Ribbon cut, Rainbow rides

It was light rain with sunshine smiles when Rainbow Riding Center, located at the newly opened Silver Lake Regional Park in Haymarket, held the ribbon cutting for their state-of-the art center which will provide increased space and resources for disabled children participating in the 4-H therapeutic riding programs.

How did Rainbow accomplish this?

First, the county provided a long-term lease. Second, hundreds of volunteers and donors supported the ef-forts.

Debbie Andrew, assistant executive director for the Prince William County Park Authority said, "I love it…it's a great partnership with the county…a wonderful program that's all volunteer."

Pasture and property fencing, provided by Custom Fence, will allow more than the current five horses to serve the children.

"Thank each and every one of you for the gifts you have given … families and children riding in that amazing ring will thank you also," said Rainbow's board president, Connie Covington.

"Even the draining system is beautiful," she laughed.

Covington said there is a 10-stall barn and hopefully an indoor ring coming in Phase II, which is also dependent on donations.

Rich Burgess, responsible for site construction, said, "It's been a challenge with the weather." Burgess said he and his volunteers had to seed the pasture twice.

Andrea Short, membership and events coordinator for Prince William Chamber of Commerce came out with huge scissors to cut the ribbon. She said Rainbow is part of the Chamber as a non-profit.

"We try to be out here and support them," she said.

Not to be overlooked was Donna Stone, serving baked beans, BBQ, coleslaw and cookies. Stone has been a long-time friend of Rainbow's executive director, Debbi Alexander. "I just come and help her out," Stone said.

Beside Donna was Judy Musa who has been a side walker for three years. She said the most enriching part of her position is seeing the "benefit to the children." She gets to witness their progress up close. "It's hard to put it into words … they have a sport … something to share with their peers … it brings tears to your eyes."

The property now also provides a caretaker's house, designed by Classic Concepts which organized the pro-ject, getting volunteer contractors, surveyors, geotech experts and electricians.

The caretaker, Katie Brennar, will live in the house. A single mom to 18-month-old Riley, Brennar said, "I'm so excited ... this has been my fantasy for him. I feel really blessed."

Corey Stewart, Prince William County Supervisor chair, said, "This is a real win-win for the community … a great thing for the kids, a great public-private partnership. This is an exciting day for us."

Alexander emphasized that the center was "built from the goodwill of people … from the ground up." She said given the poor economy, they "owe a great deal to the building community."

"There's a lot of love for Rainbow," she said. "It's just a really cool story."