Organization supporting special needs schedules fundraiser

For the past three years, Pahrump’s RNG Farms has worked with special needs individuals and those with developmental disabilities using what’s known as animal therapy.

The organization specializes in therapeutic horse riding, as well as traditional riding lessonsfor non-special needs individuals.

Owner Erica Johnston, a certified instructor of riders with disabilities, is holding the organization’s first Family Fun Day at their 1911 McMurray Drive location.

The event is scheduled for Sunday June 5, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Johnston said the affair is a family-friendly community event for all to come and enjoy.

Some of the attractions include a hay pool, water guns, balloon tossing and pony cart rides.

Horse painting will also be featured for children and visitors.

“The kids can begin to paint the horses after 1 p.m.,” she said. “They can use their fingers, paint brushes or whatever they want to use. The horses don’t seem to mind because they love all of the attention.”

Johnston said her popular petting zoo is also part of the activities, along with fishing for toys and the ever-popular activity conducted with a large fruit.

“We also have something very special called the ‘watermelon explosion’ where you get a regular-sized watermelon and begin to put rubber bands around it,” she said. “The more rubber bands you put on it, eventually it will explode, but it’s safe and fun.”

Light refreshments such as fruit snacks, juice boxes, along with soda and water will be on sale for a nominal price. Total cost for the five-hour event is $5 per person or $15 per family.

“We will have a lot of activities going on, so we think it’s well worth the money and it’s all for a good cause,” Johnston said. “This will be our first Family Fun Day here at RNG Farms but we are hoping it will continue. I’d like to do it every year and eventually be able to expand to an off-property location with a bigger area.”

As the event is a fundraiser, Johnston said she is devoted to helping children and adults diagnosed with developmental disabilities.

Her RNG Farms site serves as a unique facility where individuals can receive therapy.

“I do animal therapy and I’m a certified instructor of riders with disabilities,” she said. “I have worked very closely with the Pahrump Disability Outreach Program and I personally know a lot of the athletes with Special Olympics and we’ve had a lot of parties for them.”

For additional information on the event, or to volunteer, call Erica at 702-427-8096.