About Reining Heroes
Reining Heroes, Inc. is a Colorado 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation. The program is primarily dedicated to providing Equine Assisted Activities and Therapy (EAAT) services to children and adults with physical, mental, cognitive, developmental, social, and other disabilities. We also offer several levels of standard mounted and dismounted horsemanship. And, we are an official partner with the Girl Scouts of Colorado, where they can earn their Horseback Riding Badge.
We are located in Aurora, Colorado, at Kenlyn Arabian Stables, which has a large indoor arena for riding year around, regardless of weather conditions.
We Cordially Invite You to
learn more about Reining Heroes and the EAT program. Call, text, or email us. You can also schedule an in-person visit.
- Call or text 303-877-0371
- Email reiningheroes@yahoo.com
About the Instructor
Paula Quillen has over 40 years experience as a professional horsewoman, trainer, and riding instructor teaching students of a variety of ages and skill levels. She is credentialed by the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl) as a Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI). With 20 years experience, training, and education as a therapeutic riding instructor, she is highly qualified to work with veterans with PTSD and other issues; with children facing physical, mental, emotional, and cognitive challenges: and children experiencing family, school, social, and other dysfunctional situations. She fosters a unique working relationship between horse and rider.
Meet the Reining Heroes Horses
Jazzmine
Jazzmine
Thirteen-year-old, Paint-Arabian, flea-bitten, gray mare
Belle
Jazzmine
Twenty-Five-year-old, red roan quarter horse mare
Cherokee
Cherokee
Ten-year-old, buckskin quarter horse mare
Neurodiversity
Neurodiversity is an umbrella term that covers a multitude of ways that peoples’ brains function, how they process information, and how they interact with their environment and other people. Neurodiversity includes Autism, ADHD, Down Syndrome, OCD, Epilepsy, Learning Disability, Developmental Delay, and many others. It affects people of all ages. Some forms are genetic; others result from dysfunctional living or school situations; and others, such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), are acquired.
At Reining Heroes, Equine-Assisted Therapy (EAT) lessons are individually designed and conducted based on a person's unique situation and needs. A unique aspect of Reining Heroes is the amount of involvement of parents, caregivers, and other responsible persons in the learning process. They are at the lesson site, have the opportunity to become actively involved in the lesson, and can provide immediate input and feedback before, during, and after lessons. Lessons are collaboratively designed and implemented. We strive to make the lessons fun, interesting, and engaging for everyone.
Our goal at Reining Heroes is personal growth--physically, mentally, cognitively, and emotionally. Therefore, we do not provide "pony rides." Under strict supervision, instruction, and coaching, and commensurate with their abilities, clients learn how to successfully perform basic horsemanship tasks, such as haltering, grooming, tacking, and leading preparatory to riding. EAT lessons are designed to improve balance, coordination, and confidence.
Paula Quillen is certified by the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl) as a Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI). With her twenty years of experience, specialized training, and people skills, she and the Reining Heroes horses are uniquely qualified to work with neurodiverse clients of all ages, from young children to teenagers, to grizzled veterans, to first responders.
At Reining Heroes, clients develop a special and ongoing connection with “their” horse. They sense that the horse understands them. The horse adapts to their physical, mental, and emotional state and responds accordingly. We strive to make the client's experience interesting and enjoyable, which increases incentive, motivation, and stimulation.
When horseback riding is either not appropriate for a person, or the person is unwilling or unable to ride, unmounted sessions are available at Reining Heroes. Unmounted activities include grooming, walking, feeding, or just being "as one" with the horse.
Reining Heroes is justifiably proud when clients “age out,” and continue their lives as adults. Some have gone on to attend and graduate college.
The attached downloadable document describes the Reining Heroes EAT program in detail.
Learning and Growing
Commensurate with their desires and abilities, and in coordination with parents, caregivers and other responsible persons, clients can progressively take on additional tasks, responsibilities, and activities. These include more-advanced riding maneuvers and progressing to independent riding.
When they are recognized and praised for their efforts and successes, clients feel pride, self-esteem, confidence, and a sense of accomplishment. They develop a desire for more responsibility, accountability, and ownership of the process. As they learn additional tasks and experience new activities, they learn and grow.
It's a Family Affair
When appropriate, family members are not only invited, but are actively encouraged, to be a part of the program. Family members provide familiarity in a different environment, can offer encouragement, and can act as a support system in a new situation.
Enhancing the Experience
Birthday Costume?
Holiday Decorations
Holiday Decorations
The healing power of horses is enhanced when enjoyment and pleasure are added to the therapeutic experience.
Holiday Decorations
Holiday Decorations
Holiday Decorations
Everyone, including the horses, participates in the fun.
Program Location
EAT Lessons are held at Kenlyn Arabian Stables, a fully equipped, commercial boarding facility with an indoor arena that is available in all kinds of weather. This facility provides unique learning opportunities for everyone. It is a large facility, and boarded horses reside in open surroundings, more similar to their natural environments. Visitors can observe normal, typical, horse interactions, such as play and hierarchy.
- "Nutmeg" is the resident pig.
- Foals are born and live there with their moms and are available to visit.
- Routine, daily, horse care and maintenance activities are ongoing.
- Onsite restroom facilities are available.
Safety First
Safety is paramount with Reining Heroes and Kenlyn Equestrian Stables, as it is at all equine facilities. All federal, state, and local safety rules, regulations, and professional "best practices" are rigorously observed for both animals and humans. The rules and regulations of the various organizations for animal treatment and safety are rigorously observed here.
Reining Heroes provides all equipment, including safety helmets.
Age Guidelines
There is no minimum or maximum age limit at Reining Heroes. In addition to a client's individual and unique situation, the client's physical, mental, emotional, and personal attributes are the controlling factors.
The girls receive basic horsemanship instruction, including grooming, body language, behavior, haltering, tacking, and leading. They learn proper mounting, riding, and dismounting procedures, and etiquette and safety.
The horses sense when the girls have arrived at the barn and are eager to meet them. The girl-horse matching process begins, and bonds rapidly start developing between the horses and "their" girls.
The Fall 2025 schedule of lessons with complete registration information is available below and is downloadable. Classes begin Saturday, August 15.
Note the direct link in the flyer to the class registration email.
Also, the following forms are available for download. Please download, complete them, and bring them to the barn. This will help expedite the sign-in process:
- Girls Scouts Registration-Reining Heroes
- Girl Scouts Release and Waiver of Liability-Kenlyn
- Girl Scouts Release and Waiver of Liability-Reining Heroes
- Girl Scouts Photo Release
Babies: There is always something new, interesting, and different happening at the stable. Memories that last a lifetime.
Their happy grins at the end of the lesson are ample enough reward, but the cards and letters of appreciation we receive constantly remind us how much we appreciate the opportunity to bring the girls and the horses together.
community service--volunteer opportunities
Benefits of Volunteering
The primary (and most enduring and satisfying) reward for being a Reining Heroes volunteer is knowing that you are contributing significantly to improving the lives of many people, both children and adults. You see the immediate effects and know that, over the long term, the effects you have on others will be felt, remembered, and appreciated. It just makes you feels good!
Volunteering with Reining Heroes is an ongoing process, not just performing tasks, and provides a sense of purpose, continuity, and the knowledge that what you are doing has meaning. Over the long term, you not only see a person's growth and progress, you have the personal satisfaction of knowing that you were an integral part of it. You helped make it happen!
You are not only helping others learn and grow, you are learning and growing yourself. You are gaining people skills and exercising your mind and body in a helping and healing environment.
High school students:
If your school offers community service credits, and you would like to earn them in a fun, active, interesting, and high-profile way, volunteering with Reining Heroes provides that and more. No prior experience, training, or knowledge is required, nor is any special attire necessary. Reining Heroes will provide all supplies and equipment.
The most tangible benefit is the volunteer service credits you earn. Some high schools consider community service as an integral component of their academic curriculum. Colleges and universities often consider community engagement and service when evaluating admission applications. Your volunteer experiences might even guide your educational or career choices.
Boys and girls are welcome, so find out if your school recognizes Reining Heroes as an eligible organization for you to obtain community service credit. Reining Heroes will document your volunteer service, maintain records, and provide them in a format, style, and times required by your school and will be available for future reference.
Service Organizations:
Your time and talents are also welcome, either on an individual or organization basis, as a volunteer to experience the satisfaction and joy of working with Reining Heroes. No prior experience, training, or knowledge is required, nor is any special attire necessary. Reining Heroes will provide all supplies and equipment.