About us

Peace Area Riding for the Disabled Society (PARDS) is a not-for-profit therapeutic riding centre offering equine assisted therapy to children and adults living with disabilities.

Therapeutic Riding Programs provide clients with the opportunity to increase social interaction, improve self-esteem and build confidence while experiencing physical benefits such as improved balance, posture, flexibility, sensory awareness and endurance.

Both Riding and Grooming programs provide clients with an overwhelming sense of accomplishment and present an environment in which the horse and rider/groomer develop a mutual respect, trust and friendship.

Our therapeutic riding and grooming programs are designed to assist clients with any type of disability whether physical, intellectual, emotional or behavioural, or any combination thereof.

We achieve these objectives by providing a therapeutic experience which incorporates stretching and strength building exercises, problem solving, colour and name recognition games and a strong relationship with clients and their caregivers to ensure we are fully cognizant of the unique challenges faced by each individual.

What is Equine Assisted Therapy?

Equine-assisted therapy (EAT) offers people living with various physical and mental disabilities or challenges, an effective alternative to the traditional clinical setting by providing therapy on horse-back.

Because the gait of a horse is similar to that of the human stride, this particular therapy strengthens and supports the natural motion of the spine and pelvis. The rider also absorbs the body heat of the horse which can also reduce muscle spasticity in the legs, back, neck and arms.

For those who cannot walk, the horse is their feet; their vehicle of transport. Many riders experience a connection to the horse that few sports can create. Not only does Equine Assisted Therapy help raise their self-esteem by providing an activity in which they can fully participate, it also teaches them listening and communication skills and aids in the development of personal boundaries.

PARDS Equicizer: "Pinocchio"- Along with our specially trained Equine partners, PARDS uses complimentary aids to meet our clients' needs, from our mechanised lift to assist with mounting and dismounting, to our Equicizer. The Equicizer is a mechanical horse that allows us to expand our programs and open the door to more clients, particularly those with spinal cord and/or brain injuries that typically prevent them from taking part in traditional Equine Assisted Therapy, and also for those who may have other barriers to horseback riding including weight, fear of heights or fear of large animals.

The Equicizer offers many fun, alternative ways of conducting therapeutic exercises for children and adults living with disabilities. Exercises that go beyond the usual horseback riding positions can be applied with stretching, strengthening and balancing in a safe and controlled manner. Whether the Equicizer is the primary or additional part of a lesson, Pinocchio helps riders increase their strength, stability, flexibility, balance, confidence and well being.

An integrated team of instructors and volunteers work with the rider/groomer and horse to develop a program specific to each individual’s goals, needs and abilities. We at PARDS try to create the most effective learning environment possible for each and every one of our riders and groomers to help them reach their greatest level of success. Our goal is to provide our riders and groomers with a sense of freedom, accomplishment and dignity through therapeutic horsemanship.

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