About Reins of Hope Kentucky, inc.

About

Reins of Hope Kentucky, Inc. was founded on the belief that healing happens through connection, safety, and purpose. We exist to serve veterans and first responders by offering equine-assisted, trauma-informed support that honors the whole person—mind, body, and spirit.

At the heart of Reins of Hope Kentucky is the understanding that many who serve carry invisible wounds. Our programs are designed to meet individuals where they are, providing a non-clinical, relationship-centered environment that supports regulation, resilience, and restoration through the human–horse connection.

Veterans never pay for services they receive here at Reins of Hope Kentucky, inc.

About our Founder

Michelle Sharon is the Founder and Executive Director of Reins of Hope Kentucky, Inc. Her work blends trauma-informed principles, somatic awareness, and intentional partnership with horses to support veterans and first responders affected by PTSD, grief, and complex trauma.

Michelle holds an Associate of Science degree and is a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) through the National Healthcareer Association. She completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Midway University, where she was recognized on the Fall 2025 Dean’s List for academic achievement.

Midway University Announces Fall 2025 Dean's List | Midway University

With a long-standing background in healthcare and a deep respect for the human–animal bond, Michelle leads Reins of Hope Kentucky with a focus on safety, ethics, and participant-centered care. She is also a lifelong horse owner and advocate for animal-assisted support in community-based settings.

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Left to Right Katie Watkins (board member, Tim Hayes - About Tim Hayes, Natural Horsemanship — Hayes is for Horses, Michelle Sharon Founder and Executive Director of Reins of Hope Kentucky, Inc).About Tim Hayes, Natural Horsemanship — Hayes is for Horses , Michelle Sharon Founder and Executive Director of Reins of Hope Kentucky, Inc).

Tim Hayes

Reins of Hope Kentucky has been shaped by respected leaders in horsemanship and human–horse connection. The organization has hosted educational clinics with the late Tim Hayes, an internationally recognized horseman known for his work in relationship-based horsemanship and personal growth through connection with horses.

Founder Michelle Sharon maintained close professional contact with Tim Hayes and intentionally integrated his teachings, principles, and experiential methods into the foundation of Reins of Hope Kentucky’s programs. His emphasis on presence, awareness, mutual trust, and respectful partnership between horse and human continues to inform the structure and philosophy of the organization’s work.

Although Tim Hayes has since passed, Reins of Hope Kentucky remains committed to honoring his legacy by continuing to apply the knowledge and skills gained through his mentorship and clinics, ensuring that his influence lives on through ethical, trauma-informed, and relationship-centered programming.

About Tim Hayes, Natural Horsemanship — Hayes is for Horses

A Family Legacy

History

A Personal and Military Legacy

Michelle’s commitment to serving veterans and first responders is deeply personal. She is the daughter of a United States Air Force veteran and comes from a long-standing family legacy of military service and First responders. This connection has shaped her respect for the sacrifices made by service members and their families, as well as her understanding of the lasting impact service can have long after the uniform is removed.

In addition to her professional training, Michelle’s leadership is shaped by lived experience with grief and resilience. These experiences strengthen her dedication to creating spaces where individuals feel seen, valued, and supported in their healing journey.