Horseback riding is a fun and challenging activity for everyone and the Creston and District Society for Community Living’s Therapeutic Riding Program makes this activity accessible to children and adults with all forms of disabilities, be they developmental, physical, emotional, behavioral or social.
It’s a way to discover a whole new world of adventure, freedom, responsibility, dignity and excitement. It is also a way to improve balance and co-ordination and strengthen muscles. Most importantly, it provides an overwhelming sense of accomplishment for everyone involved — riders, volunteers, caregivers and instructors.
The Therapeutic Riding Program invites everyone to visit its facility at 849 Erickson Rd. during its annual horse show on June 10. The fun starts at 9 a.m. and runs until about 3 p.m. A barbecue lunch will be available from noon-1 p.m. Running at the same time will be a fundraising tack sale; halters of all sizes, lead ropes, saddle pads and English and western saddles will be available for purchase. Come on down and see how much fun we have!
The riding program and its participants have been busy raising funds to purchase Cupcake, the latest horse to join the herd. Cupcake is a seven-year-old paint mare who has done an amazing job during the spring session and has earned the right to join the herd permanently.
Patrick Kusnir, Brayden Bradbury, Roxanne Deshaies and staff at Erickson Elementary raised over $60 by selling cupcakes, and the Creston Valley Rotary Club generously donated $1,000 towards Cupcake’s purchase.
To raise the remainder of the $3,000 cost, a team was entered into the local triathlon — head instructor Christine Ross swam, rider caregiver Todd Jensen cycled and assistant instructor Avis Hutchinson ran. Not only did the team complete the triathlon, they were first in their heat and won in their category. People have generously sponsored team TRP in the triathlon with pledges totaling $1,500 — only a few more dollars to go.
If you would like to contribute to Cupcake, donations are eligible for a tax receipt and cheques may be payable to CDSCL, Box 1820, Creston, BC V0B 1G0.
The Therapeutic Riding Program would also like to express appreciation to the Creston-Kootenay Foundation for approving its 2012 grant application. The program applied for funds to purchase vests that will be worn by volunteers and instructors so that these hard working folks may be easily recognized. The Creston-Kootenay Foundation has continuously supported the program via their granting process since 2005 and is very grateful for their generosity.
The Columbia Basin Trust Community Initiatives grant program is also an ongoing source of funds for upgrading the therapeutic riding facility. This year, the program successfully applied for funds to replace the existing rebar and electric tape fence in the alley separating the horse paddocks with post and rail fencing. This will greatly increase the safety for our riders, volunteers, instructors and horses.
For further information, please contact Michelle Whiteaway at 250-402-6793 or mwhiteaway@hotmail.com, or visit cdscl.com/trp.htm#mce_temp_url#.
— THERAPEUTIC RIDING PROGRAM