VBJ December 21

THE VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL
6 www.TheValleyBusinessJournal.com
December 2021
Margaret Rich Awarded Woman of the Year for the
California Senate District 28 GAIT Therapeutic Riding Program
Serves Special Needs Community
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
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