Local business owner, equestrian and longtime Temecula Valley Resident Margaret Rich has been named Woman of the Year for the California Senate District 28 in recognition of her non-profit Green Acres Interactive Therapy (GAIT) therapeutic riding programs that provides support to children and adults with special needs in our area.
The award was presented to Ms. Rich by Senator Melissa Melendez of the 28th District earlier this week at a ceremony held at Green Acres Ranch. “I’ve had my eye on Margaret’s programs for a while now and wanted to recognize her and the important work she performs,” said Senator Melendez. Melendez stated that the funding of Special Needs programs is a focus of her office. “GAIT is a prime example of an excellent program that could use additional funding to expand and serve more of our special needs community.”
Margaret stated that, “We use horses in our therapeutic program because the horse’s movement, at a walk, mimics that of our own movement so individuals who have never walked get the same sensation of walking while on the back of a horse.”
The GAIT program serves individuals of all abilities with special needs. For more information contact the GAIT program office (951)302-6045 or Heather@gaitprogram.org