Giving Tuesday is a nationwide effort to be reminded of the needs of organizations in our communities. This #GivingTuesday we hope that you remember and support Taking the Reins and the important, impactful things that happen here each day. There are many meaningful, empowering stories of the 350 girls who came to Taking the Reins in 2024. And today we are going to share some of Keating’s story from her mother Kandis’ perspective.

Keating spent one session with Taking the Reins through her school earlier this year. The changes her mother saw in her after just a short stint in our program exemplify the immediate, yet long-lasting impact has on young girls’ lives. Kandis captured that essence of Taking the Reins very quickly during her daughter’s time with us. Keating is seven years old now, but was still six while she attended TTR.

“I got to attend her final day at Taking the Reins,” Kandis reflected. “My favorite part was seeing Keating’s smile on her face and confidence as she was riding.” 

Keating had not spent much time around horses before attending Taking the Reins, so this transformation her mother witnessed was all thanks to her time spent with our horses and staff. And her newfound confidence can now be used in so many areas of her life.

Kandis continued by saying, “you can tell the Taking the Reins community is really nurturing and supportive.” 

We definitely prioritize a supportive, positive community here at Taking the Reins. It is the reason so many of our girls remain close friends after they graduate from the program and/or choose to volunteer their time here. Amongst each other as peers and with our staff they find a safe place to flourish, learn, and grow. We are grateful that parents, like Kandis, see the value of letting their daughters participate in our program. Kandis shared that she was so grateful her daughter had a safe place to be learning in an outdoor environment.

Kandis also pointed out that the whole community benefits from Taking the Reins because of the skills the girls learn and experiences they have.

“The community benefits from Taking the Reins. It is important girls have access to it. They learn the fundamental basics of self-control and leadership. We all benefit from that.”

We hope that Kandis’ testimony of her daughter’s experience at Taking the Reins motivates you to give to our mission and share its value. She noticed large, tangible differences in her daughter’s confidence from spending time at Taking the Reins. That happened in just one session and we are hopeful that we can continue to make a positive impact in Keating’s life.

Stories like Keating’s are plentiful around Taking the Reins. But, we can not do the work we do without the support of our community.

Please remember Taking the Reins this #GivingTuesday by giving a gift of your choice. And we also humbly ask that you share the power of our mission with those close to you. The more we have the more good we can do for young girls like Keating.