Spring Session Begins - Monday, March 4th

Good Friday - Friday, March 29 - Office Closed

No Lessons - April 1 - April 4

The Grande Prairie Stompede is hosting their 2024 Tarp Auction Gala on March 16. A portion of the proceeds raised support the partnership PARDS created with the Stompede Association for our Unbridled Equine Assisted Mental Health (EAMH) program. Unbridled partners a horse, a psychologist and a youth

to provide therapy that involves working with horses to address mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and addiction. EAMH can be a powerful and effective way to address trauma, helping individuals to process their emotions, develop coping skills, and move forward in their healing journey. Unbridled is possible because of the funding support provided by the GP Stompede Association and PARDS is proud to offer this impactful programming through this important partnership. Purchase your tickets for the Gala at www.gpstompede.com and show your support of the Stompede and all the positive things they do to support the community!

Youth Summer Day

Come join us at summer camp! Our youth day camp is full of fun and friendship. It is also full of all kinds of learning and personal-discovery hidden within the games, activities and adventures.  Almost all of PARDS’ programs are incorporated into the day camps. It’s a fantastic way to learn the basics of horse care, riding, horsemanship, cart driving and much more.

Youth day camp is open to children between the ages of 6 (as of January 1 of camp year) and 14, of all abilities. Campers spend each day practicing and learning the basics of horse care and horsemanship through activities, lessons and hands-on learning. Youth Leadership activities are also incorporated into the daily camp schedule along with games, group activities and crafts.

Dates

Week 1 July 8 - July12 Week 2 July 15 - July 19 Week 3 July 29 - August 2

Week 4 August 10 - August 23 Week 5 August 26 - August 30

Little Pony Motricity Half Day Camp

Camp is set up with fun activities that incorporate fundamental skills in early ages of development while working with our miniature ponies. Riding, groundwork and horse care skills are taught

Little Pony Motricity Summer Camp is offered to children 3 (as of January 1 of camp year) to 6 years of age to a maximum height of 48 inches and 65 lbs. Riders must be able to toilet themselves and be independent from parents/ guardian for camp time of 2.5 hours. (unless a support aide is required) The program is both a ground work and riding program.

Dates

Week 1 July 22 - July 26 Week 2 August 12 - August 16

Therapeutic Equestrian Skills Development Camp

This camp is 4 days filled with fun and learning for campers aged 15+ with a clinical diagnosis. Campers experience the social, recreational and physical benefits that come with a five-day immersion in PARDS’ therapeutic programs. PARDS provides an instructor, a horse and all the necessary tack and riding/driving equipment.

During their day at camp, participants will enjoy activities including riding lessons, cart driving lessons and stable management.

Dates

August 6 - August 9

Ryder is 8 years old and has been riding at PARDS for almost 2 years. As a result of his Fetal Alcohol Syndrome diagnosis, Ryder experiences high anxiety, difficulty regulating his emotional responses, challenges with maintaining his focus and attention and recently has developed an extreme auditory sensory response which makes certain sounds almost painful for him. His loving grandparents took on guardianship of Ryder and, in an effort to help him find an activity he could thrive in, introduced him to PARDS. Ryder immediately fell in love with the horses and agreed that he wanted to participate in riding lessons. Ryder started out in one-on-one lessons where he was able to get to know his horse, progress at his own pace and receive individual attention to help him ride safely in a controlled and supportive environment.

Ryder took to riding like a duck takes to water. His bond with his horse Alby has resulted in him being able to be in the moment when he is in his lesson; and the empathy he shows for Alby in recognizing his own mood and behaviour impacts Alby’s mood and behaviour is truly beautiful to witness. The effort Ryder puts in to being calm, focused and caring when interacting with Alby is inspirational, especially when considering the challenges he experiences in these areas.

Ryder is now participating in a group lesson format so he can work on his social skills while developing his riding abilities. He is a shining light in our week and, at such a young age, inspires us with his determination to enjoy his time with Alby and his fellow riders while learning strategies to help him focus and be a welcome part of his riding group.

REGISTRATION

Information and registration

for all PARDS programs is

available on our website at www.pards.ca

For a list and overview of all programs and to register, please click on

Program Information & Registration

Volunteers describe many personal benefits beyond giving back to their community, including the opportunity to meet new people, learn new skills, and share their interests and hobbies with others. Volunteering can enhance job applications and careers, as well as positively impact mental health and wellbeing. There are many volunteer opportunities at PARDS to fit any schedule or interest. Learn more about opportunities to volunteer visit www.pards.ca or contact the PARDS office.

PARDS Staff, Critters and Volunteers will be at the Foster's Peace Country Classic Agri-Show

March 8 & 9. in the Drysdale Centre from 12:00 - 4:00.

Come out and visit with PARDS donkeys Ruskin & Harker and our goats Fred & BamBam.

Facility Sponsors

These generous companies provide services or gift in kind donations to help keep our programs and facility running, our herd healthy and our equipment maintained.

Thank you!