Getting to know SRD Straightening Reins
SRD (Samantha Rocha- Dyer) Straightening Reins Foundation
Straightening Reins is a 501(c)(3) public nonprofit established in 2011 specializing in equine-assisted and interactive therapies designed to improve adolescent and teen mental health and well-being. SRD provides behavioral, educational, and community outreach services to youth and their families in Los Angeles County.
Nestled in the foothills of the Santa Clarita Valley, SRD uses horse-assisted therapy to promote emotional growth in youth. With easy freeway access to the ranch, youth interact with the horses, donkeys, dwarf goats, and chickens. The goal is for youth to understand and appreciate the tranquility and love of our horses and other animals so they can foster and develop life skills necessary to achieve personal and family goals.
EAGALA
SRD is Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA) certified and follows the EAGALA Model for therapy.
EAGALA sets the global standard for Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) and personal development and is the leading international nonprofit association for professionals incorporating horses to address mental health and personal development needs.
Mission
SRD ~ Straightening Reins, a public, nonprofit since 2011, is committed to improving the mental well-being of our youth through equine based experiences, by providing community outreach to improve mental health awareness and supply the tools and resources for families to navigate the mental health care system.
Vision
We work to foster a stable level of mental health for youth by utilizing equine assisted learning which provides alternatives and positive solutions to develop healthy relationships.
Core Values
HOPE
Healing Power of Human & Animal Relationships
Confidential Safe Place
Non Judgmental and Embracing
Positive and Responsive
Collaboration
Teamwork and Mentorship
Integrity
SPONSOR
Youth at SRD do a great job of feeding the herd daily; however, as a nonprofit, we rely on sponsorship to keep these beautiful animals ultra healthy.
Help us here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/srd-hope-through-horses
Family Sponsor
Support hundreds of youth and family members who cannot afford therapy.
Level 1 – $60 – 1/2 therapy session
Level 2 – $125 – Full 50 minute therapy session
Level 3 – $1,250 full therapy intervention for one child
Go to www.srdstraighteningreins.org/support-srd
Herd Sponsor
Supports care for over 20 of our horses, donkeys and goats!
Level 1 – $25 – 1 bale of Bermuda grass feed
Level 2 – $225 – 1 week of dry feed for the herd
Level 3 – $900 – 1 month of dry feed for the herd
Go to www.srdstraighteningreins.org/support-srd
For more information about SRD Straightening Reins go to www.srdstraighteningreins.org
Comments
ADVERTISE WITH US
A Message from the Associate Publisher Alexander Hafizi – Jan/Feb 2026
Each new year brings an energy of possibility, and this issue is the perfect reflection of the excitement, hard work, and heart that make Santa Clarita such a vibrant place to call home. From culinary innovation to inspiring local leaders, from community milestones to...
A New Era of Culinary Excellence at the Cusumano iCUE Where Education, Innovation, and Community Come Together
In Santa Clarita, a state-of-the-art culinary education facility continues to set the standard for innovation and opportunity: the Diana and Gary Cusumano Culinary Arts Building, home to College of the Canyons’ Cusumano iCUE. Guided by Chef Cindy Schwanke, a respected...
An Ode to Tradition and Community: The Spirit of The Saticoy Club
Perched gently in the hillsides of Somis, nestled between old-growth oaks and the whispering Santa Clara Valley breezes, The Saticoy Club stands as a testament to more than a century of Southern California golf tradition. Since its founding in 1921 as the first...


