About us

We are a strong family team of dedicated horse lovers and equine therapists seeing to make a difference in people’s lives.

Our Mission

The mission at Reins of Hope is to enhance lives, provide solace, rejuvenation, and healing for children and adults with physical, mental, emotional and social challenges through equine-assisted activities and therapies.

Reins of Hope Values & Vision

Above and beyond our mission statement, Reins of Hope would like to offer adaptive/ therapeutic riding at low to no cost to the participants through donations. We understand the great expense these families are facing as they are on a life long journey of therapies and most are not covered by insurance.

Our Team

Becky Bunnell

Becky Bunnell

Our Founder

Becky Bunnell is a PATH International Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor and has over 12 years of instructing experience. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Ball State University and a Masters in Education from Georgia State University. She rode on the Ball State Equestrian Team and continued to compete in the Hunter arena. Currently, she is a member of the American Endurance Ride Conference and competes all around Southeast in the 50 and 100 mile distances. With her years of teaching experience in the classroom and her love for horses, instructing therapeutic riding was the perfect marriage of her passions. Becky, her husband, two daughters, the herd and an army of wonderful volunteers make up Reins of Hope at the peaceful Rising Creek Farm where, through horses, they all help others live their best lives.

Katheryn Fidati

Kathryn Fidati

Program Director, Equine-Assisted Breast Cancer Wellness

Kathryn came to Reins of Hope seeking physical and emotional support following treatment for breast cancer. Benefiting in so many ways from her time spent with Becky and the horses, she stayed on as a volunteer to help support other participants through the program. Before diagnosis, she worked for 5 years as an equestrian counselor at an area summer camp introducing young children to the joys of riding and caring for ponies. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Interdisciplinary Studies (Biology, Psychology and Health Education) and a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Therapy, both from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Dual licensed in physical therapy and massage therapy, she holds advanced training in cancer rehabilitation and oncology massage. Braiding together her personal survivorship experience, deep love of horses, and professional skills, she enjoys sharing the healing potential of the horse with others living through and with breast cancer.

Lisa Ray

Secretary | Board Member

As a child she developed a love and respect for horses and she never outgrew that fascination with them. As an adult she has continued to admire the connections we make with these magnificent creatures. She has devoted her free time to volunteering for equine-assisted therapy programs as well as riding and caring for horses.
Dian Deimler

Dian Deimler

Treasurer | Board Member

She loves animals! She and her husband have a hobby farm with an old rescue horse, miniature donkeys, geese, ducks, chickens, bunnies, and dogs. She is also a Master Gardener and grows vegetables and flowers year round.

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