AGAPE Reins – About Us

Meet Emily Bowers – Founder of AGAPE Reins LLC

Emily Bowers is the founder of AGAPE Reins LLC, of Mouth of Wilson, Virginia. While serving as owner and co-operator, Emily also works towards her Equine Assisted Therapy Bachelor’s degree completion. Additionally, Emily’s equine educational accomplishments include the completion of some PATH (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International) courses. She plans to continue her equine education in many ways, as she enjoys being a life-long learner.

Emily and her husband have served as therapeutic foster parents, for children facing hardships in life. They began serving in that capacity more than a decade ago. In fact, they were blessed to add to their family with the adoption of two of the daughters they have fostered. Having been a therapeutic foster parent has also contributed to Emily’s heart for hurting families. She understands the challenges that many people face.

Her background, coupled with her life-long love for horses and riding, has brought Emily to where she is today. Through AGAPE Reins LLC, her goals are to utilize her horses for the well being of others. It is a joy to see how AGAPE Reins is impacting lives in her community, in truly remarkable ways!

Find a Need and Fill It, Trusting God for the Resources

As far back as Emily can remember, she had a radical love for horses and horseback riding. Thankfully, her parents supported Emily in her passion for horses. She is thankful for loving and supportive parents. They were loving and supportive for one another, for their children, and for others. Just a couple of examples…when mom or dad noticed a neighbor in need, or a crisis in the community, Emily saw compassion-in-action. Sometimes we do not realize the things children notice. Things such as… seeing you slip grocery cash into a needy neighbor’s pocket, or sacrificing your afternoon to pray with a wearied friend. Emily saw her parents trusting God for their own resources, as they also helped others. This was a way of life for the family. After all, finding joy in lifting burdens for others is what it is all about.

Today, Emily can say that she is so thankful for her family upbringing, and also for the privilege of having horses in her life from a young age. And, she is blessed, like her parents, to find joy in being able to use her resources (and her career skills!), in ways that will bless others. In summary, Emily’s journey in life, with her love for God, for people, and for horses, has built into this company called AGAPE Reins.

Meet Matthew Dixon, Emily’s Son

Emily’s eldest son, Matthew (Dixon), assists his Mom in Equine-Assisted Therapy. Also, he serves as a Riding Instructor, and helps out in many other ways around the horse farm.

Matthew has had more than two decades of experience with horses, which includes colt starting. Instilled in him from a young age, through being around horses since birth, is to have a love and care for taking care of the animals and understanding how they interact with fellow creatures around the farm, and with people. Matthew, naturally, thrives at horseback riding.

A Compassionate Riding Instructor in the Making

In addition to having such a broad background with horses, Matthew is truly a people person with a great big heart, especially for children. He has experience working with youth as a horsemanship leader. Leading in this role at church camps, not to mention sharing his passion for horses with his own children, lends well to his Riding instructor qualifications. Since horsemanship and Christian servant-hood are two of Matthew’s greatest attributes, he is a wonderful co-operator at AGAPE.

Matthew is thankful to be able to help others while being involved with the horses. One thing is for sure, he is absolutely a perfect fit to work in this company with his mother.

Our Gallery Pages include a few more photos, including more of the Bowers and Dixon families.