VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH — DECEMBER 2018

Rainbow Volunteer of the Month for May is Julie Baldwin.

Julie has been a resident of Northern Virginia area for 20 years. She learned about Rainbow while working in a local high school, and came out to train in August of 2017.

In spite of her busy schedule at home, Julie volunteers for multiple lessons each week as a sidewalker. Sidewalkers have the important job of walking alongside the rider, providing support if needed. She has always enjoyed working with children, but being around horses is a new experience for Julie. She has really enjoyed learning about them, and has even taken up riding lessons at a local lesson barn.

Thank you, Julie, for your continued support at Rainbow. We are glad you are enjoying your volunteer experience while making it possible for others to enjoy and benefit from therapeutic riding!

VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH — SEPTEMBER 2018

Rainbow Volunteer of the Month for May is Valerie Yeakle.

Valerie came to Rainbow to volunteer in May of this year.   A social worker in the ER at Inova Fairfax Hospital, Valerie received her Master's in Social Work from George Mason University in 2016.  She lived in California for a couple years. While there, she volunteered with J.F Shea Therapeutic Riding Center in San Juan Capistrano.  Valerie fell in love with therapeutic riding, and is interested in becoming a PATH instructor someday. She started riding at Shenandoah River Farm in Strasburg, Virginia when she was 12,  and worked at the stables, helped to train horses, and helped manage the barn for about seven years. Valerie also owned her own horse in high school; a Percheron named " Petite V" (pictured here).

Valerie says:  “What I like best as a volunteer is seeing the joy that riding brings the students at Rainbow.   It makes it all worthwhile. Volunteering at Rainbow has easily become my favorite part of the week and I'm so grateful that I am able to be a part of the team here.”

We are grateful too, for your help, Valerie!  Thank you for joining our volunteer family here at Rainbow Therapeutic Riding!

VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH — AUGUST 2018

Rainbow Volunteer of the Month for May is Anna Sauls.

Anna came to Rainbow as soon as she was old enough to volunteer at the Center.  After completing volunteer training, she began right away helping with lessons as a sidewalker.  She also has helped with barn chores, summer camps and with our Fall Open House and outdoor concert.  

Currently a senior at Battlefield High School, Anna plans to study clinical neuroscience while continuing to volunteer after graduation.

Anna is  a regular sidewalker on our busy Wednesday afternoon team.   Students and instructors alike appreciate Anna’s reliability and her  quiet confidence. At home, Anna enjoys hiking, cooking and playing video games.

Thank you, Anna for your help over the past few years! We’re so glad you’re a part of our Rainbow Volunteer Family!  

VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH — MAY 2018

Rainbow Volunteer of the Month for May is Carol Bachmann.

Carol came to our Volunteer Training in February of this year.  She jumped right in helping in any way she could; Sidewalking, barn chores as well as helping with our Fun Show.  Carol writes about her volunteer experience:

“I have been blessed in more ways than I can count.  After retiring from 44 years of various forms of government service, I wanted to give back.  I’ve loved horses all my life. I knew of therapeutic riding places through watching “Horses that Heal” on Ride TV.  When we moved to Haymarket last year, I did some online research to see what places might be nearby. As luck would have it, Rainbow turned out to be 10 minutes from my house.  I visited Rainbow one day, and loved what I saw. I signed up for training in February, and it took off from there. I love every minute of being at Rainbow, whether I’m doing barn chores, sidewalking, or just visiting the horses and staff.  I get to feel those soft noses in my hand and see the smile on a child’s face. That’s worth everything.”

Thank you Carol for all your hard work and dedication!

VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH — FEBRUARY 2018

Rainbow Volunteer of the Month for February is Kim Nykanen.

Kim has always enjoyed being with children, and around horses. Before relocating to the Northern Virginia area, Kim had volunteered with a variety of therapeutic riding programs in three other states. When her husband retired from the Army and took a job in Washington, DC, Kim looked for a therapeutic riding organization in the area that she could become involved with. We are so glad she came to us at Rainbow!

Like all new volunteers, Kim attended a training session for new volunteers. She quickly became a regular and reliable sidewalker for some of our weekday afternoon classes. When we were looking for a Saturday Greeter, Kim stepped up to fill that role. Throughout the summer, fall and winter of 2017, Kim kept the coffee hot, the water cold, and kept our families feeling welcome as they arrived for Saturday lessons. As a retired mental health counselor for children, Kim has a natural ability of making others feel at home and at ease.

Thank you, Kim, for giving your time and talents to us here at Rainbow. We are so fortunate to have capable and caring volunteers like you!

VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH — NOVEMBER 2017

Rainbow Volunteer of the Month for November is Dave Jerome

Dave came to Rainbow because one of his cycling mates and Rainbow volunteer, Bob Shannon, told him about our mission “and the good work that you do”. Dave joined our Volunteer Team in April this year. He and Bob have been our “go – to” farm work/maintenance helpers extraordinaire. Both regularly help with lessons as well.

In addition to volunteering at Rainbow, Dave is an avid cyclist, who rides approximately 35 miles per day! He also serves as Chairman of the Northern Virginia Senior Olympics. Dave says: “I encourage others to check out the Rainbow Riding Center and see first hand the impact that they have and the great things that they do.”

Thank you, Dave, for being a valued part of that impact, and helping us in so many ways at Rainbow.

VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH — OCTOBER 2017

Rainbow’s Volunteer of the Month for October is Donna Burkhardt.

Donna was drawn to Rainbow by her love of horses, and their innate ability to relate to humans in an honest and helpful way. She attended our December 2016 training session and jumped right into sidewalking in lessons.

Donna says, “I am fortunate to have found such a positive place as Rainbow, and it’s almost in my backyard! Rainbow’s staff and students always make volunteers feel important and welcome. I always leave Rainbow having learned valuable lessons and tips from the staff, the students and, of course, the wonderful horses!”

We are so glad Donna is a member of our dedicated team of Sidewalkers and Horse Leaders! She volunteers regularly for lessons on two weekdays and is often one of the first to respond when a fill-in is needed.

Thank you, Donna, for putting your love of horses and interest in helping, to good here at Rainbow!

VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH — SEPTEMBER 2017

Rainbow’s Volunteer of the Month for September is Nicole Dabney.

Nicole has been a valued volunteer for over five years here at Rainbow. In that time she has probably worn out a lot of shoes (Sidewalking and Horse Leading as much as she does)! Nicole Horse Leads twice during the week, and on Saturdays, and exercises horses as well! We are so fortunate to have capable, dedicated young people like Nicole on our Volunteer Team.

A 2016 graduate of Fairfax High School, Nicole is currently attending Northern Virginia community college. She is also a budding fashion designer, with a few of her own original creations!

Thank you, Nicole, for all of the ways you help our riders, horses and instructors here at Rainbow!

Photo credit: Mary Vardi – (Students had a special treat on Halloween- Goodies from their instructor, and volunteers dressed in costume! Nicole took some time between lessons to exercise Charlie, one of our beloved lesson horses.)

VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH — AUGUST 2017

Rainbow’s Volunteer of the Month for August is Lila Shipley

Lila Shipley came to Rainbow last summer as a Girl Power camper. She loved the camp experience and wanted to come back to Rainbow as a volunteer. Since completing the Volunteer Training this past June, Lila immediately signed up to help with ALL four of our summer camp sessions, as well as sidewalking for private lessons and helping with upcoming events!

Now a sophomore at Battlefield High School, Lila enjoys singing in the choir and playing softball. In addition to volunteering at Rainbow, she is also a teacher’s assistant with the 1st grade Sunday School at St. Katherine Drexel Mission.

Lila’s favorite Rainbow horses are Kingston and Jack (and Chance who recently retired).

Thank you, Lila for giving so much of your time to help our campers and students! We are so glad you are one of our Rainbow family members!

VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH — JUNE 2017

Rainbow’s Volunteer of the Month for June is Nathan Ray.

Nathan Ray began volunteering at the Rainbow Riding Center in 2016 because he wanted to give back to his community and support positive change for those who need it most.  He continues volunteering at the Riding Center because of the smiling faces of all those he meets, as well as the determination of fellow volunteers to create positive experiences for riders.  Nathan is a rising Senior at Battlefield High School and enjoys leading the Clarinet section of the Battlefield Marching Band, as well as playing clarinet in Battlefield’s Wind Ensemble.  Aside from band, Nathan also plays on the Battlefield Varsity Tennis Team.

We are thankful to have Nathan here as a volunteer.  Thank you, Nathan for all your great help at Rainbow!

VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH — APRIL 2017

Rainbow’s Volunteer of the Month for April is Sonya Giffin.

Sonya is from Charleston, South Carolina. Her first introduction to Rainbow was in June 2015 when she held a 2-day Equus Workshop at our facility.  Sonya fell in love with Virginia’s horse country and moved to the area in November 2016.

Sonya loves to spend time with horses, so naturally that is what she looks forward to most when volunteering at Rainbow. Her favorite horses are Lad and our newest addition, Charlie.

Professionally, Sonya works with individuals, leaders and groups in the areas of personal growth, leadership, team building and business strategy.  Since moving to Virginia, Sonya and our own Meg, have created a business called Indieglow, offering Equus Coaching and nature-based learning.

We are thankful to have Sonya here as a volunteer Horse Leader and Side walker.  Thank you, Sonya for all your great help at Rainbow!

VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH — MARCH 2017

Rainbow Volunteer of the Month for March is Margee Tyrrell.

Margee’s interest in horses and in helping others led her here to Rainbow in October of 2015.  Since then, Margee has made Rainbow her home away from home!  She is a valued, competent and reliable Sidewalker on multiple weekday lessons and with our Walter Reed Riders, as well as all day Saturdays and very often as a fill in on short notice!

Margee loves to help with anything and everything at Rainbow… Whether it’s lessons, our Fun Show, or our Open House, you will see Margee here.  You can see many great photos of Margee in action on our Facebook page – and it’s no accident she is always smiling – Margee truly loves Rainbow.

We are thankful that Margee is part of our Volunteer Family!

VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH — OCTOBER 2016

Our Volunteer of the Month is Anne Archer.

Anne came to Rainbow last year, and brought her enthusiasm with her!  She is an active sidewalker and Horse Leader, helping with several classes on multiple weekdays, as well as filling in on short notice when she can.

Anne works as a Nanny and enjoys trail riding and dressage with her horse, Buddy.  She is also studying to be a yoga instructor for children.

Anne became involved with therapeutic riding when she donated her childhood pony, Patches, to a riding program.  She watched as dozens of kids fell in love with him, and he came into his own as a therapy pony.

When she moved to Northern Virginia last year, Anne began volunteering at Rainbow.  She really appreciates all she learns here from our fabulous instructors (our thoughts, but Anne’s words on that…) She also learns so much from other volunteers, as well as the students and the horses.

Her work ethic and attitude are a fitting tribute to her pony, Patches:  Everyone has something to share.  Thank you, Anne for sharing your time and talents with us at Rainbow!

VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH — SEPTEMBER 2016

Hi folks! We’re running a bit behind due to the Fun Show and working to catch up.

Our Volunteer of the Month for September is Halle Kozlowski. Halle is a freshman at Battlefield High School and participated in our Training Session at Rainbow in September. Halle has jumped right in as a volunteer sidewalker, although her favorite task is keeping our smaller ponies exercised regularly. Halle is also one of the many awesome volunteers who helped with our Fun Show. We are glad you are part of our volunteer family! Thank you, Halle, for all your help here at Rainbow!

VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH — JANUARY 2016

Rainbow Volunteer of the Month for January 2016 is Margee Tyrrell (Margee is left of the lift in a dark knit cap, assisting.).

Margee’s interest in horses and in helping others led her here to Rainbow in October of 2015. And we’re so glad! Margee has enthusiastically jumped in with afternoon lessons, Mane Experience, and with Wounded Warriors. Margee is here more days of the week than not……helping with some aspect of Rainbow’s lesson programs. She has also offered her expertise in designing forms for tracking lesson progress.

Thank you Margee for your enthusiastic help! We’re so glad you’re one of our valued Rainbow Family!

VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH — DECEMBER 2015

Rainbow’s December Volunteer of the Month is shared by our Mother/Daughter dynamic duo of Caroline and Sarah Noel.

Caroline and Sarah share an interest in horses and in helping others. They completed their volunteer training just this past August and have been helping with afternoon classes with instructor Emily Rist. Often they have been asked to fill in on short notice — we really appreciate their willingness to help us out! Together they provide Sidewalker support and groom the horses between classes.

Thank you Sarah and Caroline. We admire your family’s commitment to seeing that riders have the support they need and that classes can continue as scheduled!

VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH — OCTOBER 2015

Volunteer of the Month for October at Rainbow is Diane Park.

Diane is a regular volunteer, helping regularly with the farm chores. While Shane was sick and in the hospital, Diane was a huge help covering many of the farm chores, as well as feeding. Diane is also is a dedicated Wounded Warrior volunteer. Thank you Diane for all your hard work, especially while it was most needed!