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At PARD our riders get onto the the horse by using either the traditional block mount or a ramp mount. The block mount (pictured above) is similar to the mounting blocks that you would see at other barns; whether they be a plastic portable one or a more fixed structure. PARD's block mount is a permanent structure in the designated 'mounting area' that provides enough room for the rider and instructor to be on the mount at the same time. This provides the instructor the ability to assist the rider physically if needed and/or simply be there to encourage proper technique.

For riders with assistive devices such as walkers and wheelchairs, the ramp mount system allows the rider to utilize the device to safely enter the mount area and move up the ramps. The ramp mount makes it easier for riders with mobility issues to mount. It does this in two ways. The first being that it puts the rider higher than the horse so when he/she moves their leg over the horse to mount it requires less flexibility through the hip and pelvic area. The second way is called a crest mount. This mount is when the rider stands with his/her back toward the horse at the saddle and with assistance from the instructor and volunteers sits on the saddle. The rider is guided to sit forward while his/her legs are raised together up and over the horses neck. The riders legs are then guided down each side of the horse into proper position. Both of these methods provide a safer and more comfortable mount for riders with mobility and flexibility concerns.

The ramp mount can be complex and very demanding for our volunteers and horses. The horse is led into a chute created by a ramped platform on either side. The horse is required to remain standing still and patiently until the rider is mounted, at which time the horse, rider, volunteers and instructor move down the ramp and out of the mounting area in a synchronous fashion.

This mounting process is one of the reasons it takes a special horse to be a therapy horse. Our amazing PARD boys have the skill, patience and forgiveness to pull this off several times each lesson night, twice a week. It's just one of the many, MANY reasons we love them.

Last year the program underwent some changes that meant PARD would no longer offer cantering and jumping to our independent riders. After discussing it with the riders and their families it was decided that PARD could no longer fulfill their riding goals and it would be time for them to move on to a regular program in order to continue to grow their horsemanship and riding skills. This bittersweet decision was celebrated on Sunday June 10th with a "Graduation Ceremony" where each of the riders were presented with a certificate, a picture of their horse, and a little gift. It was a time to recognize all of the hard work they have put into the program, and their dedication to becoming accomplished riders. As Instructors and Volunteers we couldn't be more proud of these young women and although we will miss them, we look forward to keeping in touch and watching these ladies concur the world!

Congratulations:
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Aimee Carter
     PARD rider ages 4 -23
Frances Emery
     PARD rider ages 5-17
Isabelle Charron
     TROTT rider ages 8-11, and PARD rider ages 11-21

In case you missed it, PARD celebrated 35 years as an incorporated charity in the Peterborough area this spring! Truth is, we've been serving the community for almost 40 years now! PARD is very grateful to all of our supporters, past and present, who have made it possible for PARD to deliver high quality therapeutic riding to so many people over the years (decades)! If you have some old pictures you'd like to share with us, we'd love to see them! Email pardtherapeuticriding@gmail.com or share them on our facebook page! 
Here's a few pictures of our Open House and 35th Anniversary. It wasn't much of a celebration, mother nature had other plans, but thank you to the few who braved the rain to come check out the program and enjoy a cupcake. If you we're planning on attending but the rain kept you away, it's not too late to volunteer for the season. Just drop us line and let us know what night you'd like to come and we'll hook you up with a returning volunteer to answer all your questions!
Cheers!

Check out the new show flyer with new classes and LOT of CASH PRIZES! Sign up for the new COSTUME JUMPER division for extra fun this year! 

PARD is now accepting sponsorship for divisions. If you'd like to become a sponsor and support a great cause email us at info@pard.ca

As always, proceeds form this show go directly back into the program. PARD fundraisers cover operational costs such as board and care of our horses to help keep our Rider fees low. PARD is a registered charity, run 100% by awesome volunteers!

It's back! Bingo at Delta Bingo & Gaming in Peterborough returns again this year for a fun-filled evening for the bingo pros and novice dabbers alike. Three door prizes, plus a well-stocked silent auction table means you don't have to connect the dots to win! Plus, all proceeds from the silent auction and a portion of the ticket sales will be donated back to PARD to help cover the programs operating costs and keep our fees low! Past events have brought in almost $2000 which is about what it costs to keep one of our handsome horses for a half-year. The numbers are called a little bit slower and there's volunteers to help keep you organized if you're new to Bingo, so anyone (18+ years) can come out and enjoy this event! 

If you'd like to buy tickets or sell tickets please contact us and we will get you in touch with the event coordinator. If you have an item or service (ie: gift certificate) you'd like to donate, please let us know and we'd be happy to pick it up. Thank-you for your continued support!

As the long days of winter surround us with cold and darkness, it was fun to brighten the mood and get into the spirit of the season by spending it with friends the annual Warsaw Santa Clause Parade. More than a dozen floats stung with lights and donned with carolers and music made their way from the Works building, twisting and turning along side the river and into the town of Warsaw for the spectacular tree lighting ceremony. The streets were lined with spectators, hundreds of them, reminding me of how important gatherings like this are in our communities and in our lives. Too often we find ourselves feeling burdened by the commitment of travel and social gatherings at this time of year, that we forget to pause and take in the beauty of it all. Tonight was a beautiful night but my camera could not capture the magic of the colouful floats in the dark night, or the glimmer in my children's eye when Santa waved at them. Just as words will never express my gratitude and amazement for this selfless group of volunteers who built this float just to bring joy to the lives of others. You're giving will never cease to inspire me.
For everyone reading this: My wish for you this holiday season is that you may find peace and joy with the ones you love and let laughter rejuvenate your soul.
~Angie Muir, Chair 

On Saturday October 28th, 2018 about 80 people came out the Ranch Resort in Bethany to enjoy live country music in the style of the The Grand Ol' Opry. Organizers Connie Lausen-Pappas along with Jane and Nick and their staff at the Ranch Resort in Bethany approached PARD in the summer abou the fundraiser. Organizers arranged for local musicians, including recording artist Tami J. Wilde to perform cover songs as well as originals showcasing the great talent the area has to offer.
Proceeds from the silent auction as well as contributions from ticket sales raised over $700 for PARD Therapeutic Riding. A special thanks to the local brewery 'on tap' that night who donated $1 from the sale of each of can purchased. PARD would also like to thank all those who gave their time to organize the event, as well as those who attended and made the evening a spooktacular success!