Rhythm of the Rein Therapeutic Riding and Driving Program

05/25/2026

We are thrilled to spotlight longtime, dedicated volunteer Fran Spaulding. Fran has been with ROTR since 2014 when she began volunteering to help with our therapeutic lessons. In 2017 she decided that if she was going to be at the barn so much she should have her own horse! She made that happen and boarded her first horse, Sassy, in our barn. She now boards the big and beautiful Nora (seen in the photo below) who she hopes might one day become a part of the program. She likes boarding at ROTR because she knows the horses are so well taken care of. Fran continues to help regularly with chores and many other tasks. She says,

“Being part of the ROTR community has helped me learn that I can be someone that people can count on, and it has helped build my confidence and self-esteem. I feel like an important part of the team. I hope that I encourage the other team members to be who they want to be. I want to share kindness and support everyone in good times and when we struggle. Because of ROTR, I'm actually living my dream of being a "horse person" even though I don't have the opportunity to do it at my own home.”

Thank you, Fran, for your 12 years of service and for being such an integral part of our team!

05/21/2026

There are a few spots left in our Masterson Method® workshop on June 7 - grab yours before they fill up!

The Masterson Method® is a unique, interactive form of equine bodywork where the practitioner follows the horse’s responses to gentle touch to help release accumulated tension in the body. Much of the work focuses on key junctions that greatly influence movement and performance—such as the poll and neck, the shoulder/withers area, and the hind end (sacroiliac region). What makes the method special is that the horse actively participates in the process. By paying attention to subtle body language and working below the horse’s brace response, we can help the horse release tension in muscles, connective tissue, and the overall structure—often in areas the horse cannot easily release on their own.

This demo begins with a bodywork session on the demo horse. Participants will then have the opportunity to practice a few gentle Masterson Method® techniques on designated practice horses. Participants will not only observe but also actively engage in guided, hands-on learning while practicing selected techniques. We will also focus on the principles and practices of gentle light touch and staying below the brace.

Hands on participant (8 maximum) - $60.00 (we provide the horses)
Auditors (unlimited) - $30.00
Reserve your spot here: https://www.zeffy.com/.../masterson-method-interactive-demo

Email us at Rhythmoftherein1 at gmail.com with questions.

05/13/2026

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05/11/2026

We are so grateful for recent donations from Northfield Savings Bank and Community National Bank, VT to support our mission to foster hope, growth, and community through the power and presence of horses. These donations will help us enhance the well-being of individuals with physical, cognitive, social, and emotional differences for a better quality of life.

04/30/2026

Join us for a special workshop on Sunday, June 7th at our location in Marshfield!

The Masterson Method® is a unique, interactive form of equine bodywork where the practitioner follows the horse’s responses to gentle touch to help release accumulated tension in the body. Much of the work focuses on key junctions that greatly influence movement and performance—such as the poll and neck, the shoulder/withers area, and the hind end (sacroiliac region). What makes the method special is that the horse actively participates in the process. By paying attention to subtle body language and working below the horse’s brace response, we can help the horse release tension in muscles, connective tissue, and the overall structure—often in areas the horse cannot easily release on their own.

This demo begins with a bodywork session on the demo horse. Participants will then have the opportunity to practice a few gentle Masterson Method® techniques on designated practice horses. Participants will not only observe but also actively engage in guided, hands-on learning while practicing selected techniques. We will also focus on the principles and practices of gentle light touch and staying below the brace.

Hands on participant (8 maximum) - $60.00 (we provide the horses)
Auditors (unlimited) - $30.00

Reserve your spot here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/masterson-method-interactive-demo

Email us at Rhythmoftherein1 at gmail.com with questions.

04/28/2026

This Green Up Day (Saturday, May 2), bring your returnable bottles and cans (or those you collect) to us! Our “Bottles for Bales” initiative helps keep our therapy horses fed and happy and is an easy way to support our program.

Drop off anytime (not just on Saturday). The gate across the driveway is kept closed for the horses’ safety but you are welcome to open it and come on in to drop off your bottles in the trailer by the Rhythm of the Rein barn. Please just close the gate behind you. Thank you!

04/22/2026

Pizza day is tomorrow!! Get pizza at American Flatbread Stowe anytime all day (from 11:30am-9:00pm on 4/23) and Rhythm of the Rein will get a donation with each sale. Takeout orders included.

American Flatbread, located in Stowe, Vermont, opened its doors in September 2022 in the legendary music venue, formerly known as The Rusty Nail. Today, American Flatbread, located at 1190 M...

04/20/2026

Join our Board of Directors and have a direct hand in making a huge impact! We are especially looking for individuals who have experience in nonprofit management, finance, marketing, fundraising, and development. The Board meets once per month and members take on additional projects/duties as time allows. This is a fantastic way to help guide and support Rhythm of the Rein. If you are interested, please reach out to Dianne at rhythmoftherein1 at gmail.com.

04/17/2026

If you can make it out to Stowe on Thursday (4/23), get pizza and support the healing power of horses. (Now that's a win-win!). Thank you to American Flatbread Stowe for hosting this Benefit Bake for Rhythm of the Rein!

04/16/2026

We continue to be so grateful for all of our community members who drop off their returnables to support Rhythm of the Rein through our “Bottles for Bales” initiative.

Last weekend, we redeemed more than 17,000 bottles which will help keep our horses fed and happy. A huge shout out to Crystal Lana, our Barn Manager, and to Dustin Herring for all the time, energy, and hard work they put into getting the bottles to the redemption site.

Now our bottle collection trailer is empty, so bring your returnables on over! (The gate across the driveway is kept closed for the horses’ safety but you are welcome to open it and come on in to drop off your bottles. Please just close the gate behind you).