It was a great night with lots of KBEAR friends in attendance: Sen. Lisa Murkowski, former Anchorage Mayor and his wife George and Brenda Wuerch: even Alaska’s Own Ken Peltier Band. Plus a host of horse owners/lovers and volunteers that helped make it a great night for the Rainbow Connection.

If you're not familiar with the Rainbow Connection let me introduce them to you:  www.therainbowconnection.org 

The Rainbow Connection is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the health and quality of life for children and adults who are mentally and physically challenged.  Their goal is to provide physically, mentally and emotionally challenged individuals an opportunity for emotional and physical growth through horsemanship. The Rainbow Connection's classes and activities take place in an environment that emphasizes abilities rather than disabilities.  

Riding a horse gives something very powerful to a person with disabilities. The feeling of achievement that comes from riding and maneuvering a 1,100 pound horse is strong medicine. It turns defeat into victory and self-doubt into self-confidence.

Therapeutic Riding is a growing and widely accepted treatment for rehabilitating a range of physical, mental and emotional disabilities.  Conditions served include cerebral palsy, spina bifida, neuromuscular disorders, post-traumatic brain injury, autism, Down syndrome, ADHD, functional spinal curvature, learning or language disabilities, multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury and cognitive disorders and FAS. Rainbow is a NARHA (North American Riding for the Handicapped Association) Accredited Center committed to providing quality therapeutic riding and driving programs in the Anchorage area.

This is a great organization support them any chance you get!  

- Matt