses.
A Make More Happen Award from Liberty Mutual and Safeco Insurance will help Reins in Motion cover costs for the boarding and care of its horses, as well as the purchase of safety equipment and other needed supplies.
Help Gene Morgan Insurance win $10,000 for Reins in Motion by clicking the vote button. Get them an extra vote by cheering them on in the comments below.
I love teaching at Reins in Motion! The incredible affect I see the horses cause their riders still takes my breath away
As a volunteer, I have seen firsthand the amazing impact equine therapy has had on our riders. Between the expertise and guidance of our caring instructors, the patience and kindness of the volunteers, and the loving hearts of our very special horses, Reins In Motion is making a difference one rider at a time.
I s as m so proud to be associated with such a worthy cause. The focus is on making the positive possible by providing opportunities for success and growth. The horses loves with all their hearts and hooves.
Congratulations on the award! Livermore is lucky to have you and your team who do so much for the community. Thank you for all you do!
I didn’t know about Reins in Motion before, but Gene Morgan has provided insurance for the Livermore-Amador Symphony for years; I’m happy to cheer them on.
congratulations to Mike for continuing the wonderful, charitable work.
Great Cause
Keep up the good work! You have helped our son tremendously!
Thank you for the good you do.
Having benefited from horseback therapy, I am glad to support this.
This is a wonderful program
Such a great organization!
My mother-in-law volunteers for this wonderful program. Glad to support!
Great to hear about the support and positive impact you’re making in your community!
Great cause!
Love this organization and how it continues to bless our community
Love the horses and how they help to provide love with no judgement.
What a wonderful program, keep up the good work!
I am forever grateful for these 5 years my 9 year old daughter has had with Reins in Motion. It’s an incredible program and the owner Katy is equally as incredible.
My son has benefited from the Reins In motion program since he was 3 years old. We are so thankful for this program.
Keep up the great work!
This is such a great organization! Excited for this grant to help so many more people.
This is a wonderful program where people can enjoy the horses & get therapeutic lessons
The Gene Morgan Insurance Company is very involved in helping the community thrive through acts of charity.
What a great program this is!
We are very excited about this opportunity for Reins in Motion!
We here at Gene Morgan Insurance are so excited to be able to help Reins in Motion win this award! Volunteering with them is a blast. Please vote for them, and consider volunteering so that they can offer this program to more kids and veterans on the wait list. No experience necessary!
Happy to support Gene Morgan Insurance and Reins in Motion!