REINS first Spring Hop Egg Hunt a success

FALLBROOK – REINS Therapeutic Horsemanship Program celebrated the beginning of Spring with their inaugural Spring Hop Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 19.

More than 200 kids and families gathered at the REINS ranch to participate in the Spring Hop Egg Hunt. Kids with baskets in tow eagerly awaited the start of the hunts to begin searching for eggs around the ranch facility. Once the beginning of the hunt was announced, kids wasted no time scouring the straw, flowers, and bushes for brightly-colored eggs. Hawthorne Country Store donated the straw and Pardee Tree Nursery donated the flowers.

The Egg Hunt was divided into two groups, one for children ages one to five and the other for children six to 12. More than 2,500 eggs filled with bunny stickers and treats were hidden for kids.

The Easter Bunny made a special trip to REINS to help the kids find Easter eggs and pose for photos with children and their families. Face painting was offered so kids could have "bunny whiskers."

Volunteers at REINS worked hard in the weeks leading to the Spring Hop to fill the eggs and get the property egg hunt ready. They helped make this a fun and inclusive event for all, with egg and spoon races, basket toss games, and a bounce house.

Executive director Debbie Shinner was thrilled with the turnout for the inaugural REINS Spring Hop.

“Our community gives so much to the REINS program and it was nice to be able to open the facility for all to enjoy,” said Shinner. “REINS is a place where we like to have all children feel a part of something special.”

Baked goods were donated by REINS parents and the community to satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth with delicious treats at the bake sale. There was also a silent auction with spring-themed baskets donated by friends of REINS.

“We are so thrilled that so many kids and families come to the Hop and can’t wait to expand this event next year,” said Shinner.

REINS (Riding Emphasizing Individual Needs and Strengths) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit Therapeutic Riding Program located in Fallbrook. Visit http://www.reinsprogram.org to learn more about REINS.