Reins for Gains
Introduction:
The therapeutic recreation agency I decided to research is an equine therapy program called Reins for Gains. The agency operates in three different states, Illinois, Indiana, and North Carolina, with its headquarters here in Illinois. I used to ride at one of the stables that participates in the Reins for Gains program and have been able to see a little bit of how it works through spending time there, which is part of the reason why I chose this particular agency.
Background Information: 
Reins for Gains was founded in Illinois by Ellen Brichetto. Her love for horses and desire to help children inspired her to start this agency. The mission of the agency is to improve the lives of physically, mentally, emotionally, socially, and economically disadvantaged children through scholarships and theraputic riding programs. RFG does this while also hoping to spark a passion for horses, help children gain independence and self confidence, and develop athletic and practical skills, that may otherwise not be developed, through equine therapy.
Employment Opportunities:
Although Reins for Gains is a nonprofit organization, there are many different employment opportunities. There is a management staff, consisting of an executive director, a director of buisness development, and a director of resource development. There is also a board of associates and an advisory board. Reins for Gains has many corporate sponsors and partners such as the NFL Alumni, the Chicago Blackhawks, the Chicago Cubs, the Sea Pines Resort, and several others.
Aside from those who are involved with the business end of RFG, there are other ways to be a part of and help the agency. Although some equine therapy programs are partially covered by health insurance, donations are always needed to remove economic barriers for certain families. Finally, volunteers to help with the theraputic riding programs, whether it be instructing the class, or leading a horse around the arena, are imperative to the success of the organization.
Current Trends and Issues:
As I mentioned earlier, a current issue and what will probably always be an issue, is money. Although equine therapy is becoming increasingly popular, providing sufficient funding for it can be difficult. Many families who have children that could benefit from this type of therapy, need to spend much of their income on medical bills. Because they don't have the extra money to spend on equine therapy, their children are missing out on the positive results that it would provide.
Equine therapy itself is becoming a large trend for children with many different disabilities. Organizations like Reins for Gains help to make this kind of therapy more accessible to a larger number of families.
Main Benefits and Leisure Definition:
Reins for Gains defines leisure as a process in which a child can gain independence, self confidence, and learn a variety of skills like loyalty, courage, hard work, and determination. RFG believes horses can do all this and more. Equine therapy has been proven to improve balance, muscle tone and strength, critical thinking and problem solving, attention, responsibility, trust, and social skills.
Summary:
Working for an agency like Reins for Gains has many benefits, but there are downsides as well. Obviously, helping out children with disabilities is an extremely satisfying experience, and if you have a love for horses, volunteering could be a great way to help out. If you were looking for a full time job on the buisness side of RFG, being a nonprofit organization, it would probably not be the highest paying job. However, there are still plenty of opportunities for full time employment, wheter it be organizing fund raising events, dealing with corporate partners and sponsors, or managing the program at the various facilities that it is run through. This agency provides an important service through therapeutic recreation and helps to improve the lives of children with disabilities in a tremendous way.
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