News & Updates

Preparing for Summer Camps 2026

April 2026

Preparing for Summer Camps 2026 — photo 2

Preparing for Summer Camps 2026 — photo 3

To our friends and family who make this a reality for the youth of Take the Reins, we are happy to share:

Of the 23 youth who attended our inaugural camps in 2025, 19 have already signed up and are committed to their second season of camp. (And most are interested in the year-round program when it is developed!)
Jeff is busy meeting families and youth in the inner-city during the months of March, April, and May. There is a lot of interest!
Jennifer Wright (of Harnessing Hope Therapeutic Riding and Driving) and Diane Harter (of Havens Hope Ranch and Stable) are all set to host our camps again this year. In fact, we have even partnered with the Indianapolis Mounted Police who will be hosting at least one week of camps right in the city at their new facility!
Diane, Jen, and Jeff are learning a lot from the youth and will be putting it all to good use as we continue to grow and expand the program Take the Reins offers.

Friends & Family Campaign: Help Sponsor a Youth This Summer

April 2026

Friends & Family Campaign: Help Sponsor a Youth This Summer — photo 2

April and May are the big months for our Friends and Family Campaign! By helping to sponsor a youth's attending our summer horse camp, you are helping them to start their life's journey towards becoming hard-working and productive citizens. The overwhelming majority of last year's youth have already signed up to attend this summer, and most are anxiously awaiting the opportunity to become committed students in the year-round program once it's up and running.

2nd Annual Golf Outing — August 31 at Fox Prairie

April 2026

Mark your calendars, as Monday, August 31st is the date for our annual golf outing at Fox Prairie Golf Course in Noblesville. We are asking teams to share with all of their golfing friends an invitation to join us this year for what is going to be a fun day of golf and socializing for a great cause. We want as many teams as possible signed up by July 1st. A flyer will be distributed and posted here on the website soon.

For information, email Bret Horsfield (bret.j.horsfield@gmail.com) or Jeff Weaver (jweaver@take-the-reins.org).

What a Summer! And You Made It Happen

June 2025

What a Summer! And You Made It Happen — photo 2

Friends and family who contributed to our inaugural summer, we're happy to share:

Twenty-three individuals attended a week-long camp.
At least six parents gave direct feedback about the positive impact camp had on their youth.
Most youth want to continue their development next summer.
Middle and elementary school staff requested we attend parent programs to share more about our program.
Despite a heat make-up day on Saturday in September, ten of eleven youth from week 3 attended and expressed desire to stay involved throughout the fall.

Polo Anyone? Take the Reins Youth Said 'Yes!'

August 2025

Polo Anyone? Take the Reins Youth Said 'Yes!' — photo 2

Polo Anyone? Take the Reins Youth Said 'Yes!' — photo 3

Our program is based on student-led development and it will be fun to help guide their interests as they continue in Take the Reins. To share the opportunities that may lie ahead, we offered a night at the polo matches at Hickory Hall Polo Club in August. Eleven youth (and some parents) attended the matches. We had an absolute blast trying to figure out the rules and strategies.

We visited the polo ponies and talked to the riders afterwards.

Horses in the Hallways: Our Shortridge High School Visit

September 2025

Horses in the Hallways: Our Shortridge High School Visit — photo 2

Horses in the Hallways: Our Shortridge High School Visit — photo 3

In partnership with Jennifer Wright of Harnessing Hope Therapeutic Riding and Driving, our horses attended school, marched down the hallway past the cafeteria, and into the courtyard for two hours of fun with some very surprised students and teachers!

Take the Reins was invited to Shortridge High School's Shine Program event on September 5th. Since Shine's inception in August 2024, the school has seen a 50% decrease in suspension rates.

WRTV News Coverage

June 2025

Take the Reins was featured on WRTV Indianapolis in a story about learning life lessons through horses. Watch the coverage to see our youth and program in action!

Watch on WRTV