January 2026 Volunteer of the Month

Announcing Rainbow’s 2025 Volunteers of the Year!

Rainbow is proud to honor Pam and Joe, two extraordinary volunteers who truly embody the heart of our program.

Pam brings a fearless can-do spirit to everything she does. Always ready to step in where needed, she’s trained as both a side walker and horse leader—and still finds time to help with grooming and barn chores. A true all-rounder, Pam’s positivity, warm smile, and horse savvy lift up staff, students, and four-legged friends alike. She’s a joy to be around and a barn favorite for good reason!

Joe joined the Rainbow family just one year ago with no prior horse experience—and quickly became an essential part of our team. In an incredible feat, he has already volunteered a record-breaking 500 hours, always with enthusiasm and a smile. Joe is a steady source of support for instructors, has a special gift for bringing students out of their shells, and generously mentors new volunteers.

Pam and Joe, thank you for your dedication, heart, and unwavering commitment. Rainbow is better because of you!

December Volunteer of the Month

Congratulations to Kyle, our December Volunteer of the Month!

Thank you, Kyle, for all the time, heart, and dedication you share with the Rainbow community — we’re so grateful for you!

Thinking about giving back in the New Year? Visit our website and connect with our volunteer coordinator, Marissa, to join our merry gang of elves and make a difference with Rainbow!

https://www.rainbowriding.org/our-volunteers

volunteercoordinator@rainbowriding.org

A Year of Impact, Growth, and Gratitude

A Message from the Executive Director

Dear Friends of Rainbow,

As we come to the close of another year, I find myself filled with deep gratitude — for our riders, our horses, our dedicated team and many volunteers, and for you, our steadfast supporters. Rainbow Therapeutic Riding Center has now served our community for 40 years, and this past year reminded us just how vital our work remains.

In 2025, Rainbow served more than 300 children, adolescents, and adults living with physical, developmental, and mental health challenges. Demand for our programs has never been higher, particularly as families seek meaningful support for youth struggling with anxiety, trauma, and emotional regulation. While our waitlist continues to grow, so does our commitment to meeting these needs with care, professionalism, and compassion.

Our impact goes far beyond the saddle. Parents report improved communication at home, reduced family stress, and increased confidence in their children after just a few lessons. These outcomes are made possible by our exceptional instructors, specially trained horses, and a program built on evidence-based practices and individualized goals.

This year also marked exciting growth: expanded collaborations with schools, counties, and healthcare partners; continued professional development for our staff; increases in volunteer hours and participation, and strong community support through grants, events, and individual giving. Every lesson at Rainbow is subsidized — because access to improved physical health and emotional well-being should never depend on a family’s financial circumstances.

None of this would be possible without you. Your generosity fuels every ride, every breakthrough, and every quiet moment of connection between horse and rider. As we close out the year, we ask that you consider making a final contribution to allow us to continue making our students’ lives more empowered:

https://give-usa.keela.co/donations-2025

From all of us at Rainbow, thank you for believing in our mission and for helping change lives — one hoofbeat at a time.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Inga Janke
Executive Director
Rainbow Therapeutic Riding Center 

Help Fill our Horses’ Christmas Stockings!

🎄🐴 Help Us Fill our Horses’ Christmas Stockings! 🐴🎄

Our four-legged therapists have been extra good this year — and they’re hoping Santa (that’s you!) will help fill their stockings with treats, toys, and barn essentials.

We’ve put together a special Amazon Wish List filled with the things that keep our horses happy, healthy, and ready to do their amazing work with our riders.

✨ If you’d like to spread a little holiday magic, choose a gift and send some love straight to the barn! ✨

Thank you (especially from Denver!) 🥕

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2O6EAYIRZCOM5?ref_=wl_share

Volunteer of the Month November 2025

Please join us in congratulating our volunteer of the month for November, Pam! We are so grateful to have Pam as part of our Rainbow team -- and if you'd like to join her, please check out our website to find out more! https://www.rainbowriding.org/our-volunteers

This Giving Tuesday, help us reach our Year End goals

✨ This Giving Tuesday, help us close the year with hope, happiness — and horses! ✨

At Rainbow, horses don’t just change lives — they help people discover strength, confidence, and freedom. Through therapeutic riding and equine-assisted programs, children and adults with physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges gain skills and joy that last far beyond the barn.

Our Year-End Donation Request Letter is below. We hope you’ll take a moment to read it — and consider making a gift that keeps these life-changing programs accessible for every rider who needs them. Thank you for helping our riders grow, thrive, and shine.

https://give-usa.keela.co/donations-2025

What’s New at Rainbow Riding this Fall?

Read our newsletter ‘Stable Thoughts’ to find out what's happening at the barn this season.

Get Your Rainbow Gear Online Now!

The weather's turning a little chilly but here's some good news: for a limited time, we’ve made our famous Rainbow t-shirts, cozy hoodies, and much-wanted winter beanies available to purchase via our online shop HERE!

AND a portion of the profits goes to support our therapeutic riding program,

so everyone's a winner (and a little warmer!)

There’s much more online, but it’s only available til 11:59pm, Sunday, November 9th!

So what are you waiting for?

Head over to the online shop NOW and snap up some winter warmers before it’s too late!

Volunteer of the Month October

Congratulations Sam! We are delighted to announce that Sam is our Volunteer of the Month for October!

If you have a couple of hours a week to spare and think you might enjoy helping our students have a fun and educational therapeutic riding lesson, then reach out to our Volunteer Coordinator, Marissa, at volunteercoordinator@rainbowriding.org

OR fill in our application form at our website: https://www.rainbowriding.org/volunteer-application-form

Thank you and congratulations again, Sam!

Volunteer of the Month for September

Congratulations Charlie! We are delighted to announce that Charlie is our Volunteer of the Month for September! Charlie joined us a horse leader just a few months ago, but has fully integrated himself into the team and always steps up to volunteer for extra lessons when we are short handed!

If you have a couple of hours a week to spare and think you might enjoy helping our students have a fun and educational therapeutic riding lesson, then reach out to our Volunteer Coordinator, Marissa, at volunteercoordinator@rainbowriding.org OR fill in our application form at our website: https://www.rainbowriding.org/volunteer-application-form

Thank you and congratulations again, Charlie!

PATH FOUNDATION COMMUNITY REPORT 2024

We are indebted to the PATH Foundation for their continued support of our life changing therapeutic riding programs, and the belief they have that we really do make a difference in our Students' lives.

We were THRILLED to find Rainbow Riding Instructor Amanda on the cover of their 2024 Community Report, and a great write up on the support they have given us to enable us to continue our equine assisted therapy.

If you’d like to read more about the PATH Foundation, please click here.

Thank you again all at the PATH Foundation for your continued support.

Rainbow is named the Best Equestrian Center by Haymarket Gainesville Lifestyle Magazine

You may have spotted our Rainbow cover stars Marissa, Maddie, and Shane on the newsstands this month Rainbow appears on the front of this month's Haymarket Gainesville Lifestyle Magazine!

We were honored to be named the best equestrian facility in the area and then to have the magazine dedicate four pages to our wonderful staff, students, and of course, very photogenic horses!

If you are interested in learning more about what Rainbow can do for you and your family, please visit our website at www.rainbowriding.org or email us at rainbow@rainbowriding.org and we'll get back to you.

Thank you to EVERYONE who voted for us!

Click here to view the full article.

Congratulations to Kathy, our July Volunteer of the Month!

Congratulations to our July Volunteer of the Month, Kathy! Thank you for all you do for Rainbow!

And if you'd like to join her, please take a look at our website at https://www.rainbowriding.org/volunteer-application-form

Our June Volunteer of the Month - Julianna

Congratulations to our June Volunteer of the Month, Julianna! Thank you for all you do for Rainbow!

And if you'd like to join her, please take a look at our website at https://www.rainbowriding.org/volunteer-application-form

SUMMER NEWS FROM RAINBOW

Our Volunteer of the Month for May is Lauren!

Congratulations to our May Volunteer of the Month, Lauren! Thank you for all you do for Rainbow!

And if you'd like to join her, please take a look at our website at https://www.rainbowriding.org/volunteer-application-form

Join Rainbow on Saturday, June 7th, at the oldest horse show in the USA

Join Rainbow riders Anna-Marie Haines and Robert ‘Skip’ Vachon and their trusted partners, Bear and Denver, this Saturday, June 7th, at 2:30pm as they take part in a celebration of therapeutic riding in the Parker Hunter Ring at the 2025 Upperville Horse Show. They will be accompanied by Rainbow staff and volunteers and will ride alongside members of other therapeutic riding programs from around the region. We’d love you to join us to cheer them on and help spread the word about the joys and benefits of equine powered programs like Rainbow! More details can be found below or please email us at rainbow@rainbowriding.org. We hope to see you under the Oaks!

UPPERVILLE, Va., May 30, 2025 – The 2025 Upperville Colt & Horse Show, presented by MARS EQUESTRIAN™, the oldest horse show in the U.S, returns this year from June 2-8 with more than 1200 horse and rider pairs competing. This year, the show will also celebrate equestrians in five regional therapeutic equine and para-equestrian programs with a demonstration on Saturday, June 7 at 2:30 p.m. in the Parker Hunter Ring (south side of Route 50). Parking and attendance at the show are free.

Rainbow Therapeutic Riding, Sprout Therapeutic Riding Center, Cloverleaf Equine Center, Loudoun Therapeutic Riding and Wheatland Farm will have two riders and two horses representing each organization. They will give a short introduction on the horses’ previous careers and why they are suited for therapeutic work. They will also introduce each equestrian and explain how therapeutic equestrian programs help them overcome challenges and motivate them to improve.

In addition, Wheatland Farm will also have a para-equestrian demonstration at the Upperville Horse Show. It should be noted that para-equestrian is different from therapeutic riding in that it is a highly competitive Olympic sport. Wheatland Farm is a U.S. Equestrian Federation Para-Equestrian Dressage Center of Excellence. It was the fourth center to have this designation nationwide. In 2018, Wheatland hosted the Para-Dressage Team Observation Event for the World Equestrian Games.

“We are delighted to have these amazing organizations participating in the Upperville Horse Show this year,” said Emily Day, executive director of UCHS. “No matter the discipline or level, we are all equestrians, and this further demonstrates the important influence horses have on our lives. It is truly a celebration of the relationship between horses and people.”

This year, the show celebrates its 172nd year and takes place daily from 8 a.m. to sunset. The weeklong show culminates on June 8 at 2 p.m. with the excitement of the $200,000 FEI CSI4* Upperville Jumper Classic featuring top world-class equestrians. The day’s entertainment includes junior and amateur riders, pony conformation (including pony foals!) and the Horses & Horsepower car show with everything from rare antique autos to muscle cars. The Upperville Horse Show also has more than 85 vendors and attendees are encouraged to come early to take advantage of great shopping.

In addition to shopping, the Upperville Horse Show also features great food options including Copper Fox Coffee, Everything About Crepes, Happy Family Ranch, Harry’s Lemonade, Haulin’ Butts BBQ, Hunt Country Charcuterie, Jump Start Café, King of Pops and more.

Founded in 1853 as a one-day show to encourage better breeding and care of horses, the show has grown to a weeklong tradition with thousands of equestrian and equine pairs competing in a variety of competitive disciplines. Many of the continent’s top professional riders as well as amateurs compete under the spectacular setting featuring the famous oaks at Grafton Farm—the same location since 1853.

The show encourages families to come out. There’s plenty of room for children to roam. Dogs are allowed and must be leashed, vaccinated and under owner’s control at all times. A Pup Parade on Saturday at 11:30 a.m. features junior dog lovers parading their furry friends around the main hunter ring. All kids 12 and under are welcome, and they can bring a chaperone to help as needed.

Sponsors of the 2025 Upperville Colt & Horse Show include presenting sponsor MARS EQUESTRIAN, Ethel M. Chocolates, Koons Motors, Michael and Wendy Smith, Lugano, The Salamander Collection, B&D Builders, Markel Insurance, and Delta Air Lines.

For more information and the full weeklong show schedule, visit www.upperville.com.

# # #

About the Upperville Colt & Horse Show
The Upperville Colt & Horse Show, also known as the Upperville Horse Show and UCHS, is the oldest horse show in the U.S. Founded in 1853 as a one-day show to encourage better breeding and care of horses, the show has grown to a weeklong tradition with thousands of equestrian and equine pairs competing in a variety of competitive disciplines. Many of the continent’s top professional riders as well as amateurs compete under the spectacular setting featuring the famous oaks at Grafton Farm—the same location as 1853. UCHS is a 501(c)3 charitable organization that raises funds for The Churches of Upperville Outreach Program and supports other area charities. For complete schedules and up-to-the-minute results, visit the website at www.upperville.com.

GIVE LOCAL PIEDMONT DAY IS HERE!

It’s finally here! Our biggest fundraising day of the year, GIVE LOCAL PIEDMONT, is LIVE!

Our Rainbow Riders are hoping that you can make this our best year yet and help us continue to provide life changing therapeutic riding programs!

If you want to make your donation even more impactful, why not donate during the POWER HOUR between 3pm - 3:59pm TODAY when the non-profit with the MOST INDIVIDUAL DONATIONS during that time will win $1,000 from the Northern Piedmont Community Foundation.

So set your alarms for 3pm and donate as many times as you can!

GIVE LOCAL PIEDMONT is open NOW for your donations. Whether it’s $10, $100, or even $1,000, every penny goes to help our Rainbow students achieve amazing breakthroughs!

Our students, their families, and their communities thank you for your support!

Just 24 hour to go til Give Local Piedmont Day!

There’s just 24 hours to go til Give Local Piedmont Day, the region’s biggest one day fundraiser organized by the Northern Piedmont Community Foundation to help charities in YOUR local area!

Our Rainbow Riders need YOUR support to provide life changing therapeutic riding programs that impact both them and the communities they live in

Riders like Grace have experienced profound benefits from being a part of the Rainbow program. Her parents say:

"Since Grace could talk, she has struggled with sensory sensitivities, severe anxiety, and emotional regulation. As her sessions at Rainbow progressed we watched her emotional flexibility improve, her core support strengthen, and her ability to follow directions skyrocket. It was thrilling! But perhaps the most profound development was her confidence. Rainbow Riding has changed our lives in more ways than we can count and I am so grateful for the opportunity to watch my daughter thrive in this way."

Early giving is open NOW for your donations. Whether it’s $10, $100, or even $1,000, every penny goes to help Grace and the 300+ students that come to us each year achieve amazing breakthroughs!

Thank you from all of us at Rainbow.