Para-Equestrian Canada is pleased to announce that they have once again partnered with Sport Canada to encourage the participation of riders with a disability in competition.

As part of this project, therapeutic riding centres that offer new competitive opportunities, or increase their existing competition program to riders with a disability will be eligible to receive a grant of up to $500.

After the second series of the season came to a close, a total of four grants of $500 each were awarded to the following centres:

1. Stella French-ManeStream, Victoria, BC
2. Richmond Therapeutic Equestrian Society, Richmond, BC
3. WindReach Farm, Ashburn, ON
4. Cowichan Therapeutic Riding Association, Duncan, BC

Some examples of how the grants will help therapeutic riding centres introduce riders to Para-equestrian sport include: subsidies for riders to participate in competition, a new mounting ramp, a wireless headset communication system, in-house shows, dressage letters and funding for new “introduction to competition” riding programs.

“On Behalf of WindReach Farm, I would like to thank Para-Equestrian Canada for their generous support,” Kathy Little, Resource Development Manager at Windreach Farm. “The grants awarded through the program have facilitated our riders to participate in the PEC Sea-to-Sea Video Dressage Competitions, and to purchase larger, more visible dressage lettering allowing all of our riders to explore dressage skills and encourage their development.”

Little continued, “We are excited to use this $500.00 grant to offset coaching, specialized equipment and competition fees for these individuals so that they too can experience the sense of joy and accomplishment that comes from participating in para-dressage as a sport.”

Centres interested in applying for the March 15, 2013 deadline are urged to visit Para-Equestrian Canada’s website at www.equinecanada.ca/para-equestrian for more information.

If you have any questions related to this project or any other Para-Equestrian Canada initiatives, please contact Para-Equestrian Canada at para-equestrian@equinecanada.ca or 613-248-3433 ext. 144.