MINI MAILER Page 1

Fal l 2015 Volume 3, I ssue 3

MINI MAILER Pacific Riding for Developing Abilities 1088 208th Street, Langley BC, V2Z 1T4 www.prda.ca 604-530-8717

Hello Fall!

The days are getting shorter, and the leaves are

changing, fall is in the air! With fall session comes the

loose change drive, the Christmas Purdy’s fundraiser

and our Christmas party and so much more. The

summer is our longest break between regular sessions

so please try to be patient with us as we get back into

the swing of things and sort out all the first week back

changes that need to be made. We hope everyone

enjoyed the beautiful sunshine we had this summer and

we are so excited to get everyone back in the saddle.

2015/16 Schedule

Fall Session (14weeks) September 14 to December 19 *13 weeks for Mondays & Wednesdays, No Lessons Oct. 12 and Nov. 11

Winter Session (10 weeks) January 4 to March 12 *9 weeks for Mondays, No Lessons Feb.8

Spring Session (12 weeks) March 28 to June 18 *11 weeks for Monday & Saturday, No Lessons May 23 & Jun. 11

Phae Collins Memorial Horse Show June 11 & 12

SELFIES WITH LINUS Hi everyone, it’s me, Linus and I have my very own new column in the newsletter. I get to share my favorite selfies with you. Us minis are the PRDA ambassadors, so we get to go to all kinds of fun events and meet cool people. Sometimes we even take pictures with the people we meet them! We have been to all kinds of fun places like schools, grocery stores, fun runs, and we have even been in the Vancouver Convention Center. Most recently Lucy and I went to a golf tournament; we attended the Women’s Media Golf Classic. Check out just one of the groups we met.

WHY SEIZURES MAKE RIDING UNSAFE

As everyone knows (we hope!) some types of seizures make

horseback riding unsafe. The Canadian Therapeutic Riding

Association states that Grand Mal, Clonic Tonic, or Drop seizures

are all contraindicated to riding. This means that it is very

dangerous for people with any of these conditions to ride. If the

individual has been seizure free for 6 months, or the seizures are

predictable and would not occur while riding, their compatibility

with riding would be assessed on an individual basis. The reason

for this strict policy is that an individual having a seizure while

riding could have a very dangerous outcome. The danger is not

only to the rider, but also to the horse, the volunteers, the

instructor and any other riders in the lesson. For the safety of

everyone at PRDA please keep our seizure policy in mind.

PRDA keeps a physician’s referral on file for

each of our riders that are filled out upon

entrance into our programs. If there are

any medical changes that take place after

it has been received it is of the utmost

importance that PRDA is kept aware.

PRDA can also ask at any time for an

updated referral if we deem it necessary.

Page 2 MINI MAILER

1. Developmental disabilities are a group of conditions due to an impairment in physical, learning, language, or behavior areas. These conditions begin during the developmental period, may impact day-to-day functioning, and usually last throughout a person’s lifetime.

2. Developmental disabilities occur among all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups. Recent estimates in the United States show that about one in six, or about 15%, of children aged 3 through 17 years have a one or more developmental disabilities

3. Developmental delay refers to mental and physical characteristics below the level of other individuals at the same age. These impairments affect daily functioning in a variety of ways, including learning, language, mobility and coordination.

4. Developmental disabilities are classified into severe, profound, moderate, and mild. Treatment and care are based around these classifications. The goal of treatment is typically to increase independence in daily activities, and to help the individual reach their full capacity in all areas of development.

5. Individuals with developmental disabilities often require some level of care for their entire lives, although this varies from person to person and is based on each individual's unique abilities and impairments.

6. Advocacy for developmental disabilities continues to grow. Advocates help individuals and families navigate 'the system' (including schools and social welfare programs). They also work for changes in policy and legislation, often directly with those who have developmental disabilities in an attempt to increase self-advocacy and independence for those with DD.

VOLUNTEER INFORMATION NIGHTS

We have two volunteer information nights scheduled this fall. The first

is scheduled on October 6th from 7-8:30 pm. Two time Paralympian,

Ashley Gowanlock, will be stopping by PRDA to discuss her journey.

Ashley is a former PRDA rider who has gone on to represent Canada all

over the world. Ashley has just written a book “My Opportunities Just

Dress Up Like Obstacles” and is an amazing, inspiring motivational

speaker. Mark your calendar; you won’t want to miss this night!

Our second night is scheduled for November 3rd at 6:00 pm. We are calling

this night the Volunteer Mystery Game Night. Few details will be made

available; it’s more fun that way! We do promise the night will be great and

you won’t want to miss it! More information will be send out by Bill and Karen

in the coming weeks.

6 FACTS ABOUT DEVELOPMENTAL DELAYS

Page 3 MINI MAILER

I was introduced to PRDA by Alex Simpson, a friend, who also competed on a number of

horses owned by my husband, Bill, and myself. His enthusiasm for PRDA and what we

do here was contagious, and I was happy to meet Michelle Ingall and be interviewed for

a part-time position.

I started working at PRDA in August 2011, and quickly discovered what we all learn –

whatever your job description, be prepared to jump in and help as needed. As someone

who likes a challenge, this suits me well.

After an extended period away, with an unfortunate back injury, it is great to be back,

and to watch the growth and evolution at PRDA. My background is in television

production, and marketing. The opportunity to make more people aware of who we are

and what we do is a challenge I embrace, and I look forward to the day when we are so

well known in the greater community that fundraising takes care of itself! Until then, if

you have any ideas that you think we should pursue, please do let me know.

Looking for a way to help out at PRDA? Consider helping us by providing one of these items the barn is always in need of:

Show Sheen

Shampoo/Conditioner (for horses)

Scotch Guard (to waterproof blankets)

Manure Forks

Rain Sheets

Brooms

Photocopier Paper

Post-it Notes

Hot pocket hand warmers

Keurig Cups

Hot Chocolate

Tea

Coffee

KAREN – FUNDRAISING COORDINATOR

HORSE SPONSORSHIP

There are a number 4-legged therapists looking for sponsors. Interested in sponsoring one? There are five

levels of sponsorship available ranging from $25 a month to $5000 a year. Contact the office today for

more details.

And a BIG thank-you to all of our current horse sponsors.

Your support is appreciated greatly.

BARN/OFFICE WISH LIST THUNDERBIRD SHOW PARK PARKING

On Sunday, August 16 Thunderbird Show Park was the site

of the Longines FEI World Cup Qualifier. It was a fabulous

afternoon with 25 competitors from as far away as

Venezuela, and as close as Langley, competing for a total of

$126,000 in prize money.

The weather cooperated, the grounds looked beautiful and

hundreds of people filled the grandstand and tents to

watch the breathtaking performances. After an exciting

jump-off the US rider, Rich Fellers, won on his amazing 19

year old stallion, Flexible. Ben Asselin, a young Canadian

rider from Alberta, and his mount, the 12 year old bay

mare, Plume de la Roque, ended up in an impressive third

place. The World Cup finals will take place In Sweden later

in the year.

At the invitation of Jane Tidball, PRDA volunteers were in

place to direct cars to parking lots, and to collect $10.00

parking fees for each car load. Thunderbird Show Park very

generously donated the parking proceeds to PRDA! We

thank them for their support and generosity. Our four

volunteers – Shirley and Thomas Moeller, Helena Price and

Bev Feick had a busy but fun afternoon, and brought home

more than $2,700.00!

The Fort Ladies recently made their cheque presentation for their yearly sponsorship of Galaxy. Pictured are PRDA

Instruction Coordinator, Margo Klassen and Fort Ladies representative, Brenda Johannesson

Page 4 MINI MAILER

Linus: There was lots of excitement in Campbell Valley Park recently. Deion told me it was a 3-day

event. There sure were lots of horses, and tents, and flags and people.

Toby: That was nothing - you should have been at Thunderbird Show Park this week-end – that is my

old stomping ground, and this week-end they had the Longines World cup qualifier. If I were only a few

years younger, I could have shown them how it is done.

Linus: What is the difference between a 3 day Event and the Jumper and Hunter competitions at

Thunderbird Show Park?

Toby: Well, from my perspective, the Hunter/ Jumper competitions are the elite….but that is probably

because I was imported from Holland as a youngster and spent many years competing in that world. The

stories I could tell you – being “turned out” in the latest and best gear, my beautiful coat shiny, with my

fancy fly bonnet on under my bridle, so no flies get in my ears. And then getting to enter a perfectly

groomed ring to jump beautiful fences.

The Hunter classes have elegant, natural coloured fences, and the horses have to look perfect. In fact, if

we do our jobs right, it might look boring to some people watching. Unlike the jumper ring – there are

many more fences, and they are scary and bright coloured, with some combinations (three fences very

close together, and very difficult). And then, if we do our job perfectly, and leave all the jumps standing,

we have to jump another shorter course called a jump-off, when we have to go really fast. I get tired just

thinking about it.

Deion: Yeah, but at a 3 day event, we have to do dressage, cross country and stadium jumping – and we

have to be good at all three. The cross country fences are spread out over a huge area and they are

really solid. You never had to jump into a water splash, and back out again.

Toby: That’s true, but some of the lines I had to deal with had really tricky distances between the

fences.

The reality is that both disciplines have their own challenges, and to be good at either you not only have

to be talented, but you have to train really hard. And then you have to take care of your rider when they

get nervous, so that they have the confidence to take care of you when something scares you.

Deion: Being a competitive athlete is very hard work, but really rewarding when it goes well.

Toby: Yeah, I sometimes miss those days. But I am really glad to be here at PRDA – I love my riders, and

going for walks in the park, and the treats they bring us.

Deion: Yeah, gotta love those treats! Our volunteers are really special too. I love getting brushed,

especially on that special spot that is always itchy, and I can’t quite reach……

PADDOCK CHAT With Linus, Deion & Toby

MINI MAILER Page 5

PRDA was very lucky to once again partner with the Campbell Valley Wine run this year.

We were the sole charity of choice, and will receive 100% of the proceeds. Although the

weather was not ideal, a great time was had by all who attended. Roughly 250 runners

enjoyed their choice of a 5k or 15k route that took them around Campbell Valley Park,

stopping at different wineries along the way. PRDA would like to thank the 20 volunteers

who came out and helped with the event. Your support is what makes events like this

possible, and we couldn’t do it without you. We are very thankful to be a part of such a

great event, and are looking forward to the 4th annual run next September!

COLOR ME RAD

PRDA would like to once again thank everyone who came out to volunteer, or participate in Color Me Rad

back in May. The event was a success and PRDA was able to raise over $11,500 through volunteer shifts,

bag check, promo code usages and donations. We hope to partner with them again this coming year (for

both the Dirty Dash and Color Me Rad) and have some great ideas to make next year an even bigger

success, but we can’t do it without YOU! We will provide more details as soon as they become available,

so keep your eyes peeled!

Campbell Valley Wine Run 2015

Have you ever wondered how we keep our amazing herd happy and healthy? Our horses get fed four times a day. Horses do best when they are fed little and often. They get hay at all four feedings. We feed three different types of hay, depending on the horses’ specific needs:

Local Hay – fed to most of our horses. We have it tested to make sure it has all the nutritional requirements to keep our herd healthy, and doesn’t have too much sugar in it. Timothy Hay – fed to a few of our horses with sensitive stomachs. It is considered the most digestible hay. Alfalfa Hay – fed to some of our older herd members. It has the most nutritional value and is easy to digest for the older horses.

Our horses also get fed grain and supplements twice a day. Some of the things we feed include:

Proform Step 6 Senior Complete Horse Feed – manufactured locally and contains all of the minerals and vitamins

they need for our older horses Proform Step 4 Rocky Mountain Crunch – fed to everyone who doesn’t eat step 6. It has lower fat and protein for

the younger members of our herd.

Pro Fibre FX – gets soaked in water and provides the herd with fibre in a form that ensures moisture in their gut (and helps us avoid colic). All our horses get Pro Fibre FX

Each horse has an individualized feed program that is monitored and adjusted on a regular basis.

SAY WHAT?!

Page 6 MINI MAILER

I am currently retired from the Federal & Provincial governments (thank God!) and am now

working for the SPCA. I chose PRDA as a place to volunteer a few years ago, but at the

time I was volunteering for the SPCA and my available days conflicted. When I knew I was

going to retire, I got on the phone right away and came in for an orientation....the rest is

history! I have only good things to say about PRDA, the staff and the other volunteers

(thank you for being so patient and helpful as I muddled my way through); the horses; the

program, and the riders, who leave a lasting impression on you.

I think everyone knows that Ladybug is my favourite little girl! She is so full of love and

personality, and she smiles! Butters is a very close second...All of them are really

wonderful! I have always said an animal is the best friend a person can have. Volunteering

at PRDA makes me, well, happy! I would like to think that I sometimes make a bit of a

difference in a person's or animal's life. I am always after my human friends to get out

and volunteer, and, of course, I tell them about PRDA.

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT By Bev F

NEWSLETTER

We would like to put out a newsletter three times a year, at the

beginning of each session, but we can’t do it without contributions

from you. If you have any ideas for things to include, or would like

to write something to be included please email them to

hseigman@prda.ca

Well, when I was asked by Karen to do a 'volunteer spotlight' I was

very flattered. She asked if I could talk a little bit about why I chose

PRDA as a place to volunteer, what I like most about it, my favourite

horse, and what I get out of the experience of volunteering. The

answers are pretty simple - I LOVE ALL CRITTERS! I have had animal

friends my entire life some of which include dogs, cats, a horse,

chinchilla, gerbils, roosters, rabbits, pigs, and budgies .

SAY WHAT?

SAVE THE DATE Sept. 20 Campbell Valley Wine Run

Oct. 6 Volunteer Information Night with Ashley Gowanlock

Oct. 12 No lessons (Thanksgiving)

Oct. 25 Pub Night, Rusty’s Pub

Nov. TBD Christmas Purdy’s Order

Nov.3 Volunteer Mystery Night

Nov. 5 Silpada Wine & Cheese Party

Nov. 11 No lessons (Remembrance Day)

Dec. 11 Christmas Party

Dec. 19 Last day of session

Jan. 4 Winter Session starts HAPPY TRAILS (FOR NOW)

PRDA would like to thank our wonderful summer students, Caroline

Mullen and Laura Leitch, for all their hard work this summer. PRDA

was able to hire them through the Summer Student Grant that we

receive yearly. Our summer students are an integral part of our

summer session and we couldn’t do it without them. They do

everything from planning the Phae Collins obstacle course, to helping in

lessons, to organizing summer session, to teaching summer lessons.

Thank you ladies!

Page 7 MINI MAILER

THE PRDA FUNNIES

ONE WORD TO DESCRIBE THE HERD By Diamond

Finally, I get a chance to write an article for the newsletter. My journalistic brilliance has been overlooked for

far too long. I decided to sit down with three of PRDA’s staff members, my Mom servant (Kaiti), the chief can

opener (Michelle), and the herd leader (Margo) and ask them what they really think of the horses here at

PRDA. I asked them to describe each horse here, and just for fun the cats too, in one word. Being humans,

they of course couldn’t pick just one word some of the time. Anyway, here is what they had to say:

Michelle Kaiti Margo

Alex Cheeky Talented Sweety Pie Ben Smooth Attitude Misunderstood Butters Friendly Licky Butterball Charlie Brown Shy Wild Big Horse in a Little Body Deion Proud Bold Performer Dodger Camouflage Master Personable Larger Than Life Galaxy Pretty Flashy/Poopy A Gem Gimli Bratty Stylish Go To Guy Grover Awesome Wide Marshmallow Lacey Bug-Eyed Hungry /Spoiled Country Lady Ladybug Diva Speedy Boss Mare Linus Happy Cuddly/Crooked Cutey Lucy Tina Turner Round Fluffy Maestro Cool Dude Fabio Handsome Marvin Cute Shiny Eeyore-ish Raz Lumpy Bossy Old Cowboy Toby Old Furry Experienced Tommy Silvery Smart Wiley Zena Reliable/Itchy Sweet/Drooly Superstar Raven Stealth (I think she

meant a Glutton) Aloof (I think she meant Annoying)

Black (I can’t argue with you there!)

Diamond Talkative (She meant beautiful)

Princess (You got that right Mom!)

Goddess of Cats (Yes, yes I am)

Page 8 MINI MAILER

PHAE COLLINS WRAP UP

The 22nd annual Phae Collins Memorial Horse Show was held on June 6 and 7

this year. The event was a great success with 64 riders competing over the

two day show. We were thrilled to welcome Richmond Therapeutic back

this year, with their 2 horses and 4 riders. PRDA would like to congratulate

all the riders that participated on their accomplishments. It is such a fun

weekend and we love seeing all the smiling faces. We would also like to

congratulate all of our trophy winners:

Pat & Dick Mackey Obstacle High Point: Erica Ponych Bud Aubrey Musical Freestyle Trophy: Greg Honour Phae Collins Memorial Trophy: Dylan Allan Tilly Muller Challenge Cup: Danielle Benoit Dressage Rookie of the Year: Laura Roberts Margo O’Callaghan Award: Lindsay Laird We look forward to seeing everyone back for next year’s show tentatively scheduled for June 11&12!

2014 AWARDS

Every year at the Phae Collins show, PRDA hands out four awards from the year gone by. PRDA

would like to acknowledge these winners and once again congratulate them.

Horse of the Year: “Marvin” Hanneke Saunders Spirit of PRDA Award: Sue Hall Petersen Trailers Most Improved Rider: Zachary McKibbon Volunteer of the Year, in memory of Tony Funk: Maureen Desborough

2015 AGM

The 2014 AGM was held on May 26 after classes were finished for the day. This year we once again

encourage everyone to become a member of PRDA, attend the AGM and vote. Membership is $25 a

year and by joining you gain a vote in the future of PRDA. The board of directors as elected at the

AGM are:

President: Maggie Vilvang Vice-President: Dave Neufeld

Treasurer: Kate Pilgrim Secretary: Rick Gammer

Directors: Joan Fujiwara, Dawn Major, & Lisa Strutinski

Page 9 MINI MAILER

Ever since I rode my first horse I was in love. I still remember what he looked like. His name was Danny and he was a dark bay gelding. It was only a short trail ride but I knew from that moment that I was in love with horses.

I started riding at PRDA to help improve my balance and coordination, which at that time was not so good. In the weeks before I rode I was so excited. I thought the anticipation would kill me for sure.

My first horse was Joey. He was a big, grey horse with little black spots on him. He was the sweetest horse you will ever meet and he taught me a lot. He retired shortly later. My next horse was Alex. He was a big sweet guy who loved to please. I learned so much with him. He helped me gain confidence enough to learn to canter. I worked my way up the ladder to Galaxy. She is a sassy horse with a real personality. She is the first and only horse that I have ever fallen off of. We were trotting nicely in 20m circles when she decided to canter off into the sunset, and then abruptly stopped...however I didn’t. It took a while for me to gain back my confidence but I got back up, and never looked back.

That leads me to today. I have a new best friend, Grover. My mom calls him my four legged boyfriend. I think she secretly hopes he will by my only boyfriend for as long as possible. The first time I saw Grover I was terrified. I had been offered a chance to ride him before but was scared of his awesomeness, and size (he’s 16.2 with sweet attitude) Grover is a real gentleman. He’s charming and loaded with personality. He never spooks at anything and that has really helped my confidence around horses, especially large ones. He has taught me how to jump and I have always felt safe with him. He is a dream to jump over fences and go on long hacks with. Grover is 20 years old and I’m hoping to ride him as long as possible, but I will love him forever.

The most important thing that Grover helped me with was my first competition. The Campbell Valley Equestrian 3 Day Horse Trials. In the weeks and days before the show I was completely confident. I wasn’t worried at all. Then came the day of the show. I thought I would never make it to the barn. The anticipation was so great I couldn’t even eat my breakfast but maybe that was a good thing. When it came time to go get Grover ready I was feeling a bit better. I gave Grover a bath and helped Michelle, my coach, braid his mane. It took awhile to get a white horse clean, especially when there was a water shortage. Finally the time came to ride.

We went to the warm up ring to get ready for dressage. I was excited and I didn’t even think about what was happening, I just had FUN. I was in 6th place after dressage! The next day Grover and I did cross country. He only came out of the box as fast as a BULLET but I managed to get him under control as we started jumping. Everyone told me that I had to shout, “Yahoo” at least once during cross country, I obeyed their orders! It was great. I stayed in 6th place after cross country. The final day was show jumping. This

RIDER SPOTLIGHT – By Emma P.

Page 10 MINI MAILER

was possibly the most terrifying maybe even more than dressage. We walked the course about 1000 times to make sure I memorized it. When we got to the grounds we must have watched at least 100 people ride. We all pretty much had the same course. When it was my turn to start warming up the worries melted away and turned to fun. My Grover can JUMP! All was going well until I almost forgot where jump #6 was. Since my wonderful Grover didn’t knock over any poles we moved up to 5th place. I was excited and my mom and Michelle needed CPR! I won a purple halter, which fit Grover perfectly, and can be found in his locker. It was a great 3 days and I can’t wait until next year.

PRDA has changed my life for the better. They have given me confidence and a love of horses that I will have all of my life.

Get ready for PRDA’s 2nd Annual Pub Night!

When: Sunday, October 25 6:00 – 9:00pm

Where: Rusty’s Neighbourhood Pub 101 – 17770 #10 Hwy

Cloverdale

Lots of free parking Early Bird Draw and Wine Draws

Twonie Toss, 50/50 and a fun time for everyone.

Tickets $20.00 available from the PRDA office

Your ticket gets you your choice of a hamburger, veggie burger, or chicken burger with fries and a beverage (which includes either a Canadian, Coors Light or Cariboo sleeve, a glass of house wine, a bar highball, or any non-alcoholic beverage

Please come and join us for a great evening,

and support PRDA.

Can’t come? Donate a bottle of wine, or a bottle of Spirits, instead. Bring your donation to PRDA by October 20.

Donations are very much appreciated

PUB NIGHT

CALENDAR

PRDA is thrilled to offer our 2nd annual calendar

this year. The calendar is currently in production

and should be arriving in the beginning of

November. We sold out last year, so be sure to

get your copy early to avoid disappointment!!

SILPADA PARTY

PRDA will be hosting a Silpada Wine & Cheese party on

Thursday November 5 from 6pm-8pm in the PRDA

Lounge. Please drop by to check out the beautiful

jewelry. The orders will arrive before Christmas, and

who doesn’t love jewelry! What a great way to check

some loved ones off your list while supporting PRDA!