Equestrian

Therapeutic Riding

Therapeutic riding lessons are practiced worldwide and have been proven to provide significant health benefits, consistent with Parkside’s holistic focus on the physical, emotional, social and spiritual well-being of our clients and community. These riding lessons are adapted to the needs of each individual and allow them to develop new skills in a sport, meet new people and create a bond with a non-judgmental animal. The program is extremely effective at helping individuals struggling with:

  • Learning difficulties
  • Relationship challenges (i.e. parent – child)
  • Autism spectrum disorder
  • Depression and / or anxiety
  • PTSD
  • Critical illness or cancer recovery
  • Physical rehabilitation (hippotherapy)
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Michael generously gave freely of his time. Over time, therapeutic riding allowed my son to open his heart and he became affectionate towards us. Today, Jean-Christophe is 10 years old and his attachment issues are completed resolved. It truly is a miracle!
Pediatrician mother speaking of her adopted son
Taking care of a horse, going through all the grooming and preparatory steps prior to riding so that the horse was properly prepared, curiously made me aware that I needed to be careful to pay attention to myself, to take better care of myself. I realized I needed to not overlook my fundamental needs in order that my daily life is fulfilling. In addition to learning how to ride properly, I learned to be a little more assertive in my interpersonal relationships. I needed to be clear in my directives with the horse, set limits at the right time and the right place. I realized I could do the same thing in my relationships with others, so that I don’t find myself heading in the wrong direction where I could put myself in danger. Once again, in order that I could be well in my day to day life and feel safe.
Woman suffering from burnout & depression
The approach of Parkside Ranch and the therapeutic riding program allowed her to experience exceptional results. Her confidence in herself and others as well as her physical and emotional stability improved which has assisted her in dealing with her bouts of anxiety. So I want to thank you all and congratulate you on your attentiveness and the wonderful work of the entire staff and volunteers and the well-being it brought to my daughter. We are looking forward to continuing this program together in the future.
Mother of adult child with down syndrome & PTDS
Parkside ranch is an indispensable resource in our community and beyond. We can only hope to continue this relationship for the kids you generously help with your therapeutic riding program. We know they love it and feel empowered by it. As professionals, we feel blessed to be able to rely on your establishment to give joy and life skills to the children we feel need it the most.
Endorsement from local social services teamCompany4
Highlight of my (instructor) lesson today. When we trotted for the first time I told her (client) she did great with her riding position and didn’t seemed anxious or nervous. She replied “I trusted myself”
Instructor regarding teenage clientCompany5
More Testimonials
From left to right : Michael Drew, Brigitte Drew, Jennifer MacWilliam

Staff

Parkside Ranch is blessed to have three CANTRA (Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association) certified therapeutic riding instructors

Jennifer MacWilliam was basically raised at Parkside and has lived at camp for most of her life. She has a teaching degree and works part time at a local school. She is also the director of our Day Camp program. In recent years, instructing therapeutic riding has become a passion for her.

Brigitte Drew has an elementary teaching degree and teaches full time at a local school. In addition to her therapeutic riding certification, Brigitte is also a western riding instructor. Her horse knowledge, combined with her training for teaching children, makes her a very effective therapeutic riding instructor.

Michael Drew is the Executive Director of Parkside Ranch. Prior to coming to Parkside 10 years ago, Michael worked in Corporate Executive management and holds a CPA degree. He has enjoyed obtaining his certification as a therapeutic riding instructor to go along with his years as a horse owner. His best moments now are those spent sharing God’s love while giving therapeutic riding lessons to those in need within our community.

Volunteers

Compassionate – Competent

Any therapeutic riding program is highly dependent on network of qualified and compassionate volunteers. Parkside Ranch is fortunate to be in a region with a strong equestrian culture and is blessed to have a number of highly engaged and knowledgeable volunteers. Parkside provides all volunteers with on-site, hands-on training ensuring the highest level of safety, professionalism and skill.

Facilities

Parkside Ranch’s therapeutic riding facilities include a double outdoor riding arena as well as a newly constructed 75’ x 200’ indoor riding arena. The indoor arena is fully insulated and heated which provides a pleasant and comfortable riding environment regardless of the time of year or weather outside. It is a unique facility for this region.

THE VISION FOR TOMORROW:

TURNING POINT EQUESTRIAN CENTER

The vision behind the development of Parkside Ranch’s Turning Point equestrian centre is to evolve and widen the existing programs that have successfully helped provide healing and purpose to vulnerable members of our community. This is part of the foundational principal of Parkside Ranch to intentionally demonstrate practical expressions of God’s love. The therapeutic riding programs of the equestrian center will operate concurrently with but independently of Parkside Ranch’s traditional camping and event centre programming.

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