Therapeutic Riding – Another Success Story

August 5, 2014

The Vancouver Division continues to provide financial support to the Pacific Riding For Developing Abilities (PRDA).

At a recent Executive Committee presentation to PRDA, their Executive Director Michelle Meacher outlined one of the many success stories of their therapeutic riding program. Upon hearing of this recent success, we invited Michelle to submit a brief article so that we could share it with all members of our Vancouver Division and friends.

Photograph (left to right): Vice President Dick Hawkshaw, Director Ron Budd, President Keith Leishman, the horse Dodger which the Division provides financial support, PRDA Executive Director Michelle Meacher Director Comp Kelly and Past President Tom Quilley. (Source of photo – Sheldon Boles).

Michelle’s article is as follows:

Doctors and rehabilitation specialists are increasingly seeing the success of therapeutic horseback riding programs for young children with all types of challenges and disabilities. Parents of these children are amazed with the positive impact of riding and its many benefits, including improved physical strength, balance and coordination, and of course the emotional and psychological benefits. During their lessons, the children quickly develop a bond with the horse which provides an inspiration beyond their everyday experiences.

Photograph of Santhiya riding Ladybug at the Pacific Riding for Developing Abilities Centre.

One amazing story is that of a young 8 year old girl named Santhiya. She first came to the Pacific Riding for Developing Abilities (PRDA) on January 31, 2013. It is this date that

Santhiya’s mother says changed Santhiya’s life.

Santhiya’s diagnosis involved multiple challenges, including feeding difficulties due to a large tongue, and a tracheostomy. Routine suctioning of Santhiya’s lungs is commonplace, and
she uses a feeding tube to eat. Unable to talk, Santhiya uses sign language to communicate and she seemed to enjoy riding Ladybug right away.

In a few short months, Santhiya’s core strength was improving to the point where she needed less frequent suctioning. She was sitting up taller, and her respiratory system was getting
stronger. In a wheelchair when she began riding, Santhiya was progressing to using a walker, and walking independently while holding the hands of her parents. This was big news for
Santhiya and her family!

While at the PRDA, our Executive Committee members had the opportunity to meet with other parents whose children are participating in one of the PRDA programs. Nothing but compliments were made by the parents in how these programs have so amazingly provided many benefits and put smiling faces on their children.

Photograph of Dodger with his rider Dylan (Source of photo – Sheldon Boles)

The Vancouver Division of the RCMP Veterans Association is so proud to be sponsoring “Dodger” a horse at PRDA. We encourage other organizations, associations and individuals to also consider providing financial support to PRDA. For more details about PRDA check out their website here.