By Eleanor Sevigny
Published in The Burg Nov. 28
Even though Rainbow Riders is located in Monmouth they serve a “broad radius of individuals from West Central Illinois, Eastern Iowa, and beyond.” Assistant Director Savannah Franklund took time to talk about what Rainbow Riders is and what they do.
Franklund has been working with Rainbow Riders for two and a half years.
She chose to work with Rainbow Riders because “it’s truly the perfect marriage of my two passions—helping underserved members of the intellectual and developmental disabilities community and my lifelong love for horses. I’ve been riding horses since I was two years old, and for the past eight years, I’ve dedicated myself to working with individuals with disabilities. Horses provide such incredible healing opportunities, both physically and emotionally, and the mission of Rainbow Riders speaks directly to my heart. It’s an honor to be part of a program that harnesses the power of these amazing animals to make a real difference in people’s lives.”
Rainbow Riders is a “therapeutic horseback riding program that provides equine-assisted activities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Our mission is dedicated to providing safe, professional, and affordable therapeutic horseback riding and un-mounted horsemanship opportunities that contribute positively to the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social well-being of children and adults with special needs in the community. Through riding and other horse-related activities, we create opportunities for personal growth, confidence building, and meaningful connections. Whether it's enhancing motor skills, boosting self-esteem, or simply providing a joyful experience, Rainbow Riders is all about making a positive impact in the lives of those we serve.”
The programs Rainbow Riders offers are for “individuals of all ages with intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities who can benefit from the unique therapeutic connection between humans and horses. Our program serves those who may be underserved in traditional therapeutic settings, providing a safe, inclusive space where they can build confidence, improve physical abilities, and experience emotional healing. We welcome anyone who could benefit from the powerful healing and empowerment that horses provide, no matter their background or challenges.”
They have “seven wonderful therapy horses and one donkey.”
The horses' names are “Oak, Spongebob, Mighty, Daisy, Dolly, DJ, Hank, and Polly is our herd donkey.”
The instructors at Rainbow Riders are “certified through PATH International (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International), as Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructors. This sets the highest standards in the field of equine-assisted activities and therapies. This certification process ensures that our instructors are highly skilled in both horsemanship and working with individuals with disabilities. They receive extensive training in safety, adaptive teaching techniques, and horse management, which allows us to provide the safest and most effective therapeutic experiences for our participants.”
The horses are “highly evaluated by our Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructors to ensure they are a great fit for our program. We assess a wide range of criteria, including their temperament, behavior, and ability to work with individuals with disabilities. It’s important that they are not only a good match for our riders but also integrate well with our existing herd and adapt to our facilities. Only after a thorough evaluation do they become part of our therapy herd, ensuring the safety and well-being of both our participants and the horses. There is an adaptation process once they arrive to our program, too.”
Franklund would like our community to know “we are proud to serve the Galesburg, Monmouth, and surrounding communities. Your support has been instrumental in helping Rainbow Riders grow and continue to offer life-changing experiences for individuals. It’s a privilege to be part of such a caring and generous community, and we look forward to deepening our impact and creating more opportunities for healing and growth through our programs. Thank you for embracing our mission and for believing in the power of horses to make a difference in people’s lives.”
If you are interested in becoming involved with Rainbow Riders, “check out https://www.rainbowriderstrc.com/get-involved to volunteer, join our newsletter, learn about upcoming events, and more.”
You can also donate to Rainbow Riders at https://www.rainbowriderstrc.com/support-us.
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