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Equine Therapy Program Comes to Niagara North

Since 2010, EquineAbility has been providing therapeutic riding lessons to individualswith special needs at its facility in Port Colborne. Due to the increasing demand for such services from residents in Pelham, Lincoln, and St.
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Since 2010, EquineAbility has been providing therapeutic riding lessons to individualswith special needs at its facility in Port Colborne. Due to the increasing demand for such services from residents in Pelham, Lincoln, and St. Catharines, they recently decided to expand, in southeast St. Catharines, just a few minutes from Short Hills Provincial Park.Dan and Sharon O’Hara, who host the new facility on their farm, have seen first-handhow the program has benefitted their daughter, Katie, who is now an important spokesperson for the facility. “Katie has been a participant of the EquineAbility program for over four years,” they said, “with the coaching of their certified trainers she now has the confidence to ride. Knowing that other families in the area are experiencing the same needs, we are thrilled and excited that EquineAbility's new satellite program will be offered in our community.”The program aims to provide a therapeutic riding experience to people of all ages living with disabilities who enjoy horseback riding or who are looking for a new form of accessible recreation. “It’s about offering clients an opportunity to learn how to ride a horse, who may not be able to access other facilities,” said Angie Ruigrok, one of the EquineAbility instructors. 13-year-old Riley has been with the program for a number of years and feels it has been a very positive experience. “I think it gives you a sense of responsibility dealing with the horses. It gives you a sort of on-the-farm sense of horsemanship,” he said.Riley’s Mother also lauded the program and its instructors, noting the strong, personal attention her son has received: “As Riley has gotten older his responsibilitieshave grown. It’s a great overall experience.”In the end, the program is all about providing a safe environment for accessible recreation, where people of all abilities can experience growth.  Diane, a program volunteer, noted how gratifying it can be to see this growth first hand. “If you’re volunteering long term you can see the benefits and progression over time. It’s a wonderful thing.”