An Interview with Ali Perkins LaTorre
As riders, we too often get wrapped up in competition, chasing ribbons, scores, or accomplishments, that we forget about the beauty and gift it is to even be surrounded by such incredible animals. In addition to being a freelance dressage trainer, Ali Perkins LaTorre enjoys seeing the way horse’s calm and non judgmental attitude helps kids with literacy through her non-profit, Rearing2Read.
In a fast-paced world filled with demands, finding the perfect balance between work, personal passions, and well-being is often a challenge. Ali has found a way to achieve just that. By integrating her love for horses with her professional background in education, she improves children’s literacy skills through the horse powered reading curriculum. This journey has not only benefited her community but also led to a more fulfilling, balanced life for Ali.
Founding Rearing2Read
Ali’s passion for teaching and her expertise in dressage collided when she discovered Horse Powered Reading and started Rearing2Read in 2022. The program helps kids develop reading fluency, comprehension, and motivation by pairing them with horses in a structured, supportive environment.
Established as a non-profit in 2023, Rearing2Read offers tuition free after-school programs, camps, and workshops. The program serves children with learning disabilities, social challenges, mental health difficulties, and those going through significant life transitions. “We don’t turn anyone away,” Ali emphasizes. “Whether a child has a learning disability, social anxiety, or other challenges, we welcome them into the program.” Horses, with their calming, nonjudgmental presence, create a safe space for kids to practice reading out loud.
Ali’s 5-6 week after school program allows kids, kindergarten through 6th grade, the chance to come to the farm twice a week for team building activities, personal time with the horses, and reading practice and activities. Throughout the program each child creates a personal reading goal. They then work on that goal while reading in the stall with their assigned horse, or during groundwork and reading games. “Horses give the kids a lot of confidence. To them, they are such big, powerful animals and if they feel confident handling them, that really transfers over to what they are struggling with reading”.
Ali has partnered with local schools and other non-profits, building awareness through community outreach and parent groups. The program also runs special sessions, such as workshops and camps for children after completing the after-school program. Ali’s goal is to continue growing Rearing2Read, with hopes of increasing participation to the point where there’s a waitlist of kids eager to join.
“I really love seeing them come to the barn and feel more confident in reading. I also love seeing them more motivated to read. A lot of parents have said that kids will start picking up books at home more after reading at the farm.”
Balancing Passion with Personal Well-Being
For Ali, Rearing2Read represents not just a way to make a difference but also a happy and balanced life. Between riding and training dressage throughout the day to running Rearing2Read programs after school, she has been able to blend her passions: horses, working with kids, and teaching.
“I am so much happier having more balance in my life,” she says. “Between school, the non-profit, and training, I engage my academic side, creative side, and set goals for my own riding. Because of this balance, I am excited to train horses because I am riding 7 horses a day instead of 12 hour long days on horses”.
Looking Ahead
As the program continues to expand, Ali hopes to reach more children and create a lasting change in her community. By balancing her work in dressage with her passion for teaching and non-profit work, Ali has crafted a career and life that feel both purposeful and sustainable. She has found happiness by making space for all the things she loves—and she encourages others to do the same.
