Rein in a Dream (RIAD)
Therapeutic Horsemanship and Animal Assisted Therapy
For the last 30 years, RIAD has specialized in providing services to children and adults with a wide range of mental health, cognitive, and developmental challenges. Our welcoming agrarian setting, paired with our skilled instructors, provides the perfect environment for participants to learn, grow, and heal.
868 Main St., Lancaster, MA
978-368-4804 or Email
Our Vision
Rein in a Dream is committed to fostering a community where we connect individuals with equines and small farm animals to improve lives through the benefits of the human-animal bond.
Who We Serve
RIAD provides a variety of Equine Assisted Services and Animal Assisted Interventions that are appropriate for children and adults with who are dealing with a variety of mental health, educational, developmental, and other challenges. We also offer Recreation Riding in a non-competitive environment.
Services are offered to children and adults starting at 4 years of age. RIAD instructors’ welcome collaborations with clinical specialists, guidance counselors and IEP Coordinators.
This list highlights several of the disorders and conditions that may benefit from equine, and animals assisted services. Specific diagnosis is not required for participation. It is not comprehensive.
Depressive Disorders
Anxiety Disorders
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
Attention Deficit Disorders
Developmental Delays
Cognitive Disorders
Behavioral Issues
Autism Spectrum Disorders
Down Syndrome
Physical Disabilities
Low self-esteem and confidence
Speech and Language Diagnosis
What We Do
RIAD delivers a wide range of Equine Assisted Services (EAS) and Animal Assisted Interventions (AAI) that are goal directed and structured to meet the individual needs of the participant. Equines and small animals are thoughtfully integrated into lessons to promote educational, emotional, behavioral, cognitive, social, and physical improvements. RIAD specializes in meeting the unique needs of individuals with a history of mental health challenges including creating a culture that is based on trauma informed care.
The RIAD experience merges the benefits of the Human-Animal Bond with specially designed lesson programs that support the participants unique goals. The Human-Animal Bond is described as a mutually beneficial relationship between people and animals that each influences the psychological, and physiological state of the other.
One of the main influences that leads to personal growth, academic improvement and emotional healing is the partnership that is built with the equines and small animals. The instructors and educators are the bridge connecting the participants to this powerful alternative intervention.
Our Services
Equine Therapy and More
Rein in a Dream Therapeutic Horsemanship Center (RIAD) offers services which embrace the powerful impact of including animals in an educational and therapeutic setting, with specially designed lesson programs that support each participant’s unique goals. We maintain a commitment to provide services based on industry best practices to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our participants, equines, farm animals, staff, and volunteers.
Equine Assisted Services
Equine Assisted Services include equine activities and therapies that involve horses and other equines which benefit individuals with unique and diverse needs.
We offer: Therapeutic Horsemanship, Equine Assisted Learning, Therapeutic Riding, and Recreational Riding.
Animal Assisted Interventions
Animal Assisted Interventions include animals in health, education, and human services for the purpose of therapeutic benefits and achieving improved overall health and wellness.
We offer: Animal-Assisted Activity, Animal Assisted Learning, and Animal Assisted Therapy.
Vocational Training
Vocational Training is a skill-based program intended to support young adults as they transition from a school setting to working in their community. The goal is to provide experiences that are transferable to each participant’s life and the development of employment skills.
Find out More
RIAD services are offered year-round, seven days a week, to children and adults starting at age four.
RIAD is open to the public. We provide services to RFK Community Alliance residential participants, as well as individuals from the community. We serve people from across Massachusetts. We also work with local schools and community agencies to tailor specialized programs to meet their needs and interests.
Rein in a Dream offers six sessions throughout the year on a rolling admission basis. The sessions follow the seasonal calendar and consist of 7-8 lessons per session.
New participants are welcome to join at any time provided there are open lesson slots. Registration and payment fees are prorated based on time of enrollment.
Contact Us:
Rein in a Dream
868 Main Street Lancaster, MA 01523
Cherie Ansin, Program Director
978-368-4804
Instructors & Facility
RIAD instructors are experienced, proficient, and hold advanced degrees in education, psychology, and equine sciences. As part of the RFK Community Alliance team, Instructors are trained in Trauma Informed Care, preparing them to work with individuals with complex trauma.
These credentials with long-term equestrian backgrounds enable our instructors to draw upon knowledge and methodologies which enhance the individual learning experience for each participants.
Instructors are certified by the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International and licensed Riding Instructors by the State of Massachusetts Department of Agriculture. Annually instructors are required to complete 24 hours of professional development to maintain their credentials.
Instructors & Facility
Our facility is located on 30 acres of farmland abutting lush hay fields, trails, and a rambling river. Our 11,000 square-foot indoor riding arena allows for year-round instruction. Participants also enjoy coming to our warm and welcoming antique barn, which was recently renovated and houses our new Learning Center. The barn and adjacent sheds are home to our horses, ponies, and a variety of small farm animals.
Benefits and Goals
Equine Assisted Services (EAS) is an umbrella term used to describe multiple services that professionals incorporate horses and other equines that benefit children and adults who present a wide range of physical, cognitive, and emotional conditions. EAS includes therapy, learning and horsemanship activities and interventions.
Increase confidence and self-esteem
Improved cognitive functioning
Improved communication strategies
Increased self-regulation skills
Increase social skills
Spatial awareness
Improved balance, coordination, strength, and endurance
Decrease in cortisol (stress hormones) levels
Animal Assisted Interventions
Increased engagement in activities
Animals/pets provide unconditional love and affection, fostering acceptance
Decrease level of general anxiety
Alleviate symptoms of depression
Mitigate levels of stress
Caring for pets create a sense of well-being, by facilitating routine and rituals in daily activity
Changes in physiological markers such as a decrease in cortisol levels, reduced heart rate and blood pressure
Rein in a Dream (RIAD) is proud to be a premier therapeutic horsemanship center, accredited by the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.), the leading national organization that establishes the standards for the therapeutic riding industry.
For over thirty years RIAD has been an active PATH Intl. member and is the only therapeutic horsemanship center in Central and Greater Worcester MA with the Premier Accreditation status.Our instructors hold PATH International certifications and Massachusetts state licenses.
Your Donations Fund Essential Services
Donations to Rein in a Dream support both program participants and our animals in thriving and growing.
