COVID - 19 has effected everyone around the world in many different ways. Here at PARDS lessons were brought to a halt as of March 18. For many PARDS riders, the weekly routine, the connections with their equine partners, the physical and emotional benefits and the sheer enjoyment of riding has been missed.
All riders were given the option to return under the modified structure with 54 Therapeutic Program riders, 5 Youth Leadership participants and 36 Public riders returning at this time Some of the processes we have adopted for this initial phase of reopening include (but are not limited to):
~ Riders will be collected from the parking area for their lesson by their instructor who will complete the health check questionnaire, bring rider in to rider lounge washroom to wash hands, fit helmet and boots if necessary (riders have been encouraged to have their own where possible) then proceed directly to the barn to mount if mounting platform or lift is required, all other riders will proceed directly into the arena to mount
~ Lessons will run in both arenas with a 15 minute staggered start between arenas
~ The vast majority of therapeutic lessons are one on one with the exception of those clients who live in the same home
~ Masks are required by staff and riders during mounting and dismounting; masks may be removed by both when rider is mounted and ready to proceed with lesson as social distancing can then be maintained. A supply of cloth masks has been donated by the family of our Instructor, Kacie Vandemark which will be collected at the end of each lesson and washed daily
~ Spectators are not allowed at this time
~ Lessons include a 15 minute transition time before the next lesson to allow Instructor & volunteer to wash hands and for helmets, boots and tack to be sanitized
|
|
LITTLE PONY MOTRICITY CAMP
Camp is set up with fun activities that incorporate fundamental skills in early ages of development while working with our miniature ponies. Riding, groundwork and horse care skills are taught
Little Pony Motricity Summer Camp is offered to children 3 (as of January 1, 2020) to 6 years of age to a maximum height of 48 inches and 65 lbs. Riders must be able to toilet themselves and be independent from parents/ guardian for camp time of 2.5 hours. (unless a support aide is required) The program is both a ground work and riding program.
ASTM/SEI helmets are available for rent on a first come basis ($10/week) if camper does not have their own. If providing your own helmet, PARDS adheres to a 5 year expiration date and will be checked the first day of camp.
|
|
INCLUSIVE SUMMER DAY CAMP
Our youth day camp is full of fun and friendship. It is also full of all kinds of learning and personal-discovery hidden within the games, activities and adventures. Almost all of PARDS’ programs are incorporated into the day camps. It’s a fantastic way to learn the basics of horse care, riding, horsemanship, cart driving and much more.
Youth day camp is open to children between the ages of 6 (as of January 1 of camp year) and 14, of all abilities. Campers spend each day practicing and learning the basics of horse care and horsemanship through activities, lessons and hands-on learning. Youth Leadership activities are also incorporated into the daily camp schedule along with games, group activities and crafts.
Camps run Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Drop off time is no earlier than 8:45 with pick up time no later than 4:30
ASTM/SEI helmets are available for rent on a first come basis ($10/week) if camper does not have their own. If providing your own helmet, PARDS adheres to a 5 year expiration date and will be checked the first day of camp.
PARDS summer camps provide an inclusive environment where children and youth of all abilities are encouraged and supported to identify and build on their own strengths as well as recognize and appreciate the strengths of others.
If there is a clinical diagnosis, please contact the office for further information at 780-538-3211
.
|
|
|
EQUESTRIAN SKILLS DEVELOPMENT CAMP FOR ADULT THERAPEUTIC RIDERS
The 5 day camp is filled with fun and learning for campers aged 15+ with a clinical diagnosis. Campers experience the social, recreational and physical benefits that come with a five-day immersion in PARDS’ therapeutic programs. PARDS provides an instructor, a horse and all the necessary tack and riding/driving equipment.
During their day at camp, participants will enjoy activities including riding lessons, cart driving lessons and stable management. Adult camp helps develop character, learn valuable life skills, discover new interests, learn horsemanship skills and meet new people.
Campers do not have to be current PARDS therapeutic riders – the camp is open to community members from ages 15 to adult who have been diagnosed with a physical, behavioural, cognitive and/or social disability.
We accept a maximum of 9 campers per week to ensure excellent support for each camper from our staff and volunteer team. If camper requires a support aide, one must be provide by rider/parent/guardian.
Please contact the office for more information on required medical forms.
|
|
|
ONLINE REGISTRATIONS ARE NOW OPEN
DON'T MISS OUT
|
|
TO REGISTER ONLINE
PLEASE GO TO OUR WEBSITE
BY CLICKING ON THE LINK BELOW
|
|
|
|
P'tit Trot
P'tit Trot is an exciting program for children ages 7 years old and up, who love horses and want to learn more about the equestrian world. The P’tit Trot program is devoted solely to the initiation of equitation and general horsemanship, allowing children to discover the pleasures of English & Western disciplines as well as an introduction to trail riding and developing proper knowledge on how to care for the horse.
|
|
|
Driving
Cart driving is an excellent way to access the benefits of equine therapy. Learning to work with and control a horse as the driver of a cart. (vehicle) Cart driving is where a horse or pony is hitched to a wheeled cart and is driven around an arena, an obstacle course, or out on a trail.
Both Programs will be taught by Instructor: Certified Equine Canada IOB Robyn Boudreau
Registration for both programs opens June 15th.
|
|
|
PARDS is proud to support members of our community of all ages experiencing challenges physically, cognitively, behaviourally, and socially through animal assisted therapeutic programs. Further to providing these programs, we also secure program partners, community donors and raise funds through events and other activities so the registration fees for our therapeutic clients remain low. Costs, including instructor wages, equipment, horse care, feed, building costs, among others associated with running the programs have steadily increased. After 10 years of holding the fees at their current rate, we have made the decision to add a modest increase to therapeutic and inclusive program fees. The increase will take effect for all programs beginning in the fall 2020 session.
|
|
Therapeutic Riding
Therapeutic Cart
Therapeutic Grooming
Little Pony Motricity
Youth Leadership
Critter Connections Literacy
|
|
$220.00
$220.00
$220.00
$275.00
$150.00
$150.00
|
|
|
Sample jackets available for sizing.
Please visit the PARDS office
or
contact for more information
at
780-538-3211
|
|
PARDS offers a variety of boarding options and year round access to indoor and outdoor arenas and trails. For more information please go to our website by clicking on the link below
|
|
|
REGISTRATION
Registration for all PARDS programs
available online at www.pards.ca
For a list and overview of all programs and to register, please click on
Program Information
|
|
|
PARDS Therapeutic Centre
710009 RR 55
County of Grande Prairie #1, AB
T8W 5A7
Phone: (780) 538-3211
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
