For 25 years, Powell River Therapeutic Riding Association has been introducing disabled children and adults to the joys of horseback riding. At the association’s upcoming fourth annual open house, the public can find out more about the program and help raise much-needed funds.
“The open house is a way to open up the facility for the public,” says volunteer coordinator Dusty Reid, “as well as the parents and caregivers of the riders, to see our facility and come meet our staff and horses.”
The festive event features pictures with Santa and the horses, complimentary cake and hotdogs, stable tours, a bake sale, silent auction, kids craft and games table and more.
“It’s always been a really fun and busy event, so that’s why we’ve continued to do it, because everyone enjoys it,” says Reid. “It’s community, it’s fun and it really gets people into the holiday spirit.”
The association helps more than 70 riders weekly between September and June and relies on the hard work of volunteers and staff, says association president Nellie Valentine. Community support since the association’s inception has been crucial to the success of its programming, she says.
“We’ve had amazing support ever since the beginning of Powell River Therapeutic Riding in 1991. The community has been very generous in helping us,” says Valentine. “Without the contributions of our volunteers, children and adults would not be riding. Some of the riders require three volunteers to get them up on to a horse.”
All proceeds raised during the event are being matched by Scotiabank. “They have supported us every year and we really appreciate that,” says Valentine. “They have made this event into such a great fundraiser for us.”
Of special note is the association’s annual “Hay Is for Horses” program, a unique stocking stuffer where individuals can sponsor a riding horse by purchasing a bale of hay for $25 or a bag of grain for $32.
In addition to money raised, the open house is the perfect opportunity for Powell River Therapeutic Riding to showcase itself to the public, says Valentine.
“We want to show off this beautiful facility that we have here, and also show off our therapy horses, because they are the backbone of our program and a big part of the team,” she says. “It’s also a chance to meet the staff and board members and show people exactly what we do here.”
Powell River Therapeutic Riding Association Open House
When: 11 am-3 pm, Saturday, November 19
Where: 4356 Myrtle Avenue at Paradise Valley Exhibition Grounds
Price: Free
Information: 604.485.0177
