Betsy Kline
Castlegar News
The Arrow Lakes Therapeutic Riding Association will hold its first Equine Empowerment Camp this summer in partnership with The Pass Creek Regional Exhibition Society.
The camp is designed to offer participants with challenges individualized therapy with an holistic approach. Lessons will be offered in riding, grooming, or simply learning about the horse in a safe and comfortable environment. Participants may benefit mentally, emotionally or physically.
Applications are being accepted for youth between the ages of five and 19 who would benefit from therapeutic riding. Thanks to a grant from Columbia Basin Trust, the camp will be offered free of charge.
Riding instructor Jessica Smith is completing her bachelor’s degree in Social Work. Jessica has a real passion for therapeutic riding; she has been riding horses since she learned to walk. She has completed a practicum with the Creston Therapeutic Riding Association. Jessica stated her goal in running the camp is, “To bring another form of therapy to the community and give people a taste of therapeutic riding.”
There will be two dates for the camps this summer: August 21 to 23 and September 26 to 28. There are still spaces available at both camps. If you are interested in attending the camp, you can contact Jessica through the Riding Association website www.arrowlakestra.com or phone 250-551-7411.
The Arrow Lakes Therapeutic Riding Association will be offering more riding lessons in the fall. Jessica stated, “Many people that have a disability cannot afford treatments that are out there.” Because of this the association is looking for sponsors to help offset the costs enabling more children to participate.