Healing Reins expands therapeutic services in Central Oregon, guided by new mission

TUMALO, Ore. (KTVZ) -- For some Central Oregon families, healing can come from an unexpected place--the back of a horse.

At Healing Reins in Tumalo, equine-assisted therapy and outdoor-based services are helping people facing physical, mental and emotional challenges.

The nonprofit has served Central Oregon since 1999, but leaders say the organization has experienced significant growth over the past two years after moving into its new 30-acre home in Tumalo.

“It’s the only place that you can drive up to and park and be greeted by goats, chickens, pigs and surrounded by 24 horses that are just waiting for you to interact with,” said Polly Cohen, the executive director. "The location is absolutely amazing for us to reach so many different, rural communities."

Cohen said moving into the organization’s new home has allowed Healing Reins to listen more closely to the community and adapt its services to meet changing needs.

“Healing Reins has grown a lot,” Cohen said. “Settling into our forever home here in Tumalo has been absolutely a gift, and one that has allowed us to really listen to the community, to what they need, and be able to adapt our services and grow.”

That growth includes mental health services, outdoor occupational therapy, horsemanship programs, as well as services for veterans and people experiencing brain changes.

Adaptive Horsemanship Fall Registration is now open, you can visit the website to fill out an application. 

The organization is also putting that expanded focus into words with a new mission statement:

“Healing Reins provides adaptable equine and outdoor based therapeutic services that support healing, growth and belonging.”

That mission can be seen throughout the ranch.

Four miniature horses are currently in training to potentially visit memory care facilities, hospitals, and other locations.

“These two, actually, there’s four of them in total, are in a training program to be able to go off site to memory care facilities, hospitals in different locations because they’re so kind and sweet and less intimidating than a large horse,” Cohen said.

The miniature horses are already becoming popular around the ranch, but caring for them — along with 24 horses and the organization’s other animals — comes with significant costs.

Healing Reins says community support is critical as demand for its services grows.

“It’s a challenge to be a nonprofit these days. There’s a lot of variables. Life. It’s expensive. Caring for animals is expensive,” Cohen said. “And so we’re very thankful to the foundations who are supporting us, the community.”

One opportunity to support the organization is through its annual Diamonds and Dust Gala, which takes place September 26th. The Western-themed event will include opportunities to meet the horses, a special unveiling, and other activities.

“Our Diamonds and Dust Gala event will be absolutely amazing,” Cohen said. “And so much fun and a great opportunity for people to learn more about us.”

Healing Reins says its gates are open to everyone. As the organization continues to grow, leaders say its new mission will help guide the next chapter.

"We've really enjoyed this location and really have enjoyed providing the care that is needed by the community," Cohen said. "We have a bilingual therapist that provides mental health services here. Our two amazing outdoor occupational therapists. The goals for these children are being accomplished here on this beautiful property. And we're thrilled."

For more information about Healing Reins, its services or ways to get involved, click here.

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