No Lessons - April 1 - April 4

June 8 - PARDS Carnival & Community Cook-Off

July 6 - PARDS Fund Ride

When Mila was 5 years old, she experienced a traumatic brain injury that resulted in physical and cognitive differences. It sometimes takes her body a bit longer to respond to instructions from her brain, especially on her right side, and her cognitive processing is also affected which also impacts her emotional regulation. When Mila’s day or routine is shaken up, it is very challenging for her to take it in stride. However, she understands this about herself and uses her weekly riding lesson to help her process and work through those moments. She has come to trust her instructor as someone she can talk to and share with, without fear or judgment, and to rely on her horse partner as a touchstone to ground her, help her focus and release her anxiety.

Mila embodies the characteristics necessary for all equestrians to succeed; she never complains, she shows extreme determination and does not let her disability define her, she wants to learn everything and overcoming challenges is what motivates her.

Mila has been riding with PARDS for over 10 years. She is now 20 years old and continues to grow and develop her horsemanship skills and says she intends to continue her equestrian journey throughout her life. Mila inspires all those around her and PARDS is very proud to support her in all she wants to achieve.

The Community Carnival & Cook-Off, sponsored by Keddie's Tack & Western Wear is a fun-filled family event with lots of carnival games, prizes, Silly String Corral, pony rides and more. The Cook-Off boasts an array of delectable dished prepared by local talent including chili’s, BBQ or smoked tasters.  

A fund-filled day of trail riding (own horse required), petting zoo, and wagon rides for people of all abilities to enjoy. The money raised, goes towards animal

assisted programs for children and adults living with challenges. Collect more than the minimum of $125.00 in pledges for your chance to win some great prizes.  

Youth Summer Day

Come join us at summer 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.

Dates

Week 1 July 8 - July12 Week 2 July 15 - July 19 Week 3 July 29 - August 2

Week 4 August 19 - August 23 Week 5 August 26 - August 30

Little Pony Motricity Half Day 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 of camp year) 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.

Dates

Week 1 July 22 - July 26 Week 2 August 12 - August 16

Therapeutic Equestrian Skills Development Camp

This camp 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.

Dates

August 6 - August 9

Heather Knutson learned first hand about PARDS programs and while here asked about volunteering. She is very active, taking classes and finding other interests along her way. She said, “Let me check my schedule”, and the rest is history as the saying goes. Heather attended the volunteer orientation for lesson supports and has jumped right in volunteering weekly in lessons as a leader. She has offered support when other volunteers are unavailable, and just recently helped at the AG show at Evergreen Park at the PARDS Petting Zoo. Heather has said, she is open to other opportunities such as events or helping with ticket sales. We are grateful for her support and enjoy seeing her here with us.

Volunteers describe many personal benefits beyond giving back to their community, including the opportunity to meet new people, learn new skills, and share their interests and hobbies with others. Volunteering can enhance job applications and careers, as well as positively impact mental health and wellbeing. There are many volunteer opportunities at PARDS to fit any schedule or interest. Learn more about opportunities to volunteer visit www.pards.ca or contact the PARDS office.

Facility 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!