The Free Rein Foundation is a nonprofit organization located in the Equestrian Center at Huntington Central Park.
The Foundation started in 2014, when a psychotherapist and her sister, the owner/operator of the HB Equestrian Center and Justine Makoff, the current Foundation president, begin rescuing horses.
These rescued animals would, with time, love and care become the foundation’s therapy horses. Vulnerable individuals, such as those with ADHD, Autism, musculoskeletal problems, brain injuries as well as veterans suffering from PTS and at-risk youth were to be the clients for these equine therapists.
The use of therapy pets began in the United States in 1919 and has been shown to have multiple benefits. It can effectively help patients cope with an injury or illness. For some patients, pet therapy can decrease stress, blood pressure, pain, fatigue, anxiety and even fear and feelings of isolation or loneliness.
Free Rein currently has 16 therapy horses that are cared for by a variety of volunteers that range from student to working adults to retired seniors. This dedicated group of 100+ volunteers contribute over 1,000 hours of free labor per month. Most of that time is spent caring for the horses, in the form of walks, grooming, feeding etc. Thanks to these volunteers, Free Rein has been able to rescue and rehabilitate countless horses and helped hundreds of individuals.
Ralph is one such volunteer. Pre-retirement Ralph owned a recycling company, now he spends several days a week helping to maintain and sometimes make repairs in the corral area. He also helps with the monthly Hug & Grooms and encourages the public to attend one of these events, where he says it’s difficult to tell who enjoys it more, the kids or the horses. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at Eventbrite.
Misty, another volunteer, spends much of her free time at the Free Reins pasture. Here she is seen bathing and grooming her friend Duke, who was not willing to allow her to spend much time talking as he relentlessly nudged her if her attention focused other than on him.
To learn more about the Free Rein Foundation go to:freereinfoundation. org.