The Creston and District Society for Community Living’s Thera-peutic Riding Program spring program wrapped up in late May with a record 35 riders participating in the program.
Appreciation goes out to the volunteers who make it possible for the program to accommodate so many riders. In addition to helping out with lessons, volunteers also helped out at the annual horse show, which was held on June 12. Eighteen riders demonstrated their skills and abilities to friends and family. Thanks to everyone who came out to support this event.
The number of riders wanting to participate in the horse show increased enough this year to warrant a second day of competition. This year saw the first annual dressage day held on June 18, where seven riders from the Therapeutic Riding Program rode para-equestrian dressage tests. It’s a very exciting first step towards these riders competing against riders from all over Canada in Para Equestrian events. Thank you to Christine Ross for conceiving and judging the event.
This spring, the program made the sad decision to retire one of its horses. Spyder, a 22-year-old gelding, has been the mount for many riders since he joined the program in 2007. To honour his service, a retirement party will be held on July 5 at 11:30 a.m. at the riding center, which is located at 849 Erickson Road. Feel free to stop by to thank him for the many years of therapeutic work that he has done. The program is working to find Spyder a comfortable and safe retirement home where he will continue to be loved.
The Therapeutic Riding Program would like to take this opportunity to express appreciation to the Creston-Kootenay Foundation for providing funds for upgrading the fence along the south side of the property. The Town of Creston, through the Columbia Basin Trust community initiatives program, has also provided funds to upgrade the section of fence along the north side of the property. This project should get underway in early August.
For further information about the program, please contact Michelle at 250-402-6793 or mwhiteaway@hotmail.com or visit cdscl.com/trp.htm.