Kids Rein
Midland, North Carolina
Kids Rein is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Midland, North Carolina, east of Charlotte, that uses horses to support people with physical, emotional and learning disabilities. Its main program is therapeutic riding with an early intervention focus, for children as young as 3 and for adults.
- Therapeutic horseback riding
- Early intervention riding for young children
- Adult therapeutic riding
- Volunteer program
- Children with disabilities, from age 3
- Adults with disabilities
- People with physical, emotional and learning disabilities
More about this center
About the Program
Kids Rein states its mission as providing therapeutic horseback riding that uses early intervention techniques to benefit participants with special needs. The center is a Center Member of PATH Intl., and its riding instructors hold PATH certification.
Volunteer projects at the farm have added a tubular xylophone for riders and cleaned up the sensory trail in the woods.
The Horses and Staff
Kids Rein was co-founded by Phyllis Smeaton, a retired critical care registered nurse, and Teressa Tucker. Both are PATH Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructors. Tucker is also a Special Olympics coach, served as PATH Region 3 Representative from 2006 to 2008, and works as participant coordinator. Adam Patton, a PATH Certified Riding Instructor who began volunteering with Kids Rein in 2014, and operations manager James Contrino purchased Pattrino Farms in 2017 with the aim of giving Kids Rein a permanent home.
The herd includes Chance, a Tennessee Walker gelding who has been with the program since 2010 and is often a rider's first horse; Molly Brown, a Spotted Draft mare suited to larger riders; and JoJo, a former Amish work horse. Two donkeys, Lemonade and Biscuit, help introduce new participants to the animals.
Volunteering
Kids Rein relies on volunteers, and board members John di Zerega and Edie Fletcher serve as volunteer co-coordinators. Volunteers attend a seasonal orientation that covers barn routines, safety and time with the horses. Groups also help with farm projects such as painting the arena fence and barn chores. To volunteer, email Info@kidsrein.org.
Location
Kids Rein is at 3225 Cal Bost Road, Midland, NC 28107, east of Charlotte. Visits are by appointment only, so contact the center before coming out.
From public records, not yet reviewed by the center · Last updated Oct 2026 Suggest an edit
Common Questions
Answered from the center’s own website and public records.
How do I sign up a rider?
Email Info@kidsrein.org to ask about enrollment and openings. Teressa Tucker coordinates participants.
How young can a child start?
Kids Rein says it works with children as young as 3 years old, and it also offers therapeutic riding for adults with disabilities.
What does it cost?
Kids Rein is a nonprofit supported by donations. Email Info@kidsrein.org to ask about current costs for riders.
Can I visit the farm?
Yes, by appointment. Reach out by email first to arrange a time.
Location
Midland, North Carolina 28107
Questions to Ask When You Call
The center is the best source for these answers.
- Are you running now, and taking new riders?Start here. We couldn’t confirm a current schedule.
- Which ages and needs do you work with?Ask about experience with your rider’s specific condition.
- Is a licensed PT, OT or speech therapist involved?Therapist-led hippotherapy is usually the only kind insurance may cover.
- What does a session cost, and are there scholarships?Many nonprofit programs offer sliding scales or sponsored spots.
- Do you have a mounting ramp or lift?Important for riders who use a wheelchair or need help mounting.