Dr. Jane Haven is leading an effort to close the gap and empower the next generation of women to be confident, courageous, and prepared to drive their lives to serve their purpose. As executive director of Taking The Reins, an urban farm and equestrian program in Los Angeles, Dr. Jane says that of the four pillars used to guide their program helping underserved girls, confidence is the most important and the most apparent after only a few weeks. Middle-school girls who are self-centered and afraid of horses when they arrive become at ease and caring partners of the horses within six weeks.
Dr. Jane’s own inspiring story of triumph over insecurities and passion for horses led her to build this program, which has life-changing potential for girls whose futures might otherwise be limited by the circumstances of their upbringing and social inequity. Empowering women and girls is also the mission of Women Connect4Good and that, as well as Dr. Nancy’s own work with horses – which she credits for helping her at an important point in her life – has built a strong connection between the two organizations.
One Horse Town
Dr. Jane grew up on a horse and cattle ranch in a very small town in Western Colorado. Her bus ride to school took 45 minutes, the last three miles on a dirt road. Preferring to stay on the ranch than go into town, her family home was where she developed a deep connection with nature and horses. This upbringing influenced her decision to attend California Polytechnic University, where she rode horses competitively for the school. Her love for horses and fascination with animal behavior influenced her area of study and later shaped her career as a psychologist working with young people.
“I started out as a pre-vet but I realized it was animal behavior that I loved, and what more complex animal than the human being,” Dr. Jane says.
Overcoming The Challenges Of Her Youth
Dr. Jane faced challenges in her youth that helped her develop strong resilience and determination. She had scoliosis and wore a back brace throughout her teenage years, enduring teasing and isolation from her fellow students. She also suffered the loss of her best friend and cousin. During these tough times, she turned to nature as a source of solace, and horses as non-judgmental companions.
She was content to stay on the farm, remaining in her safe bubble filled with family, horses, and nature. But her father knew her potential and also knew that she would not have the opportunity to realize it unless she left the familiar comfort of their Colorado ranch. Dr. Jane recalls, “I was one of the only girls in my high school that went to college, and I owe my father that. I just wanted to stay and be a horse girl, but my dad said, ‘No, girls have to go to college because when you educate a girl, you educate a woman who’s going to influence society.’ And I really realize he was a feminist.”
Building An Equine-Based Empowerment Program
After graduating from college, Dr. Jane pursued a career as a clinical psychologist in Los Angeles. In the highly urban environment, she saw an opportunity to share the transformative power of nature and horses to help girls in underserved communities build confidence and develop life-changing skills.
While Taking the Reins began as a small program, it has since grown to become a two-acre urban farm and equestrian program serving hundreds of middle and high school girls each year. Through a six-week program of horseback riding, animal care, and farm work, girls from diverse backgrounds develop life skills, gain self-confidence, and become part of a supportive community that extends well beyond their time at the farm.
Dr. Jane’s work at Taking the Reins aligns perfectly with the Women Connect4Good movement of women supporting and uplifting one another. Most of the program’s participants come from families with limited financial resources, so the program offers scholarships and tuition support to ensure accessibility for all.
Listen or watch Dr. Nancy’s conversation with Dr. Jane to hear more of her story, the success stories of the girls whose lives are changing through the work of Taking The Reins. Learn more about Dr. Jane’s work and opportunities to support it at TakingTheReins.org.
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