30 Years of Excellencein Therapeutic Riding - theHumm April 2015
30 Years of Excellencein Therapeutic Riding - theHumm April 2015
The Lanark County Therapeutic Riding Program (TRP) is a veteran recreation therapy program with thirty years of performance excellence behind it. The mission statement of the Program is to provide individuals who are developmentally and/or physically disabled a holistic approach to therapy, rehabilitation, and recreation, and the opportunity to experience freedom and movement astride a horse. They started out in 1985 as a pilot project during the summer, to help motivate children. Over the past thirty years, they have grown to include over 148 yearly riders across Lanark County (and another 27 at their new farm in Renfrew County).
For many young riders, Therapeutic Riding is the first introduction to “sport” that they encounter. Exercise is addictive. Horses are very motivating. For many of their older, long-term riders, lessons are often the primary or only source of exercise. Over 90% of the clients (riders) and volunteers return year after year to continue in the program. This tremendous success rate attests to Lanark County Therapeutic Riding’s ability to develop and maintain partnerships, and to stay relevant as times and needs change.
Since 1985, they have maintained this huge program without the assistance of ongoing government support. Few similar organizations, if indeed any, can boast statistics like that. They maintain the support of a whopping number of volunteers, which allows them to keep trotting on — year after year. The TRP boasted an active volunteer commitment from 174 people in 2014, totalling over ten thousand volunteer hours! They depend on the generosity and contributions of these wonderful volunteers, as well as the amazing support they have received from the community over the past three decades. They say that their volunteers are truly the heart and soul of the riding program, and are grateful for their support. Some volunteers sell tickets at fundraisers, others dish out whip cream at the annual Strawberry Social (June 28, 2–4pm at the Herb Garden). Some hold buckets during the annual boot drive, and others sell raffle tickets, donate silent auction items, give bequests, donate horses and tack, and/or nominate the program for financial contributions. And then there are the many volunteers who come out and walk with the program week after week — rain or shine.
Volunteering with Therapeutic Riding contributes to the physical and social wellbeing of many people — often retirees who are encouraged to get active and socialize while sharing in the success of the riders. TThe herapeutic Riding Program offers several volunteer training days and encourages people of all ages to come out and get some exercise and fresh air for a few hours while contributing to a very worthwhile cause. A new volunteer clinic will be held on April 29 at 6:30pm at Cedar Rock Farm in Perth — directions are available on the website or at the number below.
Currently they have volunteers who have been with the program for over twenty years. In fact (cue the applause) in 2014 the Therapeutic Riding program humbly nominated six recipients for the Ontario Volunteer Service Awards that honour a contribution of twenty years or more. Talk about bragging rights! The recipients were Tim Dack, Heather Cooper, Joan Robertson, Anne Johns, and Phyllis and Glen Dack. That same year, Lanark Renfrew Health & Community Services recognised twenty-five years of dedicated service of the incomparable Sue Cressy and Maria Hofbauer. The TRP is eternally grateful for their decades of support and leadership.
Speaking of support, the following local heroes have all, at one point in the past decade, won the very prestigious Therapeutic Riding Volunteer of the Year award: Heather Cooper, Chris Baburek, Jurgen Schiffer (Yogi), Joan Robertson, Hannah Hofbauer, Ray Elliston, Donna Naprstek, Jane Irwin, Joanna Scissons, Pam Clements, Anne Johns and Maureen Running. These incredible people, who live quietly among us, have exceeded all expectations and have truly made a difference in the lives of the riders. Next time you see one of these amazing people, give them a nod! They, and others who follow in their footsteps (quite literally), raise the bar, making our county a better place to live.
The folks at TRP invite you to come on out and support this amazing local charity as they blaze trails forward into their 4th decade of service. All proceeds from fundraising events go directly to the Riding Program.
For a Taste of the County
Monday, May 4, from 6–9:30pm, marks the return of Therapeutic Riding’s much loved fundraiser. Attend their 10th annual food, beer and wine gala — “For a Taste of the County” — at Almonte’s Civitan Hall on Wolf Grove Road.
Last year was a great success, with over 200 people sampling the culinary delights of the Ottawa Valley’s best chefs. The food is complemented by wine and beer, served to you by experts who can help you choose and explain the different selections. In addition to the $10 entry fee, gala goers purchase $1 coupons. Each vendor has tasters priced at $1 to $6, so that you have the opportunity to sample many different appetizers, main courses and desserts.
Between the courses, you can also bid in the silent auction. All auction items are donated by local artists, artisans, businesses and individuals, with the proceeds going to the Riding Program. There will be original paintings and photographs, gift certificates, pottery, horse paraphernalia, collectables, stained glass, and many other items.
$10 tickets are on sale now in Carleton Place at Reads Book Shop and Lanark Community Programs, in Perth at Shadowfax, and in Almonte at Mill Street Books. Grab your tickets before they’re gone and help support this great program.
If you would like to donate an item to the silent auction, they would be happy to arrange pick up.
Details about this and other events can be found at therapeuticriding.ca , or you can call Amy at 257–7121x238.
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