The Mount View Special Riding Association (MVSRA) is preparing for another season of therapeutic riding for clients all over Central Alberta.
The organization's annual general meeting takes place at Accredited Supports to the Community in Olds on Feb. 9 at 7:30 p.m.
Riding starts in the spring and takes place at the Olds Regional Exhibition. The fall session runs from early September until the end of October. Last year, a total of 40 people participated.
For more than 30 years, MVSRA has served people of varying ages with physical or mental disabilities by providing therapeutic riding. It is also a member of the Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association which certifies riding instructors, of which the MVSRA has three.
Therapeutic riding is an activity that enhances body and mind.
"Your legs feel awfully stretched after you've been on for a while," said MVSRA president Ken Hunt.
In addition to the exercise, clients get a sense of achievement as they learn to ride a horse, he added.
"There's that sort of connection with the animal as well. Therapy with animals, be it with dogs or horses or whatever is well recognized as being a great aid for people to connect," he said.
Animals used for therapeutic riding are volunteers. Each goes through an assessment to ensure suitability for the program. What they're looking for is a horse that's disciplined, mild-mannered but also able to give more experienced riders a challenge.
"We will roll a ball over the back of the horse. We will clang a wheelbarrow next to the horse. We'll scream and clap our hands close to the horse. Because these are of course things that happen in the day-to-day life of a therapy program," he said.
Hunt said the group has found clients over the years through those who've been through the program.
"That network is very well connected within the community. People know and talk about the program so that word of mouth is important to getting those clients," he said.
MVSRA relies heavily on sponsors to operate as registration fees only cover a small portion of programming, he said.
He adds that even with the downturn in the economy, donors are coming through because they recognize the impact they're making with their generosity.
"We report to our sponsors so that they know the good work that they're doing and I think that's important and has borne fruit for us," he said.
The association is currently seeking volunteers, especially those to work in administrative roles.
Tentatively, horse testing takes place on April 25 at the Olds Regional Exhibition; volunteer training on May 2; and lessons starting on May 9-10. They will be confirmed at the MVSRA annual general meeting.
"Therapy with animals, be it with dogs or horses or whatever is well recognized as being a great aid for people to connect." KEN HUNT, MVSRA president
