Our Team
GAIT is proud to have a staff full of accomplished and dedicated individuals that donate their time and talents to grow this program.
Margaret Rich
Founder & Path Instructor
At the helm of GAIT is Margaret Rich, the visionary founder of GAIT and owner of Green Acres Ranch Inc. With a remarkable career spanning over 50 years, Margaret is a seasoned horsewoman renowned for her extensive expertise as an international judge, trainer, breeder, and PATH certified instructor. Her unwavering commitment to the equestrian world and her dedication to improving lives through equine therapy have been pivotal in shaping the success and positive outcomes achieved by GAIT.
Liz henry
Path Instructor
Liz has a master’s degree in Special Education and has taught students with cognitive, physical, and emotional disabilities for over 25 years. She grew up riding and working with horses and has never stopped. Liz is the Program Director and an Instructor for GAIT. This allows her to combine her love of teaching and strong conviction that therapeutic riding and horse interaction improves people’s lives inside and out. Veterans are no exception. Her husband is a disabled veteran and her son currently serves in the U.S. Army’s Special Operations Command.
Michelle robinson
Business Operations Manager
An avid horsewoman for over 20 years with a specialty in Ranch accounting, Michelle joined the GAIT team in October 2019. With an MBA in finance and accounting, she has been integral in scaling the program.
While she handles the accounting, her most important role in the company is to schedule, enroll new clients, and maintain and foster current relationships with the clients and the volunteers.
Ayanna Grills
Instructor
More about Ayanna coming soon!
Gabriel Garcia
Consultant
Gabriel Garcia served in the United States Marine Corps from 2002 to 2017. His military occupational specialties included Special Communications Signals Collection Operator and Information Operations Specialist. His service includes deployments with 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, Headquarters Group and 1st Radio Battalion in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Iraqi Enduring Freedom. Gabriel joins GAIT as a consultant with the belief that Equestrian Therapy could be very beneficial to the veteran community. It would provide an atmosphere free of judgement where individuals can adjust to their many life changes that came from their military service.
Evelyn Marshall
Instructor
Evelyn Marshall is a long standing PATH Certified Riding Instructor. She is an avid horse enthusiast with an extensive background in competitive endurance riding. Evelyn help create one of the first school based Therapeutic Riding Programs in Southern CA. (region 11). She has over 25 years of teaching experience in Special Education, with an emphasis in ASD, (Autism Spectrum Disorders). She continues to share her educational experience and knowledge, developing horsemanship goals that align with the rider’s individual needs.
“I am passionate about helping people of all ages reach their full potential and believe horses are the perfect catalyst for recovery and well-being.”
At the heart of our success stories are the dedicated members of the GAIT staff and volunteers. Their unwavering commitment, expertise, and compassion play an indispensable role in the achievements of our students. With a deep understanding of equine therapy and adaptive riding techniques, our staff works tirelessly to create personalized experiences that cater to each student's unique needs and goals. Their guidance and support not only facilitate physical and emotional growth but also inspire confidence and a sense of accomplishment in our students. Together, with your continued support, we strive to build more success stories and change lives through the power of equine-assisted activities.
STAFF SPOTLIGHT
Congratulations to GAIT founder Margaret Rich recipient of the Woman of the Year 2021 Award
Margaret Rich Awarded Woman of the Year for the California Senate District 28
GAIT Therapeutic Riding Program Serves Special Needs Community
Temecula, CA, November 12, 2021: 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)302-2384
