Spring Reins of Life, Inc. (Horses, Humans

Spring Reins of Life (SRoL) Spring Reins of Life is a non-profit 501c3 organization. We are an Eagala Model (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association) certified program offering Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) to groups of trauma survivors in New Jersey, Philadelphia and NYC. EAP incorporates the use of horses for therapeutic intervention toward promoting emotional growth and healing. Spring Reins of Life (SRoL) is a team approach featuring a licensed Mental Health Professional (MHP), a certified Equine Specialist (ES), and Horse(s) specifically selected for their capacity to work with individuals who are troubled or suffering. There is zero riding in our work and the majority of our clients have zero previous horse experience. This is not about horsemanship but rather lifemanship. While there are many benefits to horseback riding, the EAGALA Model is a solution focused base that offers the emotional benefits of behavioral rehearsal combined with a rich experiential component that naturally develops when observing clients interacting with the Horse(s) in the same space together. Animal assisted therapy with horses combines the positive emotional effects gained from the human/horse bond with opportunities to challenge and explore one's thoughts and internal struggles during activities with an equine partner. It is a therapeutic intervention that defeats the stigma often associated with traditional counseling, but more importantly, it is an intervention that works! Spring Reins of Life is focused on working with trauma survivors in a group format. Many who have the least access to equine therapy yet are the same individuals who might derive the greatest benefit. The topics of trauma are vast and essentially we strive to provide EAP to groups of children, women, men, families, teens and veterans who suffer from PTS(d) in a moderate to severe capacity. Since opening our arena gates in June 2012 we have served more than 800 combat Veterans, over 1300 at-risk teens and have helped hundreds of other clients find their way out of the darkness with the help of a Horse. We are a volunteer-run organization and rely completely on public / private funding.