Where We Ride to Thrive

Bits & Pieces

2017 Year in Review

The CDSCL Therapeutic Riding Program is proud to be an accredited Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association (CanTRA) member centre. CanTRA has been providing high-quality instructor certification and member support since 1980. For more information about CanTRA, please visit www.cantra.ca.

Alonewecandosolittle,togetherwecandosomuch.–HelenKeller Thede initionofteamworkiscombinedefforts,oractionsofagroup,toachieveacommongoalorpurpose.Teamworkiscoretothesuccessoftherapeuticridingandeverypartoftheteamisimportant.

TherapeuticridingrequiresateamtobesuccessfulandtheCDSCLTherapeuticRidingProgramisincrediblyfortunatetohaveanawesometeamwhoarewellsupportedbytheCrestonValleycommunity.

Theriders,bythemselves,withfamily,caregivers,bycommunitybusorbyschoolbus,arrivefortheirlessonsreadyandwillingtolearnandimprove.Theyshowcourage,patienceandtenacity.

Thehorsesworkweekafterweekgivingtheirbesttotheridersandshowingthequalitiesthatonlyahorsecanshow.Allthehorsesintheprogramarecarefullychosenfortheriderstosucceed.

Thehorsehandlersuseskilltoleadthehorsesuccessfullyfortheridermakingsuretheriderandhorsestaysafeandalsoatthesametimenotinferringwiththerider’slearningandabilities.

Thesidewalkersphysicallyassisttheriderswiththevariousholdsthatareneededatdifferenttimesbuttheyalsooffercomfort,friendshipandreassurance.

TheInstructorshelptheriderslearntoridesafelywithaprogramofpersonallytailoredridingprogression.

Eachmemberoftheteamdoingtheirpartoftheprocessistherecipeforsuccess.Thequalitiesoftheteamsintheprogramareaweinspiringandarefundamentaltotheongoingthrivingoftheprogram.

ChristineRoss,HeadInstructor,CanTRACoach,ECCompetitionCoach

HelenKellerwasanauthorandwasthe irstdeaf/blindpersontoearnaBachelorofArtsdegree.

Cover Photo: Janice Androsoff, who has participated in the program since its inception in 2005, rides Cupcake with the support of volunteer Gail Landon.

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TheCDSCLTherapeuticRidingProgramhasbeenoperatingsince2005.Theprogramepitomizesthesayingthat“Time lieswhenyouarehavingfun!”2018willbethe14thyearofoperation.Wow!Asurveywassentouttoriders,caregiversandfamiliesandtheresponsesthatcamebackindicatethattheprogramisdoingaprettygoodjob.Herearethewonderfullypositivewordswithwhichpeopleresponded!

“Myoldestdaughterhasblossomedthisyearandisgainingcon idenceandfocusingherenergy.“NicoleNixon

“Staffisreallyfriendly,positive,supportive.ThekidsIworkwithlovetorideandlookforwardtotheirsessions.Stafffosterlearning,independence,self-esteembuilding,friendshipbuilding-allwhilemakingtheprogramsuperfun!”

“TherapeuticRidinghasde initelybeenapositiveexperience.MydaughterMarciehasbeengoingformanyyears.Shehasautism,anddoesn'tspeak,butsherespondswithasmilewhenthestaffattherapeuticridingtalktoher.Theyaregoodteachersandalwaysconcernedaboutsafety.Marcielovesridingherhorse.Shehasdevelopedgoodbalanceandimprovedhercorestrengthfromriding.”JenniferJohnson

“Theyareef icient,alwaysontime,greatfacility,workersarealwayshappyandhelpful.Veryencouraging!!”

“Mydaughterhasbeenaclientforseveralyearsnow.Sheisalwayseagertogotohertherapeuticridinglessonsandtoimproveherskills.Justoverayearago,Iwatchednewvolunteerstakethetrainingandwatchedriderstakingtheirlessons.IlikedthewayMichelleandChristinewereinteractingwiththevolunteers,theridersandtheirteammembers.Istartedvolunteeringoverayearagonow.Everyweekisdifferent.Ridersandvolunteerslearnnewskillseverytime.Onecanseetheincreasedcon idenceastheridersprogressthroughthelessons.“CorinneandClaireLemaire

“Thestaffarewonderfully lexiblewithschedulingandmakingupmissedsessions.Thestudentswhogoenjoytheridingimmenselyandfeelsuchasenseofpridewiththeiraccomplishments.Amazingprogram!Thankyousomuch!!”

Riders, Caregivers and Families Say It Best!

Kennedy Nixon loves to ride Kit

Marcie loves to be up and out on a horse!

Rider Claire, with helper Corinne, have excellent control while riding Allie.

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“Verypositiveexperience!Thestaffandvolunteersarewonderfulandsensitivetothemanyvariedneedsoftheriderswhocometotheprogram.Theydoamarvellousjobofnotpushingthekidstoofarandchallengingthemtotrynewthings.Ourstudentslookforwardtoeachsessionandcarrythepositiveimpactofthoseexperiencesthroughtherestoftheirweekatschool.Wefeelsofortunatetohavethisamazingfacilityintown.”

KarenNadler,EricksonElementarySchool

“Theyhaveasafeandnurturingfacility.Verypositiveandknowledgeable.”

Thankstoeveryonewhotookthetimetocompletethesurvey!

Sea to Sea Video Competition Success By Christine Ross InJuly2017,LuanneArmstrongandhertherapyhorseCaraighcompetedinaParaEquestrianCanadaSeatoSeaDressageVideoCompetition.

ThevideocompetitionsallowriderswithdisabilitiestocompeteagainstotherParaEquestrianRidersalloverCanada.ThevideowasrecordedattheTherapeuticRidingProgram’sbigarenathat’svisiblefromEricksonRd,withthenewdressagearenainplace.ThenewdressagearenawasfundedbyagrantfromColumbiaBasinTrustCommunityInitiatives–(TownofCrestonandAreaB).

LuannerodetheParaEquestrianGradeIVTest1,whichinvolveswalk,trotandcanter.LuanneandCaraightook1stplace!CongratulationstoLuanneandCaraighasbothhorseandriderworkedhardtoachievethissuccess.

Luannesays“MyexperiencewithTRPhasbeenoneofthemostpositiveexperiencesinmylife.Ithasalsobeenphysicallypositivesinceitputmyrheumatoidarthritisinremission.Icomeawayfromeachsessionfeelingemotionallyandpsychologicallybene ited.ThisisgreatbecauseIamapersonwithconstantchronicpain.”

Luanneisanauthorofmanybooksandreleased“Sand”in2016.Sandtellsthestoryofayounggirl,WillyCameron,herhorsenamedSand,andherinvolvementwiththerapeuticriding.

Luanne Armstrong riding Caraigh

Iyla Davis and Windy make a great team!

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Continuing Education: Rider Awareness Clinic By Christine Ross

Forthesecondyearrunning,wewelcomedSandraSokoloskifora3dayclinic.TheclinictookplacejustpriortothestartoftheFallSessionThiswasagreateducationalopportunityforeveryonetogainexpertiseinRiderBiomechanics.SixoftheridersattendingwereconnectedtotheTherapeuticRidingProgramasInstructors,Staff,RidersorVolunteers.

SandraownsandoperatesE-SportPhysiotherapy.Sandraisaphysiotherapistwithover20yearsofexperienceandhasriddenhorsesformostofherlife,competinginvariousdisciplines.ShealsoownsandoperatesSummitSportPhysiotherapyinOkotoks,Alberta.ThefocusofSandra’sequestrianrehabilitationpracticeistoanalyzemovementpatterns,correctposture,improvebodyawarenessandenhanceperformancethroughavarietyofphysiotherapytreatmenttechniques.

InTherapeuticRiding,westrivetounderstandhowthehumanbodyworkswhenridingahorse.Sandrahelpsusunderstandtherelevanthumananatomy,physiologyandbiomechanics.Indeepeningourownunderstandingintheseareas,itassistsallofusinvolvedintheProgramtohelptheridersinthebestwaypossible.

OntheThursdayeveningtherewastheorysessionwithSandraexplainingmanyaspectsofthetopic.OnSaturdayandSundaymorningsSandracarriedouta1hourexerciseclassspeci icallydesignedforriders.Intheseclasses,welearnedtoletgooftensionsweneverknewwehad!Thebalanceofthetwodays,Sandraworkedwith12individualridershelpingthemunderstandtheirownRiderBiomechanics.Eachriderwasshownwaystousetheirbodydifferentlyandlearntoridemoreeffectivelyandsympathetically.

Theweatherwaswonderfulandeveryoneenjoyedtheclinicverymuch.Alongsidetheenjoyment,everyonelearnedagreatnumberofveryvaluablelessons.

AnotherclinicwithSandraisplannedforAugust30th,31standSeptember1st,2018.Touchingbasewiththistypeofunderstandingeveryyearhelpsusbuildourknowledgeandhelpsimproveeveryone’sriding.

ThanksgoestoHorseCouncilBCwhoprovidedagrantof$250towardsthecostsoftheevent.

Did you know?

Ongoing education is required for all CanTRA instructors. Christine Ross, our head instructor, does a fabulous job of providing relevant educational opportunities for instructors, staff and volunteers and making them available in Creston.

Sandra is a sought after clinician and the program is very fortunate to host her clinics. Thank you Sandra!

2018 Art Trot Fundraiser ArtTrotisthemostimportantfundraiserfortheprogramasithelpstokeepriderfeesaffordable.Theeventisfreetoattendandfundsareraisedfromauctionitems.100%oftheproceedsgototheTherapeuticRidingProgramwhichextendsitsappreciationtoeveryonewhodonates,contributesandsupportsthisworthycause.

Donationsofframedoriginalart,prints,sculpture,quilts,handmadepillows&cards,pottery,jewelryandgiftcerti icatesforlocalservicesorexperiencesaregratefullyacceptedyearroundattheCDSCLOf ice.

ThepasttwoyearshaveseenBirdhouseDecorationCompetitionsandtheentrieshavebeenfabulous.Thisyear’sArtTrotfeaturesaBirdFeederDecorationCompetitiontochallengeparticipants.

GreatprizesaretobewonthankstoprizesponsorsSaveOnFoods(formerlyOverwaiteaFoods),ArqMountainCentreinCranbrookandCrestonFireandRescue.

ThankssomuchtoComfortWelding,SpeedyGlassandHomeHardwareforprovidingmaterialsforthegorgeousfeeders.OnceagaintheCDSCLWoodshopwasthekeyplayerinbuildingthebirdfeeders.ThankssomuchtoPaulBourgeois,staffandclientsfortheirhelp!Asthebirdfeedersweremorecomplicatedthanthebirdhouses,thebirdfeederassemblingprojecthadsomeextrahelp.ThanksgoestoTedHutchinson,whoalsodesignedtheprototype,BillMackie,AndrewBibbyandBrentNelsonforgatheringtoassemble65ofthefeedersjustafterChristmas!Andlastbutnotleast,KerryRosshasearnedkudosforonceagainspearheadingandorganizingthefundraisingproject!

NewforArtTrot2018isaninauguralTasteofCrestonevent.Localareafoodprovidershavebeeninvitedtohostatablewithsamplesoftheirfood.TasteofCrestonisscheduledduringtheArtTrotevenonSunday,March4thbetween12:00pmand3:00pm.Ticketsfortastingmaybepurchasedattheevent.We’reverymuchlookingforwardtothistastynewfundraisingfeature!

ThankstoeveryonefortheirsupportoftheTherapeuticRidingProgram’sfundraisingevents!

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Saturday, March 3rd 10:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Sunday, March 4th 10:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Art Trot FUNdraiser Silent Auction and Much More!

Creston and District Community Complex Erickson Room

Donations for Art Trot and completed Birdhouses may be dropped off at the:

CDSCL Office, 205 7th Ave N Open Monday through Friday

8:30 am to 4:00 pm Closed for lunch

...or call Michelle at 250-402-6793

The bird feeder assembly crew’s work was very much appreciated!

Volunteering Is Therapeutic! Volunteersaretheheart,soul,armsandlegsoftheprogram.Ourvolunteers indthatworkingwithoraroundthehorsesandridersisalsotherapeuticforthemselves.Therearesomanydifferentwaystovolunteer.Herearejustafewwaystogetinvolved.

Catch,groomandgetlessonshorsessaddledup. Puthorsesawayafterlesson. Leadthehorseforariderwhoneedsassistancecontrollingthehorse. Walkalongsidearideronahorsetoprovidephysicalormoral

support. Helpwithfacilitymaintenance. Helpwithkeepingthehorsepaddocksfreeofmanure,rocksand

branches. Helpwithfundraisingorspecialevents. Newvolunteersarealwayswelcomeandmuchappreciated!Manyhandsmakelightworkandthereisalwayssomethingtodowhenlessonsarerunning.

TherapeuticRidinglessonsareofferedduringan8weekspring,5weeksummerand8weekfallsession(pleaseseebackpagefordates).

LessonsareheldMondaythroughFriday,withtheearliestlessonsstartingat9:00amandthelatestendingat5:00pm.Theminimumcommitmentisjust45minutesaweekwhenvolunteeringforonelessonandweare lexiblewithschedulingifyouneedtomissalesson.

Volunteertrainingsessionsareheldeachspringandasneededwhennewvolunteersappear!Ourinstructorswilltrainvolunteersinthevariousvolunteerjobsthatareavailable.Thetrainingsessionsareagreatwayfornewvolunteersto"tryitout"beforesigninguptohelpwithlessonsandit'sagreatwayto indoutwhatyoumaybecomfortabledoing.

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Did you know? No horse experience is necessary to volunteer!

Some riders need up to 3 volunteers to help them ride.

No lessons are done if the weather is too hot or too wet!

Our horses are like huge, well behaved puppy dogs.

Are you a high school student who needs community service hours? Come out and volunteer with the horses!

Want to find out more? Please contact Michelle at

250-402-6793

mwhiteaway@hotmail.com or

visit http://cdscl.com/trp.htm

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Welcome to our new herd member, Tahala! By Christine Ross

TahalawaswelcomedtoPrograminMarch2017.Herformerowner,MollyHillinCranbrook,wassellingTahalaasTahalawasidleandMollyfeltthatshewastoogoodahorsetolanguishinapasture.TheprogramhadbeenlookingforahorselikeTahalaforanumberofyearssowhenheradvertisementappeared,wejumpedatthechancetoevaluateher.Tahalapassedherevaluationwith lyingcoloursandwearedelightedtohaveherforourriders.

Atherapeuticridingprogramrequireshorsesofdifferentshapesandsizessothatthereisahorsesuitableforeachandeveryrider.Wehadparticularlybeenlookingforawellbuilt16handhorsewithagreattemperamentandTahala ittedthecriteriaverywell.Shestartedworkintheprogramtheweekaftershewaspurchasedandhasbeensteadilylookingafterriderseversinceher irstday.

Wehavebeenworkingonhertrainingasatherapeuticridinghorse.Shehasbeenlearningtoleadequallyonbothsides.Thishastobelearnedbythehorseasmosthorsesaretrainedtoleadfromtheleftsideandtherapeuticridinghorseshavetobeabletoleadequallywellfrombothsides.Shehasalsobeenlearningtotrotsmoothlyinhandsoshecan,inturn,helpriderslearntotrot.Shealreadyhadaverysteadyandkindnature,whichisexactlywhatisneededforatherapeuticridinghorse.Theremanythingsatherapeuticridinghorsehastolearnoverandaboveanormalhorsetrainingbutthisishelpedalongbythehorse’sfundamentalnature.

AtthebeginningofJune,HorseCouncilBCCommunityTalksTravellingRoadShowcametoCrestonandtheyhostedawonderfuldayoflearningattheRamadainCrestonforhorsepeoplefromallovertheKootenays.AdmissiontothiseventwasbydonationtoCDSCLTherapeuticRidingProgramtohelpraisefundstopayforTahala.Theeventraisedatotalof$595forthepurchaseofTahalaandourheartfeltthanksgotoHorseCouncilBCforarrangingthisopportunity.

ThebalanceofthemoniesforpurchasingTahalacamefromindividualdonorsandfromfundraisingfromeducationalevents.Itisamazinghowhorsesarefundedfortheprogram.Thankyoueveryonewhocontributed.

Tahala’sformerownerMollysays“IjustwantedtosaythankyouallverymuchforhavingTahalawithyou.Iamsadbutinthesametokenelatedthatshehasgonetosuchapositiveplace!!!“

Molly Hill, Tahala’s former owner, trained Tahala very well.

Tahala’s affectionate side

Tahala is confident wherever she goes

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Meet Our Awesome Therapy Horses! Allieisan8yearoldQuarterHorse/Morgancrossmare.Allieisasuperaffectionateandcurioushorsewholovespeopleandalwayswantstoknowwhatisgoingonaroundher.ShewasbredandbornintheCrestonValleyandjoinedtheTherapeuticRidingProgramin2016.Allie’sdreamjobisatTherapeuticRidingwheresheadoresbeingthecentreofattention.Overthepastyear,shehasbecomethefavouriteofmanyriders.There’salottolovewithAllie,agorgeouspalominomarewhohasagreatworkethicandwalksoutenthusiasticallyforherriders!WelookforwardtomanyyearsofAlliebeingatherapyhorse.

Caraighisa13yearoldQuarterHorseonloantotheprogrambyhisownerLuanneArmstrong.Hehasbeenwiththeprogramsincethespringof2013andhasgainedalotofcon idenceinhimselfsincethen.He’safunhorsetorideandisverywellbehavedundersaddle.Helikesgentleaffectionandasofttouchfromthefolksheworkswith.Outinthe ield,helikestochasethegirlhorses,especiallyCupcake.Theydowarmuptohimonoccasionthough!Caraigh,whoisahalfbrothertotherapyhorseMagnum,worksbestforriderswhowanttorideindependently.Heknowshisjobandtakesgoodcareofriderswhoarejuststartingtorideoffoftheleadline.He’satrustworthyfellow!

Cupcakeisa13yearoldPaintmarewhohasbeenworkingasatherapyhorsesince2011.Cupcakeistheultimatetherapyhorse.Nothingfazesher!She’sawellbuiltmarewithakissablenoseandasupersoftcoat.Cupcakeissosteadyandkind,ourinstructorscanfocus110%ontheirriderwhentheyrideCupcake.Cupcakeisoftenthehorsethatgetspickedoninthe ield,butshehasanewfriendinAllie.AllieandCupcakehavebeensharingapaddockthiswinterandtheyaresocutetogether,oftenfoundsharingapileofhay.Cupcakealsoknowshowtoundoknotsandclipsbyusinghermuzzlesoeveryonehastomakesurethatsheiswellsecuredwhenputawayinherpaddock!

Thanks to the Creston Valley Gleaners Society for sponsoring Cupcake!

Emmaisan18yearoldQuarterHorse/SuffolkPunchcross.At16.1HHsheisthebiggestandtallestmemberofourherd.Emmaisprobablythemosthonesthorsethatyouwillevermeet.Shedoesherverybesttopleasethepeopleinherlife.Althoughshe’sthebiggesthorseintheherd,sheisatthebottomofthepeckingorder!It’sfunnytowatchherwiththeotherhorsesasshetriestokeepoutofeverybody’sway.Emmaistheonlyhorsewho,whenitstimetocomeinoffofthe ield,willgallopoutofthe ield,upthealleyandintoherownpaddock.Emma,you’rethebest.

Thanks to the Creston Valley Rotary Club for sponsoring Emma!

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Kitisa15.1HHQuarterhorsecrosslenttotheprogrambyProgramDirector,MichelleWhiteaway.Kitstartedworkingasatherapyhorsein2006atonly6yearsold.Kit,nowwith12yearsofexperience,knowsherjobsowellthatshecoulddothemountingprocessallbyherself.Kitisanallaroundhorsethatcantakeonprettymuchanything.Ifariderneedsahorsehandlerandtwosidewalkers,noproblem.Ifariderneedsworkonalungeline,she’sthehorsetochoose!Doesariderneedacon idenceboostwhileridingoffoftheleadline?PickKit!Isariderprogressingtoworkatthecanterandoversmalljumps?Kitisthehorse!WeloveyouKit!

Magnumisa14yearold,15.1HHQuarterHorsewhojoinedtheprograminthespringof2015.Heisverynurturing,willingtopleaseandtakesreallygoodcareofhisriders.Magnumcanbetrustedwiththesmallestchildleadinghimaroundthearenafromtheground.Hehasaplayfulpersonalitywithpeopleandhorsesbutalwaystakecarenottohurtanyone.Magnumwasbornwithaswaybackbutthatdoesnotlimithisabilities.Heisanincrediblyathletichorse!Onethingthathastobewatchedcarefullyisthathissaddle itsproperlysoitdoesnotmakehisbacksore.

Peanutisa19yearoldpurebredMorganmarewhojoinedtheprogramin2012.Peanuthasalovelyforwardmovingwalkthatseriouslyexercisesherriderscorewithoutthemrealizingit.Peanuthasthemostgentleandkinddispositionofallofourhorses.WhenPeanutisconfrontedwithsomethingthatmightspookanordinaryhorse,shejustsimplystopsinhertracks.Peanut’ssize,sturdinessandshockproofnessmakesherour irstchoiceforriderswhoneedhorsehandlers,sidewalkersandafun,forwardtrailridearoundtheproperty.Outinthe ieldwiththeotherhorses,Peanutisthebossmare,holdingherownverywellwiththerambunctiousboyhorses.ShelovestohangoutwithMagnumandwhenallofthehorsesareturnedout,theycanoftenbefoundtogether,nosetonose,sharingapileofhay.

Windyisa24yearoldpurebredMorganmarethatstands14.1handshighandweighsapproximately850lbs.Shehasbeenwiththeprogramsincethespringof2010whenhermostrecentowner,Lisa,realizedthatWindywouldbehappiestwithajobtodo.Lisawascertainlyright!Overtheyears,Windyhasworkedhappily,delightingmanyriders,especiallychildren.Windypreferstobeupatthetackroominsteadofinherpaddocksoshedoesn’tmissoutonanyattentionandaffection.WindyhasalwaysbeenabossmarebuthasbeengettingalongverywellwithTahala!Tahalawon’tputupwithWindypushingheraroundandtheyarenowgoodbuddies.

Thank you to Wloka Farms Fruit Stand for sponsoring Windy!

ChristineRoss,CanTRACoach&EquineCanadaCompetitionCoach Christinestartedridingattheageof6inEnglandandhasexperienceinmostaspectsofEnglishriding.Hermainfocuswithinthetherapeuticridingisteachingtherapeuticandparaequestrianriding,schoolingthetherapeuticridinghorsesandbringingeducationalopportunitiestotheprogramforinstructors,volunteers,ridersandcaregivers.ShealsoactsasamentorforcandidatesworkingtowardsCanTRAteachingquali ications.ChristineistheCanTRAZoneRepresentativeforBritishColumbiaandtheYukonandstaysintouchwithotherCanTRATherapeuticRidingCentresintheprovince.Sheislookingforwardtoanexcellentseasonin2018workingwiththeridersintheprogram.

CongratulationsareonceagaininorderforChristineRoss,ourheadinstructor,whoachievedCanTRACoachcerti icationin2017.Christinejoinsasmallgroupofonly32CanTRACoachesinCanada.

MichelleWhiteaway,ProgramDirector&CanTRAIntermediateInstructor Michellediscoveredthejoysoftherapeuticridingin2003whenshestartedtovolunteerwiththeLittleBitTherapeuticRidingCenterinWoodinville,WA.5monthsafterhermovetoCrestonin2005,shestartedvolunteeringwiththenewlyformedCDSCLTherapeuticRidingProgramandhasneverlookedback!MichelletookoverthejobofProgramDirectorin2008fromSarahSchmidt.Sarahwhopouredherheartandsoulintostartingtheprogramandleftitinexcellentshape.In2009,MichellebecameaCanTRAAssistantInstructorandthenupgradedtoaCanTRAIntermediateInstructorin2012.“EvenifIwonthelottery,Icouldn’tpicturemyselfdoinganythingelseotherthanTherapeuticRiding”,saysMichelle.“Thesupportthatthisprogramreceivesfromthecommunityandtheteameffortthathappenstokeeptheprogramsuccessfulisjustinspiring”.

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Meet the Team, Our Instructors Theprogramisveryproudofitsdiverseteamofinstructors.Theiruniquepersonalitiesandindividualstrengthscombinetoformasolidteamwithawiderangingtalents.Respectisforemost-foreachother,riders,caregivers,volunteers,donors,horsesandoursupportivecommunity.Onethingallofourinstructorshaveincommonistheircommitmenttoandpassionabouttherapeuticriding.

TheprogramsaidfarewelltoCanTRABasicInstructorAvisHutchinsonaftersheretiredfromteachingaftersevenyearswiththeprogram.Aviswillbeverymuchmissedbyherco-workers,ridersandvolunteers!AvisisstillactiveintheCrestonValleyhorsecommunity.HerinvolvementwiththeCrestonValleyHorseAssociation’syouthgrouphasmanyyoungridersbene ittingfromherexpertise.

Christine is pursuing her dream of riding higher level dressage.

Photo by Giselle Pierce.

Michelle has been owned by her horse Kit since 2007!

Photo by Megan Juurlink

MeganJuurlink,CanTRABasicInstructorintraining

Meganhasbeenpassionateabouthorsessinceayoungage,owninghorsesandtakinglessons.Herchosendisciplineiseventingwherehorseandridercompeteindressage,showjumpingandcrosscountry.

MeganstartedvolunteeringwiththeCDSCLTherapeuticRidingProgramin2015togainphysicaleducationcreditsforhighschool.WeweredelightedwhenMeganshowedinterestintrainingtobeacerti iedCanTRABasicInstructor,asMeganhasanaturalabilitytoconnectwithriders,especiallytheyoungerones!MeganwentthroughtheCTRBITechnicalEvaluationinLethbridgeinNovember2017andwillpreparetoattendherinalexaminationsometimein2018.TheprogramlooksforwardtohavingMeganontheteamformanyyearstocome!

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Megan with her young horse Jackson

Thanks to our Facility Staff! Takingcareof10horsesandmaintainingacleanandsafefacilitytakesalotofwork!TheProgramisalsoresponsibleformaintainingthelawnsforthewholeproperty.Itisprettybusywheneverthereisnosnowontheground!Theprogramisfortunatetohaveagreatteamofstafftogetthingsdone!

ErinMillerisagreatassettoourteamasshehasbecomeanexperthorsehandlerandherkeenobservationskillsspotanythingthatisoutofplacearoundtheproperty.Andwesureappreciatehelpwiththechores!

CarlEricksonisaverywelcomesighttothehorsesintheearlymorningasheattendstotheirbreakfastmealduringtheweek.ThehorsesappreciatetheirhayandhugdelivereddailybyCarl.

DrydenSobkiwwasanenormoushelpin2017,mowinglawns,weekwacking,cleaningupbranchesand ixingfences!

ThankstotheColumbiaBasinTrust’sSchoolWorksgrantKaitlinWarnerisemployedSeptember2017throughMay2018.Kaitlinhelpswithlessonsandchoresduringsessiontimeandwithchoresduringthewinter.Kaitlinisaquicklearnerandhasagreatpositiveattitude!TheCanadaSummerJobsgrantgavetheTherapeuticRidingProgramtheopportunitytoemploytwostudentsduringthesummerof2017.AlyssaEastmanandMeganJuurlinkwereahitwithsummerridersandespeciallythesummercampparticipants!

Top left: Alyssa horse decorating at summer camp.

Top right: Erin, a top notch horse handler.

Right: Kaitlin enjoyed summer camp prior to her employment.

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TheCDSCLTherapeuticRidingProgramislocatedona4.25acreparcelontheEndicottproperty.Theownersoftheproperty,theKootenayRegionAssociationforCommunityLiving(KRACL)areundertakingaredevelopmentoftherestofthepropertyasSpectrumFarms.

Spectrum Farms Update By Alex Nilsson

TheEndicottCentrehasservedasacentrefortheEastandWestKootenaysforindividualswithmentalchallengessince1965.ThePropertyconsistsofseveralparcelsoflandaccessedfromEricksonRoadandHighway21.Afterseveralyearsofconsiderationofsalenoacceptableofferswereforthcoming.WiththearrivalofEricKutznertotheboardconsiderationwasgiventodevelopandrevitalisethepropertyforthebene itofindividualswithdisabilitiesprovidinghousingandemployment.

The irstprioritywastorepairthebuildingstousableshape.UndertheguidanceandsupervisionofMr.Kutznerwithanumberofvolunteersmuchworkwasdoneupgradingthebuildings.MrKutznerhasbeensuccessfulinobtainingalargeamountofgrantmoneyintheupgradingofbuildingsespeciallytheRosewoodbuildinghasbeenandisundergoingacompleterestorationwithanewroof,constructionofafoodprocessingplantinthebasement,coldstorageforvegetables,abakeryandaninstillationofacardermillforprocessingwool.

Plansforasmallenginerepairshopandwoodworkingshopareintheplans.Upstairshasseenthecreationofastoreandacoffeeshop.Furthertothisanof iceformanagement,aboardroomandaneducationandtrainingroomhasalsobeenconstructed.Theremainingspaceontheupper loorisunderconstructiontofacilitatespaceforsocialservicesorganizations.

TheCedarLindenbuildingsareslatedtobereplacedwitha9apartmentbuilding,aprojectwhichhasbeenunderdiscussionwiththeBritishColumbiaHousingAuthority.TheSocietyisexpecting inalapprovalattheendofJanuary.Constructionwillstartassoonasapprovalisforthcoming.TheKRACLorganizationisexcitedabouttheopportunitytoprovidehousingtolowincomeindividualswithdisabilities.

TheArchibaldbuildinghasundergoneextensiverenovationtoaccommodateplansforagri-tourismpromotionaswellasBedandBreakfastServices.Presentlythebuildingisprovidinghousingforindividualswithdisabilities.ThesmallbuildingnexttoArchibaldHouseformerlytheof icebuildingwasrenovatedseveralyearsagoandservesasaresidenceforoneoccupant.

SpectrumFarmshascreatedanextensivemarketgardeningoperationwhichprovidesemploymentduringSpring-Summer-Fallforanumberofworkerswithdisabilities.Thefarmalsoprovidesemploymentforone

New lambs arrive every April

Pedro the donkey welcomed two new friends in 2017, Rose and Splash!

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individualonapermanentbasissupervisingchicken-eggproduction.Eggsaresoldatthestoreonthepremises.

Thefarmhasbeenactiveoperatingasheepbusinessfor3yearssellingwoolandlambtoaugmenttheincomeofthefarm.KRACLplanstocontinuewiththeirenterprisetoserveindividualswithhousingandemploymentneeds.TheBoardofthesocietyismostgratefultoallthevolunteers,employeesandorganizationswhohavemadethisenterprisesuccessful.SpecialappreciationgoestoEricandDonnaKutznerfortheirextraordinarycontributiontothisfacilityoverthepast iveyears,withoutthemtherewouldbenoSpectrumFarms.

Facility Upgrades The9apartmenthousingprojectisawin-winforKRACLandtheCDSCLTherapeuticRidingProgram.Since2005,TherapeuticRidinghasonlyhada1yearrenewablelease.Aleaseofthislengthmakesitimpossibletoapplyforfundingforlargecapitalprojectsasfundersrequirealeasewithaminimumlengthof10years.

Themainof iceandcaretakerssuiteforTherapeuticRidinghadbeenhousedintheCedarLindenbuildingsince2011.AstheCedarLindenbuildingisslatedforredevelopmentinto9apartmentsforlowincomeindividualswithdisabilities,TherapeuticRidingneededto indanewhomeforitsof iceandcaretakersuite.Theprogramdirector,MichelleWhiteaway,proposedtoprivatelypurchaseandinstallamodularhomeonthe4.25acresonwhichTherapeuticRidingoperates.ThankstoKRACLforunderstandingtheneedforanonsitecaretakerfortheherdofhorses,anagreementwasreachedwherebyCDSCLnowhasa10yearleaseonthe4.25acresandreceivedpermissionforMichelletoinstallamodularhome!

ThankstoRickChilsonandAndrewBibbyfordoingafabulousjobofpreparingthehomesite!The14’x48’modularhomebyEagleHomeswasdeliveredonAugust2nd,2017.Thehomeandof icehaveagreatvantagepointbetweentheparkinglotandthelittleridingarena.

Otherupgradesin2017includedtheremovaloftheoldhatandbeltroom.Thecorrugatedmetalshedhadbeenhometohelmetsandbootsforriders,butovertheyears,waspstookovertheshed.Withthehelmetsandbootsnowhousedinthetackuparea,therewasnolongeraneedtokeeptheshedasahomeforwasps!Theshedwasmovedoffofthepropertyandfoundanewpurposeasamuchlovedpottingshed.

Takingadvantageofhavingheavymachineryonthepropertyledtosomeseriouscleaningup!Thesoutheastcornerofthepropertyhadbeenusedasaplacetodumpbranchesandwasovergrownwithweedyshrubs.Afterafewhoursworkswithanexcavatorandbobcat,theareahasbeenreclaimed!ThankstoDrydenforredoingthefencesandtoAlyssaandMeganforreseedingtheareawithgrassseed.Thehorsessureappreciateanextragrazingarea!

Therapeutic Riding’s new office and caretaker suite delivered!

Creston and District Community Complex

Creston Kootenay Foundation Creston PhysioWorks Creston Valley Gleaners Society Creston Valley Insurance Creston Valley Rotary Club Creston Valley Thundercats Creston Veterinary Hospital Darren Kakuno Daryl Warner Dave Brummet Dawn Brazdil-Lust Debra Gimby Dena Kubota Derrol W Anderson Deryn Collier Diana Styvan Dianne Douglas Django Rogers Dollar Store Don Towstego Donald Tarrant Donna Ahlefeld Donna Carlyle Dustin Rogers Eileen Amm Eileen Fitzpatrick Elizabeth Hale Extra Foods Faye Cobbe Fly in the Fibre (Mel Joy) Frances Collison Frances Morrison Fung Loy Kok Institute of

Taoism Gail Landon Gay Allen Gerri and Roy Schuler Gerry Gardiner Gerry Storm Glenda Johnson Glenna Baulkham Glynnis Ewashen Gold N Treasures Grant Campbell Grayson Cherrington Haley Folk Heather Stagg

P A GE 1 4 B ITS & P IE C E S

A.R. Grahn Adrian Gidluck AGF Investments Alan & Joan Halversen Al & Marleen Hoag Alan McLaren Allison Lenko Andrea Revoy Andrew Luukko Angelika Teed Angie Pawson Annaliese Phypers Annette Smithson Anonymous Arlene Ridge Arrow Mountain Car Wash Arts from the Heart Avis Hutchinson Barb Apponen Barb Wloka Blackfoot Hotel BMO Bob Lust Bob Meredith Bonnie Pavich Brandy Dyer Brian H. Bunse Bridgette Nukusic Buffalo Trails Coffee House C Morden Carita Oler Carol Vanr Cassidy Folk Cathy Boila CDSCL Day Program CDSCL Woodshop Charlie Moon Chelsea Billow Christine Ross Christine Munkerud CI Investments Claire Lemaire Clint Marden Colette Citra Colleen Woodall Comfort Welding Cranberry Manor Creston & District Credit

Union

Alyssa Eastman

Angelika Gobeil

Arianna Halvorsen

Barb Wloka

Brent Nelson

Brooke Kinder

Carl Erickson

Cooper Cursley

Corinne Lemaire

Dara-Lyne Lapointe

Dawn Brazdil-Lust

Diana VanVliet

Devon Weitman

Doreen Cardwell

Dot Hodges

Frances Collison

Gail Landon

Hanna Lee

Jaelynne Coons

Jerrica Harder

Jordelle Dyck

Kaitlyn Warner

Kennedy Nixon

Lynn Kister

Maddy Prier

Marg Johnson

Mary Bartley

Mary Griffioen

Meera Nelson

Sadie Bayley

Sandra Dreger

Sharon Leskowski

Sharon Tervo

Shelley Eastman

Simon Lyons

Steve Schaan

Tanya Klentz

Ted Hutchinson

Tracy Whetter

THANK YOU to our lesson and facility volunteers!

ThankyousomuchforsupportingtheCDSCLTherapeuticRidingPrograminwhateverwaypossible.Itmeansalot!

P A GE 1 5

This list is as of January 31st, 2018. Every effort has been made to make this a comprehensive list and if we have inadvertently left someone’s name off – we offer sincere apologies and if you let us know, we will rectify the situation immediately

Henry Billow Home Hardware Horse Council BC Hound 'N' Mouser Howard Boyle Invesco Canada Ltd Irene Dubeau Isis Gidney Jacomo Rogers James & Corrinne Dix Jamie O'Neil Jennifer Chambers Jennifer Merkley Jennifer Shirreff Jet Noble Jim Dirks Jimmy's Pub Jody Vaudry John Bird Joli Mwinyi June Cannon Kalissa Bloodworth Karen Arrowsmith Karen & Gordon Darnbrough Karen Whitford Kayley Scott Ken Alexander Kerry Ross Kiera Chillihitzia Kingfisher Books Kokanee Ford Kurt Goltz Holly Schoenhals La Loca Orchard Larry Binks Laura Leeder Lebeau Lectric Avenue Electronics Legend Logos Linda Tompkins Lisa Elsworth Lisa Linnemeyer Loblaws Ltd. Lori Eyben Lorraine Ward Luanne Armstrong Luv at First Bite Lynn Mizera Mackenzie Financial Corporation Madison Ashton Maggie Leal-Valias ManuLife Marcus Bloodworth Marilyn Olivier

Marion Evans Mark Beduz Mark's Work Wearhouse Martha & Rudolph Kroon Maureen Cameron Megan Juurlink Melanie Folk Memories of India Cuisine Michelle Whiteaway Mike Fitzpatrick Morgana Page Deal Muriel Cornelson Nancy Woods Naomi Mailhot Norm Mailhot Northstar Motors Olivia Wedge Darden Overwaitea Foods Panago Pizza Patrick Temple Peter Feltham Pharmasave Creston Pharmasave Home Care QCM Restoration Services Ralph & Sandra Andrews Rebecca Gidney Regional District of Central

Kootenay Renata and Bruce McFarlane Rita Scott Ross and Jeanne Taylor Ross Gowan Sam Mintenko Sandy Davis Service Canada Sharon Bloodworth Sharon Johnson Sharon Summers Shayla Leacock Sheryl Wright Shirley Nicholas Shoppers Drug Mart Simply Fit Sonja Norgaard Sonya MacDonald Spectrum Farms Speedy Glass Stephanie Reutgen Steven Schaan Strong Refrigeration

Consultants Sue Moser Sue's Clothesline Tanna Patterson

We acknowledge the financial assistance of the Province of British Columbia

Thanks so much to the following Columbia Basin Trust programs!

Community Initiatives Town of Creston & RDCK Area B

School Works

Tany Symons Telus Community Action Team Tigz Designs Tracey Filewich Tyson Sintzel Ulrike Sliworsky Vaida Gevenvich Vernice Gardiner Virginia Naeve Vital Health Wayne Richens Wendy Forsyth Wendy Franz William Boila Win Dinn Yuri Jmaeff Zoe Baetzel

Ann Lees Donald Towson Robert Marshall Phyllis McDougall

In memory of Walter Eastman Norma Keech Don Sheehan Anna Brokhaug Audrey Vance Edward J. Sheehan Jone & John Sheehan Lawrence & Eleanor Bilcik Debbie & Ed Sheehan

Box 1820 849 Erickson Rd Creston, BC V0B 1G0 Cell: 250-402-3400

http://cdscl.com/trp.htm mwhiteaway@hotmail.com Office: 250-402-6793

Find us on Facebook for all the latest news and photos.

2018 Calendar of Events

All events take place at 849 Erickson Rd unless otherwise specified. Dates and times are subject to change. Please refer to our website at http://cdscl.com/trp_calendar.htm

Art Trot Fundraiser Cost: Free!

Date: Saturday March 3rd Time: 10:00 am to 7:00 pm Date: Sunday March 4th Time: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Open House Cost: Free! Come and check out the facility, meet staff and the horses. Date: Saturday, March 17th Time: 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Volunteer Training Cost: Free! Come and check out the facility, meet staff and the horses. Date: Saturday, March 24th Time: 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm

Spring Session Cost: $160 An 8 week session with 1 lesson a week. Dates: April 2nd through May 25th

13th Annual Horse Show! Cost: $15 to ride Date: Saturday, June 2nd Time: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm

Summer Session Cost: $100 A 5 week session with 1 lesson a week. Dates: June 25th through July 27th

Summer Day Camp Cost: $250 A 3 day camp open to all riders. Dates: August 1st, 2nd, 3rd Time: 8:30 am to 1:00 pm

Fall Session Cost: $160 An 8 week session with 1 lesson a week. Dates: September 3rd through October 26th