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!

NEW BARN CONSTRUCTION AND BULL RUN OBSERVER ARTICLE

We’re excited about construction beginning on our new 11-stall barn. The new barn will have a large, climatized tack room, a feed room, a wash stall, and an upstairs loft that will be used as a meeting room and for seminars and education.

While we have begun construction, we are still raising money. Especially for items like landscaping, a washing machine, a dryer, and stall mats, etc. Our need is about $15,000 for these important odds and ends. Please consider a donation to help make the barn the best it can be for our therapy horses and their riders.

Read the article written by our own Mary Vardi for the Bull Run Observer, below.