PARD Therapeutic Riding

PARD Therapeutic Riding is a Canadian nonprofit organization located in the Peterborough area, operating as a registered charity with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) under the business number 119091759RR0001. It is a volunteer-run organization that provides therapeutic horseback riding services to individuals of all ages and abilities, with a focus on enhancing physical, social, and psychological well-being.

History and Origins

PARD Therapeutic Riding was initially conceived by a Peterborough-area couple, Hope and Rev. Bagot King-Edwards, as a retirement project in the 1970s. The organization was formally established under its current acronym in 1983. Over the years, it has operated from several locations and currently functions out of Wendon Hills Equestrian Centre in Douro-Dummer.

Programs and Services

The organization offers individualized riding instruction tailored to the abilities of each rider. The three-dimensional motion of a walking horse helps mimic human walking, which can improve balance, posture, mobility, coordination, and strength. Additional exercises are included to rehabilitate specific body parts and stimulate cognitive functions. PARD's program also emphasizes enhancing riders' social, emotional, and psychological health in a fun, non-clinical environment.

PARD serves individuals with various disabilities, including cystic fibrosis, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, spina bifida, cerebral palsy, stroke survivors, those with accidental injuries, and individuals with visual and hearing challenges.

Operations and Safety

Each riding session is supervised by a nationally certified instructor, and safety is a top priority. Riders are provided with helmets, which are mandatory for all sessions. Volunteer support is crucial, with up to three volunteers assisting each rider: one leads the horse, while others act as side-walkers to provide physical and emotional support.

Funding and Community Support

PARD relies heavily on donations from the community, local businesses, service clubs, and fundraising events. The organization is affiliated with the Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association (CanTRA), ensuring that all instructors are certified or in training through the same body.

Mission

The mission of PARD Therapeutic Riding is to provide therapeutic riding benefits in a non-clinical environment to qualifying individuals in the Peterborough area, regardless of age, ability, or financial means. The organization emphasizes focusing on riders' abilities rather than their disabilities.