RALEIGH - One of Raleigh's organizations to bring children and animals with similar backgrounds together is moving. Hope Reins gives kids free 90 minute sessions with horses, which founder Kim Tschirret says is therapeutic for the types of children who come in.

"Our kids are going through things like grief," Tschirret says. "They've lost a parent. We have a lot of military families. We have kids who may be physically, emotionally or sexually abused. They may be suffering from a life-threatening illness. They may be abandoned. They may be living in a group home or foster care."

The horses at Hope Reins are rescues and have also been through abuse or trauma, which Tschirret says helps the kids bond with their horses and vice-versa.

"Many of our kids have never been to a farm or seen a horse so it's a really great education for them," Tschirret says. "And it's hard work. We have them do farm chores every time they come out and they often times come out over the weekend and continue farm chores because they want to help and see their horse."

For years, Hope Reins has been near Creedmore Road, but they are currently moving to a 33-acre field off of Highway 98. Tschirret says the size of their present location was too limiting for the organization.

"We often have about 100 kids on the wait list because of the demand," she says. "That's part of why we need to expand our services."

Hope Reins got a loan from the USDA but is currently collecting donations to cover other costs associated with moving. Tschirret says volunteering is a large part of Hope Reins.

"We do farm chores every Saturday morning, which is sort of our open door to the public," she says. "From the smallest toddler to a 90-year-old, we have everybody out there volunteering."

For more information, go to go to hopereinsraleigh.org.