Reigning Hope Therapy Services is a 501c3 nonprofit organization in Falcon that provides a farm-based clinic with a country feel, offering programs that include occupational, physical and speech therapies, adaptive riding, horsemanship lessons and mental health services for special needs families. Founded in 2008 in Florissant, Colorado, Reigning Hope was originally known as Chuckie’s Place. In 2015, founders Randy and Kesti Suggs moved to Colorado Springs. Kesti Suggs said she attained her occupational therapy assistant degree, and brought therapeutic horseback riding first to Black Forest and then to Falcon in February 2021.Inspired by Suggs’ brother Chuckie, who grew up with special needs, she noticed that therapeutic riding had a positive effect in his life, as Chuckie’s happiness and quality of life increased. Suggs said she wanted others to experience the same transformative change. Through Reigning Hope, Suggs and her team create a safe, sensory-rich environment for cognitive, emotional, physical, spiritual and social growth. They also provide support and programs for their families and caregivers. With a physician referral, physical and speech therapies are available for special needs children; while mental health services and horsemanship lessons are open to anyone.Suggs said any age is welcome but usually participants range from ages 4 to 16. A child has to be 2 years old to ride a horse.Horses, goats, bunnies, turtles and chickens are used in therapy as well. About 90% of animals at Reigning Hope are rescued or donated. Laurel, a retired barrel racer, was one of the first therapy horses.Reigning Hope began with three horses, trained to accept children for riding purposes. They are also trained in long lining, which is being led from behind like a buggy and carriage. ìThe repetitive movements of the horse taking 100 steps per minute is perfect for retraining the brain and creating new neuro-pathways for the participant,î Suggs said. ìThis also helps with a neurological shift and muscle memory. We work on self-regulation, confidence, and fine motor skills.î Suggs said there are social and emotional benefits from a connection to a horse. They also instruct the participants on how to groom and clean their hooves. ìThis helps them learn how to sequence and put things in order,î she said. Other outside activities include a ninja warrior obstacle course, swings, outdoor Yahtzee and baseball.The team at Reigning Hope consists of two occupational therapists, two occupational therapist assistants, a physical therapist, physical therapist assistants, a speech therapist and a psychotherapist, along with barn staff.Other organizations have assisted the program. Disabling Barriers provided a grant this year, which allowed them to build a lift and a ramp in the indoor arena. They have partnered with The Arc and Team Select as well.Future plans include a therapy pool, an adaptive playground for the community and a coffee shop where adults with disabilities can be employed and develop skills in the slower paced environment of the farm, Suggs said.Reigning Hope welcomes volunteers to help in the barn with chores and maintenance, side-walkers for therapy sessions, help with special events and board members. ìWe would love volunteers of all types and abilities,î said Mallorie Trichell, program director. A person must be 14 years or older to volunteer alone, but families can volunteer together. ìWe have many who volunteer, Girl Scouts come help and earn their badges and we welcome school field trips,î Trichelle said. ìWhatever the community needs, we try to provide it.î They also hold community events where everyone is invited.ìFalcon is a very supportive community. I think it is just a great place for connection. Our mission is to help individuals and families with disabilities and special needs. Everything else we do supports this mission. Every time you support us Ö you are supporting, Reigning Hope, where Hope Reins.îSee community calendar for future events.
