About

Welcome to Rainbow Ridge Sanctuary! Rainbow Ridge is run by Rose and Jenny Griffin, a mother-and-daughter team who believe you are never too old to follow your dream.

Rainbow Ridge Sanctuary is part of a small farming and homesteading community located near Swellendam in the Western Cape, South Africa. This little patch of paradise overlooks the Tradouw Pass in the majestic Langeberg Mountains that separates the Overberg from the Karoo.

Rainbow Ridge Sanctuary takes an alternative approach to most equine establishments as we practice attuned horsemanship rather than natural horsemanship when working with horses. We also farm in tune with nature, following ecological principles that are in line with regenerative farming best practices. Learn more about this approach in our blog and educational online resources.

Rainbow Ridge is a place of peace that serves as a sanctuary for rescued and retired horses while providing opportunities for personal growth through hands-on education and online resources.

Meet The Team Behind Rainbow Ridge Sanctuary

Jenny Griffin

Jenny is passionate about animal welfare and environmental conservation, and has been horse-mad ever since she was a little girl. She was gifted her first horse, Cola, when she was 42 years old, and as horses are herd animals, quickly began the search for a companion horse for her new friend. Enter Sultan, an on-off lame Arab/Boerperd/Saddler mix that nobody wanted, who transformed her life and triggered the start of her horsemanship journey.

Jenny has a Diploma in Nature Conservation and a BSc. Honors degree in Zoology/Marine Biology, a certificate in Freelance Journalism, and a certificate in Horse Powered Reading (a form of Equine Assisted Learning). She has run her own dog grooming parlor and pet shop; has worked as an Environmental Educator at the Kommetjie Environmental Awareness Group and Whale Coast Eco-Schools project; and as a Scientific Research Assistant at the Marine Biology Research Institute and the Avian Demography Unit, at the University of Cape Town. Jenny currently runs Rainbow Ridge Sanctuary supported by her work as a freelance writer/copywriter specializing in environmental, sustainability, animal welfare/husbandry, pet care, and equine-related topics.

Jenny shares the experiences she and Rose have gained building the equine sanctuary and provides support for other equine and pet-related businesses by offering copywriting and content writing services.

Rose Griffin

Rose grew up on a farm and has always had an affinity for animals. She left the corporate world many moons ago, and ran her own dog grooming parlour for 20 years before ‘retiring’ in the Western Cape in 2001. Boredom soon set in, so she started a dog grooming facility at the local veterinary practice, which she ran for another 20 years before Jenny insisted it was time for her to hang up the shears and retire in the country with their two horses (Cola & Sultan).

Rose helps Jenny behind the scenes, providing backup and much-needed moral support during times of crisis.