Reins of Life, Inc.
South Bend, Indiana
Reins of Life, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in South Bend, Indiana, whose stated mission is to improve the quality of life for children and adults with disabilities through equine-assisted therapy. Programs include therapeutic riding, vaulting, carriage driving and equine-facilitated psychotherapy, at South Bend and a second center in Michigan City.
- Therapeutic horseback riding
- Interactive vaulting
- Therapeutic carriage driving
- ROL Veterans Team
- Equine-facilitated psychotherapy
- K-12 school program
- Miniature horse visits
- Children and adults with disabilities
- Riders age 2 and up
- Veterans
- K-12 students
- Individuals, families and couples (psychotherapy)
More about this center
About the Program
Reins of Life was incorporated as a nonprofit in 1978, according to its website, and moved to donated land on Quince Road in 1991. It says all riding lessons are taught by PATH Intl. certified instructors. Learn more about PATH Intl.
Riding runs in five 5 to 9 week sessions a year, once a week. Lessons are private (30 minutes) for ages 2 to 3, semi-private (45 minutes) for ages 4 to 5, and group (60 minutes) for ages 6 and up, though the instructor may assign another format.
Getting Started
Families contact the office, complete the required forms, and then a certified instructor assesses the rider to choose a horse, equipment, volunteer support and class type.
Its equine-facilitated psychotherapy is shaped by a licensed therapist and a certified instructor and uses ground activities such as grooming and leading. Appointment requests go through partner LPA Associates. See our guide to equine-assisted psychotherapy.
Location
The South Bend center is at 55200 Quince Road, South Bend, IN 46619, on 30 acres with a heated indoor riding area, outdoor arena, pastures and sensory trails. The Michigan City center, opened in 2007, is at 9375 W. 300 N., Michigan City, IN 46360 (219-874-7519). It says it serves people within about 100 miles, including Berrien and Cass counties in Michigan.
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.
Who can ride at Reins of Life?
Riders need a documented diagnosis or disability and must be at least 2. The website lists a 180 lb riding limit (heavier participants can join unmounted activities) and requires 6 months free of grand mal or drop seizures.
How much does therapeutic riding cost?
As listed on its website, riding is $30 per rider per week, subject to board changes. Financial assistance forms are available from the office. See our guide to equine therapy costs.
Do I need a doctor's referral?
No. The center says no physician or therapist referral is required.
How do I contact Reins of Life?
Call the South Bend center at (574) 232-0853 or email staff@reinsoflife.org.
Location
South Bend, Indiana 46619
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.