At a handover ceremony on Wednesday, June 7th, PRANCE officially welcomed three new therapy horses, thanks to the generosity of the donors at Southampton Rotary Club’s 2022 Annual Dinner Auction and including a special matching “Fund A Need” donation from Bruce Power and a Grant from the Rotary Foundation.
(L-R) Sylvia Sheard (Southampton Rotary) Richard Mommersteeg (PRANCE) with King, Mike Rencheck (Pres. & CEO Bruce Power), Ann Marie Johnston (PRANCE), Cash with Piper Murray (PRANCE co-op student) Tony Sheard (Southampton Rotary) and Kaitlin Murdoch (PRANCE head instructor) with Jac – For larger view, Click on Image
Therapy horses at PRANCE (Pegasus Riding Association Nurturing Challenged Equestrians) at Miramichi Farms help children and adults with special needs to not only learn to ride but also to have a sense of freedom, particularly for those with mobility challenges.
The three new horses, ‘King,’ ‘Jac’ and ‘Cash’ have been chosen for special personality characteristics and calm attitudes.
‘King’, a 14-year-old giant gelding with a strong back, big heart and calm, gentle disposition, was the first to join in the Fall and has become a fully-trained lift horse that allows PRANCE to accommodate riders in wheel chairs.
‘Cash’ is a ten-year old, well-trained quarter horse with lots of life experience and a willingness to work hard to support riders with a variety of challenges. He is a handsome fellow and is already becoming a rider favourite.
‘Jac’ came from the same previous home as Cash and is also a ten-year-old quarter horse gelding. A handsome big boy, he is able to carry riders of all sizes and is a wonderful addition to the program.
According to PRANCE Executive Director, Ann Marie Johnston, “These three new horses will enable PRANCE to welcome more riders and continue to help those with special needs in the community through the power of horses, thanks to the support of Southampton Rotary Club, the Rotary Foundation and Bruce Power.”
Following the hand-over ceremony, visitors also had the opportunity to explore the facility and see first-hand riders in the special arena along with the recently completed pavilion where therapy classes are held.
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