Welcome to PARDS. We use equine therapy to help people feel healthy and whole. We have a wide range of programs that seek to impact lives in many positive ways. It’s not just about riding horses (though, that is an important part of what we do.) We have several programs that bring our clients in close contact with horses but don’t include sitting in a saddle. At PARDS we don’t try to fit our clients into a program. Instead, we adapt the program to the client. All of our equestrians are special, unique individuals and we work carefully to find the best way to make a difference.
PARDS is a community leader in providing specific therapies for people living with a disability and a champion in the disability community. We believe that individuals with disabilities have the right to independence and self-confidence, and that they should have access to quality supports and services to assist them in achieving those. We also believe that the community as a whole is strengthened by developing and providing services that enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities.
Our Mission: PARDS Therapeutic Centre is committed to providing high quality Equine Assisted Therapy to Peace Country residents.
Our Vision: To support individuals of all ages and abilities to maximize their growth and potential; physically, cognitively, behaviourally and socially, through equine assisted programs and activities.
Our therapeutic programs give clients the chance to increase social interaction, improve self-esteem and build confidence. It also focuses on physical benefits, including improved balance, posture, flexibility, sensory awareness and endurance.
Our programs are designed to provide clients with a sense of pride and accomplishment. The friendships they build with the horses are an integral part of what we do, a built-in lesson teaching mutual respect, trust and friendship.
The PARDS community is a welcoming, inclusive one. Volunteers and clients alike often call it their ‘happy place.’ It’s a place where respect, kindness and friendship come first and we value each and every one of our people.
All of our horses go through an extensive selection process and therapeutic riding training program. Pleasant, patient dispositions are a must along with soundness and three clear gaits. Our herd includes some highly-skilled show horses that indeed regularly win competitions with their riders.