Our Mission

To provide therapeutic horseback riding utilizing early intervention techniques to benefit participants with special needs by providing equine therapy interaction through the movement of the horse. We strive for all participants to achieve positive, life changing results and enjoy doing it!

  • Close-up of a brown horse wearing a red halter in a green outdoor setting.

    Chance - Alpha

    A striking 15.1 hand Tennessee Walker gelding with a rich chestnut coat.   With his graceful gait, commanding presence Chance has earned his place as alpha of the herd. Chance has been with Kids Rein since 2010, is often the “first horse,” for many of our riders.   His size is perfect for all our riders young and old, large and small.  Chance is a remarkable horse, always willing to take on new challenges with unwavering determination.

  • Close-up of a white and brown horse wearing a blue bridle and saddle, standing outdoors with a blue sky background.

    Molly Brown

    a magnificent 16.2 hand Spotted Draft mare with a coat adorned with an array of unique and beautiful spots.  Her story is one of resilience and transformation as she was rescued from an abusive situation in 2017.  Many hours have been spent retraining Molly, most of the hours spent building trust. She has blossomed into a gentle giant and is the perfect partner for our larger riders.

  • A close-up of a brown horse with a white stripe on its face inside a barn, with horse tack hanging on the wall nearby.

    JoJo

    The strength of the herd, JoJo was an Amish work horse for many years as evidenced by the loss of hair on his face from wearing tight working harnessing. He is a calm, gentle giant and now living his best life helping our riders.

  • Close-up of a brown horse with a white stripe on its face, wearing a halter, standing outdoors with green trees in the background.

    Jameson

    A young and promising equine adopted from Heart of Phoenix Horse Rescue in Aug 2023. With his unique brown roan coat, Jameson stands out not only for his appearance but his potential as a therapy horse. He is already showing a remarkable aptitude for understanding and connecting with individuals who will benefit from equine therapy. Jameson’s youthful energy and willingness to learn are matched by his gentle nature, making him the perfect candidate to assist those seeking healing and growth. We look forward to his future!

  • A brown horse with a black mane and a white stripe on its face, wearing an orange halter with a lead rope attached, standing in a grassy area with a wooded background.

    Java

    Java is newest to the farm. More whoa than go. Perfect for us! He also came from an Amish background. He had special shoes on all four feet for moving on pavement. We are in the process of getting him acclimated to therapeutic riding. We hope to have him in the program soon.

  • Two donkeys standing behind a wooden fence in a rural area, with trees and blue sky in the background.

    Lemonade & Biscuit

    These two lovebirds welcome all to the farm. They are used to help introduce new participants to larger furry animals. When not helping onboard participants, they are always available for attention.

  • PS

    Phyllis Smeaton - Chair

    Phyllis (Co-Founder) a Retired Critical Care Registered Nurse at Novant Health Huntersville Medical Center and is a PATH Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship, International).  Phyllis has many years of medical and horse experience and is a great asset to any therapeutic riding program!  She has a special working relationship with the children and horses.

    PATH Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor

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    Teressa Tucker - Vice Chair

    Teressa (Co-Founder) is a PATH Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor and is fully qualified, experienced, and passionately dedicated to children with special needs, as she herself has a son with Autism. Teressa was a PATH Region 3 Representative overseeing the states of West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina from 2006-2008. Teressa works as Participant Coordinator

    PATH Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor
    Special Olympics Coach

  • A man with a beard wearing sunglasses and a cap outdoors, with trees in the background.

    James Contrino - Secretary

    James started volunteering for Kids Rein in 2014. In 2017, Adam and James purchased Pattrino Farms with the intent of providing Kids Rein a forever home. James works in uptown Charlotte for a large financial institution as an Executive Director in Financial Crimes.

    Operations Manager
    Fundraising Chair

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    John di Zerega - Treasurer

    JD started volunteering for Kids Rein in 2018 as a way to give back to the community.  He has derived an immense satisfaction in working with the participants.  Retired from a large financial institution as an Executive in Technology & Change Management.

    Special Olympics Coach
    Volunteer Co-Coordinator

  • Edie Fletcher Photo

    Edie Fletcher - Advisor to the Board

    Edie started volunteering for Kids Rein in 2018.  She recently retired from a large financial institution as an executive in Anti-Money Laundering. She has held various roles with non-profits in the Charlotte region and is the former chairperson for Dress for Success.

    Volunteer Co-Coordinator

  • A smiling man wearing a dark cowboy hat and a blue shirt.

    Adam Patton

    Adam started volunteering for Kids Rein in 2014. In 2017, Adam and James purchased Pattrino Farms with the intent of providing Kids Rein a forever home. Adam works for a large financial institution as an Executive COO

    PATH Certified Riding Instructor
    Special Olympics Coach