April
Important Dates

Office Closed Monday, May 22 - Victoria Day

No Lessons May 22

AGM Monday, May 29

PARDS Annual General Meeting

Monday, May 29, 2023 @ 7:00pm

710009 RR55 (East of Evergreen Park)

 

 Everyone is welcome to attend

Light refreshments will be served

 

Review of 2022 Financial Statements and information

on upcoming events and activities.

Board elections will also be held.

If you are interested in putting your name forward for a director position on the Board, please contact info@pards.ca for a nomination form.

 

All Individual, Corporate and Board members of PARDS

are eligible to vote at this meeting.

2023 memberships will be available to purchase at the meeting.

$25 Individual Member or $100 Corporate Membership.

 

Membership covers:                                                                                                                       

Individual Membership – held by any interested individual. Individual membership includes one vote by the named member at the Annual General Meeting.                              

Corporate/Organization Membership – held in the company/organization name with a representative of the company designated on the membership form. Corporate/Organization membership includes one vote by the designated representative of the corporation at the Annual General Meeting.

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Learn, share and be an important part of the decision making process. Our riders are counting on you!

 

If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact us at 780-538-3211 or email info@pards.ca

 

Please R.S.V.P. to ensure enough snacks for all!

 

If you would like to attend the AGM via zoom, please contact the PARDS office

to request the meeting link.

780-538-3211

PARDS Summer Programs


Inclusive Youth Day Camp

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.



Camp Dates:

Week 1   July 3 - July 7 Week 2   July 10 - July 14

Week 3   July 24 - July 28 Week 4   July 31 - August 4

Week 5   August 21 - August 25


For more information and to register

Little Pony Motricity Half Day Camp

Camp is set up with fun activities that incorporate fundamental skills in early stages of development while working with our miniature ponies. Riding, groundwork and horse care skills are all part of the fun and games.

Little Pony Motricity Summer Camp is open to all abilities and offered to children 3 (as of January 1 of camp year) to 7 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 in attendance). 



Camp Dates & Times:

Week 1   July 17 – 21       AM 9:30 – 12:00 OR PM 1:30 – 4:00

Week 2  August 14 – 18   AM 9:30 12:00  OR PM 1:30 – 4:00


For more information and to register

Equestrian Skills Development Camp

for Adult Therapeutic Riders


EQUESTRIAN SKILLS DEVELOPMENT CAMP FOR ADULT THERAPEUTIC RIDERS is 4 days 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.

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

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. Please contact the office for more information on required medical forms.



Camp Dates & Times:

August 8 – 11 10:00 am – 3:00 pm


For more information and to register

Inclusive Independent Lessons


Independent Inclusive Mounted Riding

Independent Inclusive Mounted Riding Lessons are for anyone aged 7 and older. The lessons are geared toward many skill levels, from therapeutic riders, to riders with basic formal lessons to more advanced novice riders. Lessons are facilitated by qualified instructors, and are designed to help riders become comfortable with riding basics enabling progress. Throughout your session, our goal is to help you progress, perfect your techniques and most importantly, have fun!

Please note:

Riders must be able to ride independently. If there is a clinical diagnosis a Physician’s Medical form must be completed (if not already on file).


Independent Inclusive Cart 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.

Please note:

Drivers must be able to drive independently. If there is a clinical diagnosis a Physician’s Medical form must be completed. (If not already on file)


Lessons Dates & Times:

Lessons are 45 minutes - once a week

Once registered you will be contacted for available times


Tuesdays July 4 - 25 5:00 6:00 7:00

Wednesdays July 5 - 26 5:00 6:00 7:00

Thursdays July 6 - 27 5:00 6:00 7:00


Tuesdays August 1 - 29 5:00 6:00 7:00

Wednesdays August 2 - 30 5:00 6:00 7:00

Thursdays August 3 - 31 5:00 6:00 7:00


Registration to open first week in May


For more information

Supporting Partner

We are pleased to be a proud partner group for the 2023 Cash and Camping Lottery; helping to raise funds for PARDS and other Peace Area charities. To check out the fabulous prizes for this year's lottery please go to www.cashandcamping.com.

Good Luck!

Purchase Your Tickets Here
Community Spotlight

We are so pleased to be invited to participated in PeaveyMart's Customer Appreciation Day on April 29th, beginning at 11:00 a.m. Peavey Mart is hosting a BBQ by donation with all proceeds raised being shared between PARDS Therapeutic Centre and STARS Air Ambulance. Our critters will be on-site for a petting zoo, so come on out and get some love and attention from our four-legged friends.

Care & Feed Sponsors

Thank you to our latest sponsors!

Would You Like To Be a Sponsor

Available for Sponsorship

Rider Spotlight

Nik Diesel

Nik has fulfilled several roles at PARDS and has been participating in PARDS therapeutic programs since 2019 when he was in the driving program. At that time he had a goal of being in the riding program but due to living with CP he needed to improve his balance and core strength as it was weak. During his cart lessons he would prepare for the transition by riding PARDS Equisizer horse, "Pinocchio" where he did exercises to improve his balance and practiced rein control. Nik began the mounted riding program in September of 2020. He has also learned to halter, lead tie and groom and now tacks up his own horse for his lesson.

Nik has ridden 3 horses, but says Brandt is his favourite horse to ride. He feels a trust and has developed a bond with her that has grown. Brandt feels so safe and secure with Nik and he can put her to sleep by gently stroking her forehead. Shhh, we won't tell Holly, who is another PARDS horse that we know Nik has a special place in his heart for. He often jokes with his sarcastic and witty nature that he is going to take her home with him one day, but doesn't think there is enough room in his apartment. Nik often shares his dream of owning his own horse one day.

Nik also began working at PARDS as a barn hand where he keeps the boarder side of our barn/stalls clean and prepared for boarders. He takes pride in his work and enjoys learning more efficient ways to complete his tasks. He enjoys the company of all the different horses and takes notice of the different behaviours. Nik says working at PARDS also helps him reach his goal of 10,000 steps per day.

We thank Nik for all his hard work and look forward to watching him achieve his riding goals!


~Abelone Petersen, Instructor~

Our Volunteer Stars

Todd began his involvement with PARDS in 1988 as a rider and cart driver. Since 2010 Todd has fulfilled many roles within the organization, most recently as a board advisor, using his personal experiences as a PARDS rider. Todd helps with fund raising events benefitting PARDS such as selling tickets at PARDS events and for raffles such as Dream Home. When attending PARDS events or out in the community, Todd shares his experiences and the benefits of therapeutic riding with others. Todd’s experience with PARDS as a client over the years makes him a valuable voice within the community and on the board for our clients.’


PARDS would like to recognize the dedication and engagement of our Board of Directors by nominating our board members for Volunteers of the Week. The varied skills, experiences and talents represented on our Governance Board has helped the organization to grow and thrive. Your consistent attendance at monthly meetings along with participation on the various Committees of the Board that support our mission and vision are truly valuable and appreciated. Thank you for giving so much of yourselves to ensure the many community members that rely on us can continue to do so, now and far into the future.

PARDS is pleased to nominate Fletcher Bootle for Volunteer of the Week.

Fletcher has been engaged with PARDS for many years in a Board Advisor capacity. He has assisted the Board to create and implement solid Governance policies. Further, Fletcher has facilitated our Strategic Planning Sessions over the past five years. Fletcher is a valued and highly skilled volunteer and we thank him for his time, effort and commitment to PARDS and our riders.

Welcome to Our New Kickboard Sponsor

PARDS would like to thank Arc Resources Ltd for renewing their Kickboard Sponsorship for the next 3 years, also increasing their sponsorship to a 4 x 8 kickboard.

PARDS offers a number of kickboard sponsorship packages.

If you would like more information please contact

PARDS Community Liaison, Shirley McDonald at 780-830-6143 or the PARDS office at 780-538-3211.

PARDS Program Sponsors

Facility Sponsors
PARDS Bus Sponsors

These generous companies provide services or gift in kind donations to help keep our programs and facility running, our herd healthy and our equipment maintained.

Thank you!

Become a Volunteer

Volunteer Registration


If you would like to become a volunteer or attend our Lesson/Barn Volunteer Orientation please fill out the volunteer registration form which can be reached by clicking the link below.

Volunteer Registration

For more information on all our volunteer opportunities, please visit our website at

Volunteer Opportunities

REGISTRATION
Information and registration
for all PARDS programs is
available on our website at www.pards.ca
For a list and overview of all programs and to register, please click on
Program Information & Registration

Program Information & Registration
 PARDS Therapeutic Centre
710009 RR 55
County of Grande Prairie #1, AB
T8W 5A7
Phone: (780) 538-3211
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