Rainbow Riders | The language of horses

For the special needs children at Rainbow Riders in George, the opportunity to work with horses plays an important role in their therapy programmes. 

Now, with the help of the Thuso Fund, work is underway to renovate a derelict labourer’s cottage, where Rainbow Riders offers its unique equine therapy programme.

Rainbow Riders is a non-profit organisation that works with special needs children from Carpe Diem School and Optima Day Care Centre, as well as a number of children who are referred for therapy by physiotherapists, occupational therapists, teachers, or parents who recognise the enormous benefit their child derives from this unique therapy.

While generous donors provided roof plates and building services, the team needed supplies to complete the project, and give their wonderful and valuable groomed horses a warm and secure home. Thanks to Thuso Fund, Rainbow Riders is able to cover the cost of moving its operation to this new location.

Offering equine and hippotherapy, each child is paired with one of Rainbow Riders’ program horses. With help from a qualified team of volunteers, children experience the joy of riding.  During the one hour program session, children complete a series of exercises that are designed to help them improve strength and coordination, increase flexibility and learn about horseback riding.

Seeing around 150 children a month, each child develops a bond with their horse and is able to achieve things they never thought possible.  As well as offering equine therapy to special needs children, Rainbow Riders also works with adults and children with emotional and behavioural problems.