2013 Newsletter - Creston and District Society for Community Living

Where did the year 2013 go? We must have been having fun because it went by in a flash. 2013 was a
year of strengthening and building; riders, instructors, partnerships, volunteers and horses. We all
grew stronger and more experienced and the facility benefitted from a building spree!
The strengthening of all our assets has brought about the need, desire and readiness to expand.
The program is very excited about the expansion project that is underway. A new outdoor riding arena
is being constructed on property owned by CDSCL, adjacent to the existing riding center. One aspect of
the new arena is that it will be visible to passerbys on Erickson Street. Up until now, the Therapeutic
Riding Program has been operating in relative secret, tucked away behind the orchards at the back of
the old Endicott Center. Occasionally, drivers would catch a glimpse of an instructor taking riders out
in the orchard for a trail ride before the group disappeared down a row of cherry trees.
With the new arena, folks passing by will be able to see much more of what goes on at Therapeutic
Riding. One of the first thoughts they may have upon seeing the action have is “Where are all the
people with disabilities?” That’s one of the great joys of being on a horse...riders with a disability no
longer appear impaired. While some riders will always need the assistance of a horse handler and two
side walkers, other riders are learning to ride independently, some are starting to learn to canter on a
lunge line and others are practicing dressage movements. One group of riders is thrilled to be moving
on to jumping little obstacles and cantering around the arena. Oh what fun!!!
Thank you very, very much to all of the people (and horses), near and far, who have supported the
program. You have allowed the program to grow, blossom and to bring the joy of horses to so many.
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Keeping Lessons Affordable
Horses are incredible partners and horseback riding lessons are enjoyable and therapeutic. Generally
speaking, access to well trained horses and certified instructors for riding lessons can be an expensive
endeavor. One of the joys of operating the Therapeutic Riding Program is telling new riders that lessons are
financially affordable. So many people play a part in making this happen. Donors, volunteers, community
foundations, local service clubs and the list goes on. It actually goes on for two pages! Please turn to pages 22
and 23 to see a list of folks who have supported
the program this past year.
The Kootenay Region Association for
Community Living allows the program to
operate at the beautiful and convenient location.
Volunteers maintain the grounds on the property,
mowing lawns, cleaning up fallen branches and
keeping trees trimmed back.
The Province of BC, through its Direct Access
Gaming Grant, has helped fund operational costs
since 2007. This grant is incredibly important to
the program as a large part of the program’s
expenses are operational in nature.
Barb Wloka, her sister Anne Jackson and family have raised
hundreds of dollars for the program by putting up messages
on their Erickson fence. Please contact Michelle at 250402-6793 if you would like to request a fence note.
Students Work!
Thanks to the Columbia Basin Trust’s School Works grant and
the Canada Summer Jobs grant, the Therapeutic Riding Program
has been able to employ a full time student almost year round.
The CBT School Works program provides a wage subsidy of up to
$8/hour to encourage employers to provide part-time
employment to full-time high school and post-secondary students
during the school year. Small businesses and non-profit, First
Nation and public sector organizations in the Basin may apply.
Student Shayla Leacock had already been working summers with
the Therapeutic Riding Program thanks to the Canada Summer
Jobs grant. “When I found out about the School Works Program, I
was ecstatic that there was a possibility for me to continue my
work part time throughout the rest of the year, which corresponds
perfectly with my busy school and horse schedule. This has given
me the opportunity to save for my education and continue to gain
work experience and do what I love.”
Shayla Leacock horse handles Paddington
for Erickson Elementary student Jeffrey
Samuels.
For more information on the CBT School Works Program, please visit www.cbt.org/schoolworks.
2013 NEWSLE TTER
PAGE 3
Fourth Annual Art Trot Silent Art Auction and Treasures to Buy Fundraiser
We are holding our 4th Annual “Art Trot” Silent Art Auction
and Treasures to Buy fundraiser on February 7th and 8th,
2014. The venue is the Sunshine Room at the Creston and
District Community Complex. This has been a quality art
show by donation and lots of fun too. The funds raised go
directly to the program.
Last years event was a huge success with 40 pieces of art up
for auction and several tables filled with treasures to buy.
This years event will once again feature work by local artists
gathered as the “Creative Stew” and work by students from
ARES and PCSS. Those items were really popular last year!
Consider this an opportunity to create or re-gift a work of art or an interesting craft. Donations are gratefully
accepted at the CDSCL office which is located at 205 – 7th Avenue North, Creston. 250-428-2296, Monday to
Friday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm (closed for lunch). Donations are eligible for tax receipts too!
An Opening Night Reception will be held on Friday, February 7th, 2014 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm with snacks,
beverages and our very own Peter Feltham on guitar for entertainment.
Congratulations to Heath Berry who won the Art Trot Poster Art Contest! You can see his winning piece on the
attached poster. Thank you to all who submitted artwork to the contest. Greeting cards are being produced
with all of the submitted art work and will be available to purchase at the event.
Donations are already rolling in
and we have received gorgeous
original pieces by Muriel
MacArthur, Caryle Schroeder,
Peter McLennan, Marion Evans,
Morgan Fleck and Eleanor Van De
Bogart. Jennifer Chambers has
donated 5 extraordinary quilts and
a Lloyd Morris original barnboard
birdhouse will also be available to
bid upon.
Art Trot 2014
Silent Art
Auction
Treasures
to Buy
Friday, February 7th: 10:00 am to 7:00 pm
Saturday, February 8th: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Creston and District Community Complex Sunshine Room
For more information contact
Michelle -250-402-6793 mwhiteaway@hotmail.com or Barb - 250-428-2882 bmirth@shaw.ca
Come on by and bid on donated artwork or pick up something special
from the Treasures to Buy tables. The folks of the Creston Valley are
extremely creative and generous. Thanks to everyone for donating!
B ITS & PIEC ES
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Therapeutic Riding Horse Show Introduces Competitive Classes
The annual Therapeutic Riding Program Horse Show was once again a
very popular event. Held in June, thirty riders came out to ride and
compete in races and fun games of skill . Friends and family cheered
everyone on from the viewing area and encouraged their favourite
rider and horse to win. Christine Ross was the ringleader and games
master, keeping everyone moving safely.
This year, instead of participant ribbons for all riders, scores were
kept and ribbons were awarded for 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th places.
Points were awarded to the winners of egg and spoon races, pole
bending race and musical poles (everyone’s favourite and most
competitive event!). It’s great to see volunteers bring out their
competitive edge too!
Last fall, several of our therapeutic riders were classified at Grade IV
by para-equestrian classifier Marion Slatter-Blitstein. Having a
classification grade enables riders to compete against others with a
similar functional ability. Given that all of our classified riders are
Grade IV, an Equitation class was held, All four riders took the
competition seriously and everyone rode well.
Frances Collison riding Cupcake
competed in a Equitation class.
During the noon break, a free BBQ lunch was cooked up and served by
our Executive Director, Peter Feltham with help from his wonderful
assistant Shirley. Everyone was fed and no one left hungry!
We are looking forward to our next horse show, scheduled for Sunday,
June 8th, 2014,
Claire Lemaire, also riding Cupcake,
came in second place!
Everyone enjoyed a BBQ lunch.
Ben Taylor & Windy
Morgan Fleck riding Peanut
2013 NEWSLE TTER
Cowboy Up!
PAGE 5
Photos by Kathryn Gardner Photography
The Creston Valley Horse Association held their first ever Kootenay Cowboy
Up Challenge on August 10th, 2013 at Canyon Park. Our very own Shayla
Leacock was one of the organizers who put on a really great event.
There were opportunities for riders of all skill levels to compete in cowboy
type obstacles like a log crossing, a narrow bridge and a teeter totter bridge, a
hay maze, a mail box and even leading your horse blind folded. Riders earned
points for horsemanship, the ability to complete the obstacle and speed.
Thanks to a class named “More Than a Pony Ride”, riders from the therapeutic
riding program were able to compete with the assistance of a horse handler
and side walkers. Alexis Folk with her team of Kit the horse, side walkers
Melanie Folk and Tessa Chambers and horse handler Michelle did a super job
and had an exciting time navigating all of the obstacles, bringing home a first
place win!
Lots of trotting between
obstacles = lots of smiles!
Luanne Armstrong competed in the Novice (Western) and English classes on
her therapy horse Caraigh. What an amazing team they made! Caraigh, true to
his name meaning rock, gave Luanne two very nice rides and they met each
obstacle with a great sense of confidence.
Three of our instructors also participated in the competition. Christine Ross,
riding her horse Troika, entered the English class. Shayla Leacock entered the
Futurity class with her 3 year old horse Allie and took first place!. Michelle
Whiteaway and Kit, therapy horse extraordinaire, had a blast in the Open class
and took home first place in the English class.
All in all, the event was a wonderful time for participants and spectators alike
as horse people came out to have fun with their horses.
Alexis gives Kit an encouraging pat as they head
Luanne and Caraigh start the Novice class by having
over the narrow bridge obstacle.
to open and close the arena gate.
PAGE 6
Benefits of Therapeutic Riding
Physically, the horse in motion moves a rider with disabilities
rhythmically and naturally in a way that simulates the human walking
gait. A casual observer watching two riders on horseback would not be
able to distinguish which rider has a disability that prevents them from
walking evenly or unassisted. For the riders, working with horses
provides an overwhelming sense of joy and the therapy is not
treatment-like. Instead, it’s fun and unpredictable. Benefits of riding
horses for therapy include:

Improved mobility & flexibility

Strengthened muscles and improved core strength

Improved balance and posture

Improved coordination & motor skills

Increased self-confidence and greater motivation

Increased concentration & improved memory

Wider circle of friends & a chance to experience
nature

Greater independence and good old fashioned fun!
Riding lifts the spirit!
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2013 NEWSLE TTER
PAGE 7
Parents and Riders Say It Best...
I am writing this letter on behalf of my daughter
Alexis Folk. She is a six year old with Cerebral Palsy
who is an avid horse rider at the Creston Therapeutic
Riding. As a mother, I cannot express enough on how
beneficial horse riding has been for her emotionally,
spiritually, personally, and most profoundly
physically. It has greatly strengthened her core,
improved her flexibility and balance. All this allowing
her to become more independent to the point of
walking unassisted for a short distance. Walking
unassisted!! This alone is a great gift to a child with
CP. The great thing about using a horse as an exercise
tool is that a person doesn't even realize how hard
they are working. All Alexis feels is joy. She would
ride everyday if she could! Melanie Folk
Smiles are a common sight at the riding centre!
Photo by Fig & Willow Photography
Why I Ride, by Luanne Armstrong
I walked out one day this summer to turn off an
irrigation valve in the hayfield. I knelt down, turned
off the valve and straightened up again. I knelt down
again just to check that I could do this. That was the
first time I had knelt without pain for fifteen years.
I have now been riding at the Creston and District
Society for Community Living's Therapeutic Riding
Program for three years. I started because all my
joints were crippled and stiff from rheumatoid
arthritis. Then I had two car accidents but I kept
riding. Riding keeps me focused. I drive better after I
ride. I think better. I walk straighter.
Everything at the therapeutic riding centre is wellorganized. Christine Ross, my riding teacher says, “I
look for two things, safety and enjoyment.” And she
Luanne canters with Caraigh at Canyon Park during the
does. She notices everything. Checks everything. So
Cowboy Up event
Photo
by Tanya Symons
riders at TRP can relax because they are safe and
they can relax into pure concentration and
enjoyment. The horses take their job seriously as well, they take care with their riders, and they like to know
they have done a good job. Each of the horses is an individual and each has his or her quirks and personality
traits and they are matched with their riders accordingly.
Continued on page 8...
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...continued from page 7
The horses at the Centre are carefully picked for their temperament, character and conformation. They must
be in good shape, because they work hard, they must really like people, they must be gentle and well trained
and even so, it takes them about three years to really learn their jobs and adjust to the demands of working
with so many different people with different physical and emotional abilities.
The horse I ride was given to me by my sister, who is a magic horse whisperer rider and a trainer and is also
the farrier for the Therapeutic Riding Centre. She rescued him from a situation where no one had noticed him
because he has an ugly head and neck. No one had noticed his strong body, his kind face, his need for warmth
and attention. Whenever I get off him, he puts his head in my chest, wanting approval, wanting to know he's
done a good job. He and I are now in training to compete nationally as a para-equestion dressage team. One
judge was kind enough to call us “talented.”
Creston is extremely fortunate not only in the depth and strength and education of the riding instructors but
in the number and skill of the volunteers that give their time and energy to the TRP. Some of the volunteers
are also riders. Some are skilled horsepeople. Some lead horses. Some build pens and shelters. Some donate
hay; some merely come to take a favourite horse for a walk. Some people come because they love horses. And
people. And children. There so are many ways to volunteer at TRP. When a child or adult with a disability is
riding, they often require people to walk both beside them and to lead the horse. Many people begin riding
with help and graduate to riding on their own. People cheerfully clean pens. Or saddle horses.
One of the truly amazing things to watch at TRP is the transformation that happens as people begin to bond
with the horses, as their bodies strengthen, as they realize that they can ride on their own, as they straighten
up, as their core muscles strengthen, as they get off a horse smiling and laughing, as such a simple thing as
riding teaches them independence and confidence.
For example, Barbara West began initially volunteering at
TRP because of an interest in working with children. She
knew nothing about horses but she was attracted by the kind
of joy she saw in the kids at TRP. Then she started riding
herself, initially to help with her own balance issues caused
by multiple sclerosis. She says she was “stunned” by how
much riding unlocked frozen muscles in her body. As
therapy, she practiced “centred” riding, which includes
breathing and relaxation exercises. She began to realize how
much the horse was a partner in her therapy. “This was a
huge shift for me.” she says. Now she combines riding
lessons, therapeutic riding, and volunteer work. “It's such a
whole picture. It's about normalizing disability, building on
strength, trusting the wider community. TRP is about trust,
joy, encouragement, and excellence,” she says.
Barb West progressed from riding for therapy
with a horse handler to learning to ride
independently. Good job Barb!
Michelle Whiteaway is one of the people who makes things work at TRP. While her official title is Program
Director, she is also an instructor with the program, and she is also the person who is around when a horse or
Continued on page 9...
2013 NEWSLE TTER
PAGE 9
...continued from page 8
a rider needs something. Michelle is the person hauling hay, hauling poop, smiling, giving directions, and in
general making things work well, making everyone, horses and people, feel safe and happy.
Christine Ross, who is the head instructor and my teacher, has a knack for telling me just the right amount of
information in each lesson so that each time I ride, both me, and Caraigh, learn one new thing. I was nervous
when I started riding. I hadn't been on a horse for years. I was tense and stiff and sore. Christine made me feel
safe so that I could take joy in each ride.
Christine, who works as an architect in her other life, began
teaching at Therapeutic Riding as a way of using her riding
instructor’s skills. She said it “blew me away” how much joy
students took in their riding and how much progress people
make.
TRP has four other highly qualified instructors as well, Peggy
Hawes, Judine Maki, Shayla Leacock and Avis Hutchinson. It is
absolutely astonishing to find this depth and level of
qualification in therapeutic riding instructors outside the
lower mainland. In addition, TRP has about forty volunteers
who volunteer in all different aspects of the program.
Assistant Instructor Avis Hutchinson helps
But for me, riding is more than exercise, more than therapy,
rider
John Hiebert to learn to steer effectively.
more than competition, more than enjoyment. Riding, done
well, for me, becomes something beautiful, a connection
between my horse and myself, a balanced and mysterious beauty, where time slows and holds its breath,
where my horse and I are suspended within a bubble of concentration, all of my body connected to his,
listening to each other, moving in a perfect balance, an art of pitch perfect performance that falls apart even as
we achieve it. I can't imagine my life without it.
Luanne gives her horse Caraigh an encouraging
Christine Ross, instructor, teaching Luanne and
pat during her lesson.
Caraigh one new thing.
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PAGE 10
Volunteering with a Therapeutic Riding Program
The benefits of therapeutic riding are enhanced by the caring, enthusiastic volunteers and instructors and the
well trained, friendly horses who create a welcoming environment. Everyone is encouraged to perform to the
best of their ability. Volunteers, in return, are rewarded with big smiles, hugs, high fives and sometimes
cookies and donuts!
Volunteers are the heart, soul, arms and legs of the
program. Our volunteers find that working with or around
the horses and riders is also therapeutic for themselves.
There are so many different ways to volunteer. Here’s just a
few ways to get involved.

Get the horses ready for lessons and put them away
when they are done.

Lead the horse for a rider who needs assistance
controlling the horse.

Walk alongside a rider on a horse to provide physical or
moral support.

Help with chores like feeding, cleaning pens, cleaning
and filling water troughs.

Mow the lawns using the riding lawn mower. Beverage
holder and ear muffs included!
Want to help? Call Michelle at 250-402-6793 or email
mwhiteaway@hotmail.com to get started.
Mary Griffioen has been volunteering every Wednesday
morning in the spring and fall sessions since 2006, without
missing a single lesson! She has seen many riders starting
off riding with the elementary schools, moving onto high
school and graduating. Mary has helped many riders move
on from needing a horse handler to riding independently.
Although she keeps putting herself out of a job in that way,
we always find new riders who need her help. Mary’s latest
success was helping Jackson ride Emma independently in a
group lesson. She helped build his confidence gradually
over the 8 week fall session until he was thrilled to ride the
whole lesson all by himself.
Thank you so much Mary for being a part of our team. Your
efforts are very much appreciated by the riders, caregivers,
instructors and of course, the horses!
To be a volunteer, it takes…
Generosity, a willingness to give your time to
others
Understanding, because their lives might be
very different from your own
Empathy, an ability to put yourself in
someone else's shoes and feel what they
must feel
Compassion, to truly care about making
someone else's life better
Patience, because the process doesn't always
go as smoothly as it might
Dedication, to stick with the project and see
it through
You've shown these qualities and so much
more, so thank you for all that you do!
2013 NEWSLE TTER
PAGE 11
Meet the Team, Our Instructors
The program is very proud of its diverse team of instructors. Their unique personalities and individual
strengths combine to form a solid team with a wide ranging talents. Respect is foremost - for each other,
riders, caregivers, volunteers, donors, horses and our supportive community. One thing all of our instructors
have in common is their commitment to and passion about therapeutic riding.
Christine Ross, CanTRA Head Instructor &
Equine Canada Instructor of Beginners
Christine started riding at the age of 6 in England and
has experience in most aspects of English riding. This
coming season Christine wants to concentrate on
excellence in teaching both therapeutic and
public riders. She wants to continue helping para
equestrian riders develop and participate in the Para
Equestrian Canada Video Competitions. She wants
also to concentrate along with other members of the
instructor team, on schooling the horses towards
becoming an excellent herd of therapeutic riding
horse and ponies. Christine is always expanding her
knowledge and works to share information with
instructors, volunteers and horses.
Christine and Troika at the Cowboy Up Challenge
Photo by Kathryn Gardner Photography
Judine Maki, Public Riding Instructor & Equine
Canada Instructor of Beginners
Judine started riding as a teenager on Vancouver Island with
the Nanaimo Pony Club, and completed her Equine Canada
Instructor Certification in 2001. Currently, she owns 5 horses
and loves to trail ride up the mountains in West Creston.
Judine also coaches her two daughters, Kylan and Ashtyn, as
they’ve become competitive three day event riders . For the
past 10 years, Judine has instructed riders at several clinics
and summer camps in Alberta & BC. She plans lesson activities
that focus on developing a balanced and independent seat
while riders acquire the skills to execute the aids and the
knowledge to understand the horses reaction to them. Lessons
are designed to be fun and active, with safety and respect for
the horse and rider always promoted. Judine is a very busy
lady as she also teaches at the local high school and we are
thankful that she finds the time to teach riding lessons at the
therapeutic riding center.
Continued on page 14...
Judine with her horse Huey
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PAGE 12
...continued from page 11
Peggy Hawes, CanTRA Assistant Instructor
Peggy has been around horses all her life On the farm riding
the chore horses, borrowing the neighbours horse to ride ,
having friends with horses to ride , going into nursing so she
could have a well-enough paying job to afford a horse, and
then finally having her own horse. After raising horses for
awhile, Peggy downsized from a dozen to 2 or 3 , for pleasure
riding and recently for driving. Meanwhile she does a little
therapeutic instruction , is president of the Creston Valley
Horse Association and enjoys retirement. “What a HUGE
sense of accomplishment for a person with a disability to say
"I ride a horse once a week ". Let's continue to show our
support so that this valuable program continues to be
available to the members of our community. “
Peggy gave volunteer Angie Pawson a quick ride
on Cupcake when their rider missed a lesson.
Michelle Whiteaway, CanTRA Intermediate Instructor/Program Director
Michelle is very much enjoying helping the Therapeutic Riding Program grow and blossom, both as an
instructor and program director. As an intermediate instructor, she very much enjoys teaching group lessons
where riders can engage in friendly competition and challenge each other, but also gets great pleasure from
teaching riders one on one with a team of volunteers. In the fifth year of this job (it’s really a lifestyle),
Michelle has been able to take regular riding lessons on her horse Kit, also a therapy horse. Her instructor,
Judine Maki, as been a huge help in developing
Michelle’s solid riding position which Kit greatly
appreciates.
Michelle and Kit participated in a couple of
competitions this year. The Kootenay Cowboy Up
Challenge was loads of fun as Kit demonstrated her
versatility as a Western horse in the Open class and an
English horse in the English class. In August, they
travelled to Trail for the Hot August Hooves Show.
Although they did not place well, they did well
personally!
Their goal for 2014 is to take the Equine Canada Rider
Level 5 exam and pass it.
Michelle is looking forward to spring session and
seeing everyone back at the riding centre again.
Michelle and Kit riding a dressage test at the Hot
August Hooves Show in Trail.
Photo by Sarah Wyatt Photography
2013 NEWSLE TTER
PAGE 13
...continued from page 12
Congratulations are in order for both Shayla Leacock and Avis Hutchinson, our newly certified CanTRA
Assistant Instructors! Both Shayla and Avis travelled to North Fraser Therapeutic Riding Association (NFTRA)
in Maple Ridge in early July to participate in a CanTRA instructor certification event. They were extremely
well prepared for the two days of practical exams and both passed with flying colours and excellent comments
from CanTRA Examiners Fionna Christenson and Margaret Rigby. Well done ladies!
Shayla Leacock, CanTRA Assistant Instructor
Shayla owns two horses, Pro and Allie, and enjoys trail riding through the
Airport trails in Lister and competing in horse shows. In the spring of 2013,
Shayla successfully completed the CanTRA Assistant Instructor exam and is
now a certified Assistant Instructor!
Over the fall Shayla attended the Oregon School of Natural Hoof Care and is
continuing her journey working towards becoming an Equine Canada
Western Competition Coach.
“What an awesome program to be a part of! Whether it’s the thrill of riding a
pony once a week, the joy of volunteering, or the reward of teaching,
therapeutic riding has endless benefits and brings happiness into so many
people’s lives. I look forward to being a part of this program for many years
to come! “
Shayla and her horse Pro
Avis Hutchinson, CanTRA Assistant Instructor
This is Avis’s third year with the Therapeutic Riding Program. She
started with the program as a volunteer after retiring to Creston
from Alberta. Before retiring Avis used to ride recreationally so
when she started to volunteer with the program she was amazed
at the impact the program provided to the riders.
This June, Avis went to Vancouver and successfully completed her
Assistant Instructor certification with CanTRA. She looks forward
to working with the riders to help them find that therapeutic
“magic” that the horses provide.
Avis continues to work on her own riding levels and is having a
tremendous amount of fun working and jumping with Peanut.
This year she leased a horse and is very excited to use all her
knowledge and experience from the Therapeutic Riding Program
in a new way!
Avis and her leased horse, Lily
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PAGE 14
Meet the Team, Our SUPERB Horses!
This past year saw a big change in the therapy horse herd. The average age of the herd is now 13.5 years old,
down from 16.2 years old!. Having younger horses is a bit of a challenge. The younger horses tend to need
more schooling so that our riders will have a well trained horse to respond to their aids as they learn.
However, our horses are quick to learn and eager to please and every single horse in our herd right now is an
absolute gem. 3 years ago, we only had three horse on which we could teach riders to canter. Now, all eight
horses in our herd can walk, trot, canter and do little jumps. That is really impressive! All of the horses are
enjoying their very important jobs as Therapy Horses. They all set a very high standard and the program is
very proud of what they can all offer to the riders, volunteers and visitors.
Caraigh is a 9 year old Quarter Horse. He grew up in Grand
Forks and moved to the Creston Valley in 2012. Caraigh was
named by his owner Luanne Armstrong and it means rock in
Gaelic. He is so named because he is a sturdy, quiet horse that
doesn’t seem bothered by much. He is settling in very well to life
at Therapeutic Riding and enjoys interacting with people and the
other horses. He does love to gallop out in the field and is a
remarkable looking sight when he is going full out. Caraigh and
his owner Luanne are working on improving their para-dressage
skills and it’s wonderful to see improvements in both Caraigh
and Luanne!
Photo by Tanya Symons
Cupcake is a 9 year old Paint mare. Cupcake’s personality is just
perfect for therapeutic riding. She’s very gentle, doesn’t scare
easily and LOVES people and the attention that she gets from
everyone. Her temperament and easy-going personality makes
her a valuable member of the team. Cupcake really enjoys taking
riders through the orchard trails and assisting all level of riders
in the arena. She has lots of curiosity and always wants to know
what’s going on. When she goes out in the horse trailer, her nose
can often be seen poking out of the window!
Thank you to the Creston Valley
Gleaners Society for sponsoring
Cupcake!
Photo by Tanya Symons
2013 NEWSLE TTER
PAGE 15
Emma is a 14 year old Quarter Horse/Suffolk Punch cross. At
16.1HH she is the biggest and tallest member of our herd.
Emma has a big forward stride and is a lot of fun to ride.
Emma is a more sensitive horse, but she takes good care of her
riders and tries very hard to please. Emma is a favourite
amongst horse handles as she is incredibly responsive and
good natured. The quickest way into Emma’s good books is to
scratch her belly while in the tack up area!
Thank you to Mackenzie
Investments for co-sponsoring
Emma!
Photo by Tanya Symons
Kit is a 15.1HH Quarter horse cross lent to the program by
Program Director, Michelle Whiteaway. At 14 years, old Kit
has 7 years of experience as a Therapy horse. Kit is a very
versatile horse who can take riders to competitions, whether
they are local or para equestrian video competitions. She is
also at home taking riders with side walkers out for trail rides
and little trots in the orchard. She is well trained to voice
commands and works well on a lunge line, helping riders learn
to canter for the first time. We are going to nominate Kit for
CanTRA’s Therapy Horse of the Year
award!
Thank you to Brad and Denise from
Cabay’s Dirtworks for sponsoring
Kit!
Max is an 11 year old, 15.3HH Thoroughbred/Percheron cross
bought from Renee Phillips in the Crescent Valley. He comes
from the same place we purchased Peanut. Max is proving to
be an excellent mount for Therapeutic Riding. He does really
well in the arena and out on the trails.. He gets along well with
the other horses although he likes to be the boss. Max looks a
lot like Kit, but you can tell them apart by looking at their faces.
Max does not have any white markings while Kit has a star on
her forehead and a snip on her nose.
Thanks to everyone who sponsored the Triathlon Teams
in order to raise the purchase price of this wonderful
horse!
Photo by Fig & Willow Photography
B ITS & PIEC ES
PAGE 16
Meet the Horses (continued…)
Paddington is the newest addition to our therapy horse herd,
thanks to Paula Ebelher and her family for donating him to the
program. “Paddy” is a 15 year old bay gelding that was used as a
kids horse before he was donated to the program in the
summer of 2013. At 14.2HH Paddy is a stout little horse that
weighs about 1000lbs, making him great for a variety of riders.
Over the fall session he proved to be the perfect mount for
riders needing a smooth horse that maintains a steady gait.
Paddy passes for the cutest horse of the program, which is
probably because of his breed Connemara/Welsh/Quarter
Horse and his sweet personality. We are happy to have
Paddington in the herd!
Peanut is a 15 year old Morgan mare purchased with part of the
KRAFT Celebration Tour Award in 2012. In the year and a half
that Peanut has been working as therapy horse, she has become
invaluable to the team. Peanut has a lovely forward moving
walk that really exercises her riders without them realizing it.
Her gentle disposition, willingness and good sense make her a
pleasure to work with. Sometimes we even compare her to our
retired super horse, Salty! We love you Peanut!
Photo by Tanya Symons
Windy is a 20 year old purebred Morgan mare that stands 14.1
hands high and weighs approximately 850lbs. Her nickname is
Wonderful Windy because she is such a sweetheart to work
with. Children benefit from riding Windy as she is a small,
sturdy and compact horse. Her kind and nurturing personality
and excellent work ethic are appreciated by everyone. Windy is
really enjoying life at the Therapeutic Riding Program.
Thank you to the Telus
Community Action Team for
sponsoring Windy!
Photo by Fig & Willow Photography
PAGE 17
2013 NEWSLE TTER
Thanks to these
local businesses for
sponsoring this
newsletter!
Michael Carpenter, Owner/Broker
2 Offices to Serve You
1013 Canyon Street, Creston
106 33rd Ave S., Hwy 3, Erickson
Toll Free: 1-877-428-2234
Office: 250-428-2234
Fax: 250-428-2526
PAGE 18
B ITS & PIEC ES
Blossom Festival Events
A Grand Re-Opening was held over the Blossom Festival
weekend to showcase all of the improvements that were
made thanks to the Kraft Celebration Tour award and the
Tire Stewardship BC grant as well as work done by the
KES Job Options work crew. Christine Ross, Head
Instructor, held Therapeutic Riding demonstrations
which helped the audience understand the wide variety of
riders who benefit from therapeutic riding. The Grand
Re-Opening was preceded by our very first entry in the
Blossom Festival Parade. Thanks to Tanya Symons for
providing many, many stuffed horses which decorated the
horse trailer!
A horse trailer filled with stuffed horses and
decorated with Thank You signs was our entry in
the Blossom Festival Parade.
Visitors to the Riding Centre
Visitors are always welcome at the Therapeutic Riding
Program. Children and the teachers from the local
preschool organized a visit to see the horses and they all
enjoyed meeting and greeting the horses. At the other
end of the age spectrum, two groups from TAPS were
welcomed in August. Most of the seniors (and staff!)
loved snuggling with the horses while out of the hot sun.
The Kootenay Employment Society brought a group of
New Canadians for a visit. That was exciting as several
members of the group had never, ever seen a horse, let
alone touched one! The common thread among these
groups were the smiles with which everyone left. :)
Update on the Retired Horses
The Therapeutic Activation Program for Seniors
paid the horses a visit in August. The seniors and
horses very much enjoyed each others company.
Last fall, the program retired three horses; Inga, Salty and Blue. All three of them went to live at the same farm
and it warmed our hearts that they were able to stay together. Over a year has passed now and we do go visit
them from time to time. They are all doing well
in their new home, thanks to the care and
attention that they receive from Win and Ivan
Szoke. They live across the street from Canyon
Park so when we take Kit to the park, she and
Blue recognize each other. It’s so moving to see
both of them with their heads up as they whinny
back and forth. Thank you Win and Ivan for
taking in our three retirees!
Blue, Salty and Inga are enjoying their retirement.
2013 NEWSLE TTER
PAGE 19
Wish List
The program is always working to improve the facility and provide riders with equipment that is safe and
useful. Here are some items that we would like and projects that we’d like to see happen in the near future:
Rider Equipment
 Paddock boots in various sizes , especially men’s size 8
 ATSM-SEI riding helmets and transfer belts
(especially the smaller sizes)
 Half chaps, different sizes
 Colored cones
Financial donations are always gratefully accepted and
are eligible for a tax receipt. Donations may be mailed
to :
CDSCL TRP, Box 1820, Creston, BC V0B 1G0
Stuff for the Horses
 Fly masks and fly spray
Donations may also be made online at:
http://cdscl.com/trp_donate.htm
 Small square bales of hay & bags of beet pulp.
Facility Projects
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
 Treated lumber for a new mounting deck.
 A field and brush mower for the tractors rear PTO so we can clear more riding trails.
 Exterior acrylic paint, any colour, to paint obstacles with.
 A sprinkler system to keep the dust down in the riding arena.
 Two more horse shelters: sheets of plywood and lots of 2 x 6 s, roofing material.
 Post and rail fencing material : 3/8” 6” galvanized lag screws, 3” 12’ treated fence rails and 4-5” 7’ treated
fence posts.
Note: The Therapeutic Riding Program is located on a 5 acre parcel on the Endicott property. The program
has an agreement to use and improve that parcel. The owners of the property, the Kootenay Region
Association for Community Living (KRACL) are undertaking a redevelopment of the rest of the property. Read
on for more information...
What’s happening on the Endicott Property?
By Eric Kutzner
You will be seeing lots of activity around the site this spring as the Endicott property
becomes “Spectrum Farms - a therapeutic community”. The greenhouse will be covered
and part of the old orchard will be dug up to grow vegetables and berries to provide
employment for adult persons with disabilities. You may even see some baby chicks
around the place, but you may need to wait until they are big enough to go outside.
Volunteers will be needed to help with flower gardens and as employment supervisors.
More information will be available as spring time grows closer. Stay tuned to the
website at www.spectrum-farms.org or call Eric Kutzner at 250-428-5061 for more
information.
B ITS & PIEC ES
PAGE 20
Just “TRI” IT! TRIATHLON: Raising Funds to Purchase Max
By Christine Ross
On June 1st, 2013 the Creston and District Community Complex
held the Just “Tri” It! Triathlon. The triathlon involves a 500m
swim , a 13km bike ride followed by a 5 km run. This can be
done as a team or individual event.
The CDSCL Therapeutic Riding Program had two teams and two
individuals competing in the Triathlon. The teams were made
up from a combination of Therapeutic Riding Program
instructors and volunteers and each person raised money
through sponsorship. The aim of the sponsorships was to fund
the purchase of Max, a new horse for the therapeutic riding
program.
Avis Hutchinson and Alex Nilsson challenge
each other at the finish line.
This was the second year that the Triathlon was used as a
fundraising event by the program and together the participants
raised $3,635 for the purchase of Max, which was twice the
amount raised to help purchase Cupcake in the 2012 Triathlon.
The whole event was great fun, a wonderful team building
experience for all who took part and this fundraising event
exceeded all expectations.
Triathlon is an excellent sporting activity which develops
strength and fitness. If you would like to take part in next
year’s Just “Tri” It Triathlon on 7th June, 2014 as part of the
CDSCL Therapeutic Riding Triathlon Team, please contact
Christine Ross – christineross@theeastshore.net or Avis
Hutchinson – skeeterspals@hotmail.com . A person can either
be part of a team and do just one event – swimming, cycling or
running or you can do the whole Triathlon.
THANK YOU SO MUCH to the 105 people who
sponsored our triathletes to raise $3635 to
purchase Max!
Thank you to everyone who supported our triathlon teams to
make this a very successful fundraiser!
For more information about
the 2014 Triathlon, please
visit:
http://www.rdck.bc.ca/
community/recreation/
creston/
just_tri_it_triathlon/
triathlon_information__maps.html
L to R: Alex Nilsson, Terje Munkerd, Avis
Hutchinson, Shelley Tappay, Christine Ross,
Bryan Ellefson and Todd Jensen (not pictured,
Jody Mann)
2013 NEWSLE TTER
PAGE 21
Therapeutic Riders Compete in Para Equestrian Video Competitions
What is Para-Equestrian Sport?
Para-Equestrian Sport allows further opportunities for
therapeutic riders to develop their riding abilities and
compete with other riders. In Para Equestrian competition
each rider is classified according to his or her functional
ability. They are assessed by trained physiotherapists and
doctors who evaluate either muscle strength or
coordination or a combination of the two. The rider is then
given a functional profile that indicates the grade in which
they can compete. There are five grades of competitions
with Grade 1A representing the more severely impaired
riders and Grade IV representing the least severely
impaired riders.
Video Competitions.
Para Equestrian Canada is part of Equine Canada and they
hold video competitions several times a year. This allows
para-equestrian riders from all over Canada to compete
with each other from their regular riding establishments.
The competitions are filmed and submitted to Para
Equestrian Canada. The judging is done by very
experienced judges.
Christine Ross, head instructor, presents rider Dani
Bijou and Emma the horse with a first place ribbon
won in a Para Equestrian Video Competition.
During 2013 three riders from CDSCL Therapeutic Riding
Program have competed in video competitions and have
done very well.
Dani Bijou – Dani riding Emma came first in the Sea to Sea
Competition Class – Para –Dressage Class 11.
Izabell Hollis – Izabell riding Kit came first in the Coast to
Coast Trail Course for Independent Riders.
Luanne Armstrong – Luanne riding Caraigh came second in
the Sea to Sea Competition Class – Para – Dressage Class 12.
We warmly congratulate our riders for their successes.
For more information about Para
Equestrian Canada, please visit
http://equinecanada.ca/paraequestrian/index.php?
option=com_content&view=category
Izabell Hollis, riding Kit, won a first place in the
&id=33&Itemid=553&lang=en
Coast to Coast Trail for Independent Riders Para
Equestrian Video Competition.
PAGE 22
B ITS & PIEC ES
New Arena In Progress!
Folks driving down Erickson Rd might notice a cleared area in the orchard about 400 feet east of the
Therapeutic Riding Program's entrance driveway. Everyone at the Therapeutic Riding Program is very
excited about this new project! Thanks to a grant from the Creston Kootenay Foundation, the program has
been able to start work on a new 100' x 200' outdoor arena.
There are several phases to this project and fundraising still needs to be done.
Phase 1: Thanks to volunteers Terje Munkerud and his
friends who cut down the trees and Creston Tree Service
who chipped up the branches, the first phase was
completed in late October.
Phase 2: MarCo Excavating and his crew were next on
the job, pulling the tree stumps out and hauling them
away. An excavator and bulldozer were then put to work,
levelling and grading the site of the new arena. They have
done an amazing job of preparing the site and they got it
all done before winter weather set in!
Phase 3, installing sand footing and Phase 4, installing
fences and gates will be completed once the funding that
is required has been secured.
Why is a new arena needed?
Ted Hutchinson, Nicole Nilsson, Sharon Brocklesby
and Heather Suttie of the Creston Kootenay
Foundation visited the arena site in progress.

The therapeutic riding program is growing every year thanks to the incredible support from the Creston
Valley and beyond. Volunteer support is amazing, with folks helping out year after year and new
volunteers joining the team on a regular basis. The program could not run without these dedicated,
enthusiastic volunteers, they are much appreciated.

In 2009, 26 therapeutic riders a week were participating in lessons. In 2013, 50 therapeutic riding lessons
are given a week. That's quite the increase. Since 2009, most of our resources have grown to meet this
demand for more riding lessons.

Our number of certified instructors has increased from one to six with one more who has started training.

Our herd of therapy horses has changed from having 5 horses with an average age of 16.2 years old to
having 8 horses with an average age of 13.5 years old.

The existing 65' x 125' arena is well used and is fully booked 5 days a week in the after school hours when
demand is highest for lessons.
Continued on next page…..
2013 NEWSLE TTER
PAGE 23
A larger riding arena will offer our riders the following benefits:

Extended riding season: an earlier start to the riding season will be possible as the new arena’s location
gets much more spring sun exposure than our current arena. The snow is usually gone from the new
location about two weeks before the current arena.

More space for lessons to be taught. The new arena’s size is 100' x 200'. This will allow dividing the arena
in two to create two 100' x 100' riding arenas.

The larger arena will allow for setting up more challenging obstacle course in a safe area.

The larger arena will be better for group lessons.

The 100'x x 200' sized arena will allow for higher level dressage tests to be ridden. Dressage is the
Equestrian Para-Olympic sport. Several of our riders have already competed in Para-Equestrian Video
Competitions and have done well.

Riders will be increasingly challenged by riding in a larger space.
The existing arena will still be well used. Its location and size provides for some magical riding moments and
the shade will be appreciated in the warmer months!
Thanks again to the Creston Kootenay Foundation for getting the arena project rolling. Everyone is looking
forward to the new arena being operational by summer 2014. And thanks so much to all of our supporters
who have generously helped to lay the foundation of this very successful program.
We’ve spent the KRAFT Celebration Tour Award!
The excitement of the KRAFT Celebration Tour Award win in 2012
continued on through 2013 as projects that were made possible with
the $25,000 were completed.
An American Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant portable toilet was
delivered in late March. This model is more spacious than a “wheelchair
accessible” toilet. It’s been put to good use since March!
The most expensive project with the biggest positive impact was the
tack up area floor upgrade. What a difference it has made having an
even, solid surface on which to move around. No more dust gets kicked
up, people with mobility challenges find it very easy to get around so
that interacting with the horses is a much safer thing to do.
Thanks so much to everyone who made all of this possible by voting for
us to win back in 2012 and to Tire Stewardship BC for providing an
additional grant to help purchase and install the recycled tire rubber
tiles. Thanks to TB Contractors for doing a great installing them too!
PAGE 24
B ITS & PIEC ES
Riding Center Improvements
What a difference a year makes when you have lots of people on hand to work on projects and generous
funders who provide for materials. The Kootenay Employment Society quickly became an invaluable partner
this past year. The Therapeutic Riding Program was incredibly fortunate as it was selected as a community
partner for two of KES’s work programs.
Headed up by supervisor Bob Benvie, the
Experience Works Program crew spent their
afternoons working at the riding center during
February and March. The crew of older
workers were extremely productive and
cranked out the following projects in just five
weeks!
New sign boards for the entrance! Wow! No longer is our location a
secret and the entrance and exit driveways are also well marked. Watch
for a new sign for Spectrum Farms to be added this spring.
New hay shed! We’ve been dreaming of having a hay shed for years. The
location way easily selected as we’ve often wandered around the property
scouting out good spots for it and already knew where it should go. Ever
since the program started in 2005, hay had been stored on top of palettes
and under tarps. New tarps had to be purchased each year as invariably,
the winter weather damaged the tarps and even some of the hay
underneath. No more damaged hay, hooray!
The Tack Up area shed roof is now on solid footings, literally! When
first built, the tack up shed supports were made of timber that had been
knocked down in the tornado of June 2007. The untreated timbers were
starting to fail, so Bob and his crew arrived just in time to fix things up. All
Charlie Moon delivered the first
supports now rest on concrete footings and the beams are well supported.
load of hay into the hay shed and
To top things off, they completed this project just in time to have the new
Dawn Brazdil-Lust helped unload.
flooring installed.
Two more horse shelters! Up until this year, the horses only had two
shelters between them. The rest of the horses had to use the big fir and
cedar trees for shelter...better than nothing, but not as good as a solid roof
to keep out of the rain and away from the flies.
Fresh paint everywhere! We really like the red barn paint with white
trim and the Experience Works crew did a great job of giving everything
several coats of stain.
Upgraded mounting deck! The mounting ramp was made safer and
more sturdy and also received a new coat of paint.
Peanut keeps out of the rain in
her new shelter!
2013 NEWSLE TTER
PAGE 25
More Improvements…
Our tree expert, Lyn Kistner, did not stay idle in 2013. Two
trees in danger of damaging Archibald House (the old brick
house), were taken down. Also, two huge trees in the back
pasture were dropped. The root balls of these trees were more
than half exposed as the bank in which they grew was eroding.
Lyn once again did an amazing job of dropping the trees safely.
And thanks to his helpers BJ Fedorowich and Terje Munkerud
for helping with the felling operation and cleanup!
Thanks to the Columbia Basin Trust and
their Community Initiatives program, the
Town of Creston, RDCK Area B and RDCK
Area C were able to fund our 2013 fencing
upgrades.
Terje Munkerud and Lyn Kistner stand a top
the carefully felled tree.
This was truly a community project as students from Prince
Charles Secondary School helped out during the May
Community Day to place all of the posts and rails along the
fence line. This was no small feat as there were 250 rails and
100 posts to move. These folks were hard workers and got the
job done in no time at all. We were also fortunate to have the
group back in October to help out with chores; cleaning
paddocks, picking up sticks, checking for nails, raking leaves.
Thank you all so much for your help!
KES returned to the property in September with a Job Options
work crew led by Kurt Goltz. Their first job was to install all of
the fence rails. Kurt had everyone working as a team and the
fence and gates went up very efficiently.
PCSS Students were a great help in getting
the fencing project done.
The Job Options crew then moved on to building two more
horse shelters, bringing the total of horse shelters in the
paddocks to 6! What lucky horses we have!
Getting Chores Done
Thank you, thank you to Morgan, Ron and Gwen Benty, Barb
Wloka and Sharon Tervo for helping regularly with cleaning
pens. Erin Collison was also a great help in the fall.
KES Job Options crew members always
worked cheerfully!
Tessa Chambers became a member of the team during Fall
session, making sure that chores were all caught up and helping with lessons. Tessa, it was great having you
here and we very much appreciated your positive attitude, conscientiousness and reliability!
B ITS & PIEC ES
PAGE 26
THANK YOU!
Thanks to these
dedicated volunteers
who help the riders
with their lessons.
Mary Griffieon
Mary Bartley
Ashley Brunell
Tessa Chambers
Pierson Dirk
Dawn Brazdil-Lust
Melissa Duffey
Carl Erickson
Bryan Ellefson
Erin Faulks
Anne Fetterly
Melanie Folk
Diane Furlong
Rika Harris
Avis Hutchinson
Ted Hutchinson
Rita Kuhnlein
Shayla Leacock
Sharon Leskowski
Nyomi Mainville
Martha McLaren
Kristen Oler
Meaghan Osborne
Angie Pawson
Jessica Rita
Bruno Schulz
Barbara Schwab
Marika Smith
Tanya Symons
Sharon Tervo
Shelley Tappay
Barb West
Barb Wloka
Thanks to our 2013 Donors & Volunteers!
Adrian Gidluck
Alan & Joan Halvorsen
Alex Nilsson
Alison & Bart Bjorkman
Angela and Shawn Conway
Angela Laprairie
Angie & Lloyd Pawson
Ann Graves
Ann Hall
Anna Hausleitner
Annaliese Phypers
Anonymous
April and Andrew Bibby
Avis Hutchinson
Barb West
Barb Wloka
Barbara Lindsay
Bianca Daian
Biffy in a Jiffy
Bill Jackman
Bob Graham
Bob Letcher
Brandi Archibald
Brandy Dyer
Brett and Sandi Meredith
Brett Schell
Bryan & Linda Ellefson
Bryan and Sarah Ferguson
Bunny Barrett
Cabay's Dirtworks Ltd
Callum Maddess
Carl Chihonik
Carol Huscroft
Carol Pogue
Carol Rode Eggert
Carolee Lucas
Carolyn Djakovic
Carolyn Stone
Caryle Shroeder
Cate Higgins
Cecile Eddy
Charlie Moon
Christine Munkerud
Christine Ross
Cindy Hardie
Colleen Jmaeff
Columbia Basin Trust
Creston Kootenay Foundation
Creston Valley Gleaners Society
CVHA
Dale Beebe
Dana Hodge
Daniel Labossiere
Daryl Timchishen
David and Anne Hieffelfinger
David Hough
David White
Dawn Brazdil-Lust
Donna Amas
Donna Carlyle
Donna McCready
Donna Staszczak
Doreen Cardwell
Douglas & Esther Walker
Dwain Sparkes
Edward Jones
Eileen Boyden
Eileen Hirota
Eleanor Van De Bogart
Elizabeth Hale
Emery Mainville
Eric Kutzner
Erin Collison
Eunice Brazdil
Evelyn Jackson
Fig & Willow Photography
Florence Geyer
Frances Collison
Fred & Yvette Schenkel
Gail Reed
Gail Southall
Gejza Savrnoch
George Randle
Gerry Gardiner
Gerry Heitanen
Gilda Adamson
Grace Schmidt
Grace Tyler
Grietje Tiemersma
Gwen Benty
2013 NEWSLE TTER
Gwen Noble
Harolyn Long
Heather More
Heather Stagg
Heidi Bjarnason
Hugh Grant
Iain Anderson
Jacquie Fujimoto
James & Corrinne Dix
James McDowell
Jane Mantie
Jane Shannon
Jean Paul Buckens
Jeanne Kay Guelke
Jeff Banman
Jennifer Chambers
Jenny Steenkamp
Jerry Schmalz
Joan Halvorsen
Jody Mann
Joanne Sokolic
Jody Vaudry
Joelle Rowland
John Decker
Judine Maki
Juhl Campbell
Julie Draper
Karen & Todd Jensen
Kathy Tompkins
Kelli Smith
Kerry Ross
KES
Kim + Sandi Bloy
Knights of Columbus
Korie Bartsh
Kristi Renz
Kuya Minogue
Kyersten Kerr
L. Burton
Lance Sheppard
Laura Leeder
Laurie Foster
Laurie Reine
LeAnne Ripski
Lezley Andersen
Linda Ellefson
PAGE 27
Linda Jackson
Lloyd Morris
Lorna Blackmore
Lorne Mann
Louise Moberg
Luanne Armstrong
Lyn Kistner
Lyndi Mahon
Lynn Walker
Mackenzie Financial
Marble Gray
Margaret Peterson
Marian & Danuta Wiacek
Marianne and Lorne Mann
Marion Evans
Marion Nygren
Martha & Rudolph Kroon
Martha McLaren
Martin Sherb
Marvin & Jan Monsen
Mary Hegarty
Mary Underhill
Maxine Trahan
Melanie Folk
Merilyn Arms
Merla Bolender
Michael Carpenter
Michelle Whiteaway
Monte Sheppard
Morgan Benty
Morgan Fleck
Muriel MacArthur
Nelson Engineering
Nicole Nilsson
Nigel Francis
Norm Mailhot
Pat Fritz
Pat Jensen
Pat Tomasic
Patricia Bartlett
Paula Ebelher
Paula Leacock
PCSS
Peggy Seeley
Peter Feltham
Pierson Suprawich-Dirk
Polly Palmer
Randy & Marilin Grahn
Randy Fediuk
RDCK Area B
RDCK Area C
Remax
Renee Kyle
Resonate Kootenays
Rhonda Wilks
Rick Chilson
Rita Kuhnlein
Rita Scott
Robin Armstrong
Robin Louie
Roma Rowed Falconer
Ron Benty
Ron & Ila Nearing
Ron Sheppard
Rose Doud
Rudolph and Martha Kroon
Russ Raybould
Sam Parsons
Sandra Staneland
Scott Sheppard
Shannon Davie
Sharon Leskowski
Shayla Leacock
Shelley Tappay
Shelly Eastman
Shelly Voight
Shirley and Selmer
Petersen
Steeples
Construction
Stephanie
Rhebergen
Susan Donald
Sunset Seed
Tammy Sheppard
TELUS Community
Action Team
Team TELUS Cares
Teresa Anderson
Terry & Larry
Nowak
Tara Tolman Merrill
Teresa Fletcher
Terje Munkerud
Therese Rioux
Town of Creston
Tracey Stein
Tracy Sheppard
Trish Marshall
Trish Woodall
Val Vanderpoel
Victoria Hendriksen
Vivian Bourassa
Wally Remin
Win Dinn
Win Szoke
In Memory of
Carolyn Heikamp
Grace Schmidt
Rocky Cross Construction
Jacob Elwin Heikamp
Sheila Wilson
Albert Dilworth
In honour of Mariana Sheldon
and Jim Neeway’s marriage
Barb and Frank Wloka
We acknowledge the financial
assistance of the Province of
British Columbia
This list is as of January 16, 2014. Every effort has been made to make this a comprehensive list and if we have inadvertently left someone’s name off – we
offer sincere apologies and if you let us know, we will rectify the situation immediately
Box 1820
849 Erickson Rd
Creston, BC V0B 1G0
Phone: 250-402-6793
Fax: 250-428-2297
Email: mwhiteaway@hotmail.com
http://cdscl.com
For all the latest news &
photos, find us on
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2014 Calendar of Events
Art Trot, Silent Art Auction & Treasures to Buy
Friday February 7th : 10:00 am to 7:00 pm
Saturday February 8th: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Creston and District Community Complex
Opening Night Reception
Friday February 7th, 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
Entertainment, beverages and snacks, everyone is welcome!
Open House, Saturday, March 16th: 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm.
Volunteer Training, Saturday, March 22nd: 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm.
Hands on training to learn to catch, lead, groom, tack up and sidewalk
the therapy horses.
Spring Session, Monday, March 31st through May 30th
An 8 week session with lessons offered on Monday and Tuesday
afternoons, Wednesdays and Fridays.
No lessons will take place on Good Friday (April 18th) or Easter Monday
(April 21st). Cost $150.
Open House / Therapeutic Riding Demonstrations, Saturday, May 17th
Therapeutic Riding Horse Show, Sunday, June 8th
Summer Session, June 23rd through July 25th
Summer session is a 5 week session with lessons offered on weekday
mornings. Cost $90.
Summer Day Camp, July 30th, 31st, August 1st
8:30 am until 1:00 pm. Please book early to reserve a spot. Cost $250.
Fall Session, September 1st through October 24th
An 8 week session with lessons offered on Monday and Tuesday afternoons, Wednesdays and Fridays. No
lessons will take place on Thanksgiving (October 13th). Cost $150.
These dates and times are subject to change, so please refer to our website at
http://cdscl.com/trp_calendar.htm for the most up to date schedule.