Bend, Ore. — After more than two decades serving Central Oregon, Healing Reins Equine Assisted Services has unveiled a new mission and vision aimed at reflecting its growth and expanding impact across the region.
The nonprofit, based in Tumalo, announced the update this week following what leaders described as a months-long, collaborative process involving staff across the organization.
The new mission states:
“Healing Reins provides adaptable equine and outdoor-based therapeutic services that support healing, growth, and belonging.”
Its new vision emphasizes broader accessibility:
“Inclusive access to healing and growth for individuals of all abilities through horses and the outdoors.”
Executive Director Polly Cohen said the change goes beyond updated language.
“This was not simply a wording change,” Cohen said. “It was a deeply collaborative process that gave our staff the opportunity to reflect on who we are today, who we serve, and where we are going.”
Founded 26 years ago, Healing Reins has long provided equine-assisted services to individuals of varying ages and abilities, including children with developmental differences, veterans, and those seeking mental health support. The organization now serves roughly 250 individuals each week at its 30-acre Tumalo facility, supported by more than 200 volunteers.
Program leaders say the updated mission better captures the breadth of services offered today, including adaptive riding, equine-assisted physical therapy, occupational therapy, and mental health care rooted in outdoor experiences.
“Our work has always been about more than riding,” said Erin Rankin. “It is about creating a space where people can experience trust, confidence, connection, and personal growth.”
The revised language also places a stronger emphasis on inclusion and belonging — not just for participants, but for families, staff, volunteers, and community partners.
Organization leaders say the new mission and vision will guide future programming, partnerships, and long-term planning as Healing Reins continues expanding access to equine and outdoor-based therapeutic services across Central Oregon.
Mr. Alderman is an investigative journalist specializing in government transparency, non-profit accountability, consumer protection, and is a subject matter expert on Oregon’s public records and meetings laws. As a former U.S. Army Military Police Officer, he brings a disciplined investigative approach to his reporting that has frequently exposed ethics violations, financial mismanagement, and transparency failures by public officials and agencies.
