ATHOL — Testigo is one of 12 horses at the Hope Reins Foundation offering solace to children as a part of mental health therapies.

His name translates to witness in Spanish, and during his work, the Paso Fino does indeed bear witness to clients at the Athol ranch.

Hope Reins Foundation is a nonprofit that has been practicing equine-based therapies in Athol and Plummer for three years.

"I decided to open this foundation to be able to help children with trauma," said Christie Hartin, CEO of the organization.

The group was founded by mental health professionals interested in providing a way for children and others struggling to cope by connecting to animals and themselves outside the confines of a standard therapy practice.

All visitors are greeted by Hope, the miniature American shepherd, who was named for the emotion the therapists want to inspire in clients.

Hartin said that about 40 kids come through sessions at the 5 acres run by Hope Reins in a week and they have about 190 children come to the ranch for therapy in a year.

Nearly 95% of their clients are youth under the age of 16.

"Spending time in an outdoor environment with animals is a very different experience than sitting in an office," Hartin said. "The reason we use horses is that they feel and recognize our emotions. They can recognize 25 human facial expressions, much more than other animals."

Children recommended for therapy at the ranch often come through pediatricians, agencies like the Juvenile Justice Outreach, or may be victims channeled through the Children’s Advocacy Center.

There are also groups of kids that come to the ranch weekly as part of the Kootenai County Juvenile Probation program. Local sheriff’s departments, probation officers, and other local groups have chosen to explore team-building activities at Hope Reins.

The calming presence of horses is a key part of processing trauma and stress and the large animals offer quiet comfort to clients. Though most of the organization’s practice is geared toward children, Hope Reins has clients in their 70s.

Horses also need a break from interacting with clients and the agency has a stable of volunteers to help maintain horse health and upkeep. Backgrounds for volunteers range from retired medical or mental health professionals to a former member of the FBI.

Several of the horses housed at Hope Reins are rescues, and as Hartin says, “those horses are now rescuing kids and giving back to them.”

Funding for the agency comes from local government agencies, donations, and through the ranch’s Silver Buckle gala.

“This year, our gala was able to help fund 27 scholarships for clients,” Hartin said.

As the program gains more recognition, Hartin and her team hope to raise $1.6 million to create an indoor facility that they can use for sessions in the more inclement weather during the winter. It would also create a more accessible and even surface for clients using mobility aids or with sensory issues.

To learn about Hope Reins Foundation, visit www.hopereinsfoundation.org or call 208-818-2350.