The Lanark County Therapeutic Riding Program offers
specialized riding lessons to children and adults with physical and/or
developmental disabilities throughout the Ottawa Valley.
The Riding Program is in its 24th year of providing this
beneficial therapy, rehabilitation and recreation where horses are the helping
partners.
The riding season is about to begin and we are looking for
volunteers to assist with the riding lessons. The spring session starts in mid
April.
Lessons take place in Almonte at Huntingford Farm on Dwyer Hill Road and
Cedar Rock Farm in Perth.
Lessons will also continue in the summer and fall.
A volunteer training clinic will be held on April 12 at 6 p.m. at Cedar Rock Farm on Rathwell Road in Perth.
If you are interested in being with enthusiastic riders, out
in the fresh air and ready for a little exercise, come out to the training
clinic to find out what it is all about.
Demonstrations will be given on how to sidewalk beside the rider using
different support holds and offering encouragement and direction.
For people who have had experience with horses, techniques
for leading a horse with a disabled rider on board will be explained.
Opportunities will be given to the volunteers to mount the
horses to try the different exercises and routines that are done with the
riders so they will better understand the types of support that will be useful
to the rider depending on their disability.
Safety is the main concern for all who are involved in the
riding program so it is important that volunteers learn how to be comfortable
around the horses.
No experience is necessary and volunteers are also given the
opportunity to learn how to groom the horses and tack up to prepare the horses
for the lesson.
The lessons run in the mornings during July and August and
in the mornings and after school on weekdays in the spring and fall.
There are no lessons on the weekend.
Some volunteers come out for one hour and others stay for
the whole morning, the choice is left up to the individual.
If you would like to register for the clinic or would like
more information regarding the Therapeutic Riding Program or directions to the
farms, call 257-7121, ext. 236 or go to www.therapeuticriding.ca.