Community, connection, and legacy are three things that were highlighted over the weekend during a pair of events held by the Lethbridge Therapeutic Riding Association.
On Friday the organization held their Boots, Buckles and BBQ night followed by the Joanne Perlich Ride for Dreams Memorial Trail Ride on Saturday. Funds raised from both events go toward supporting the organization and the different programs and initiatives they run.
LTRA President Bob Boudreau says that in Lethbridge community support is major.
“This is a perfect place for people to offer their help, and we are not alone, there are many different organizations throughout the city that rely on volunteers and can’t survive without volunteers,” Boudreau says. “We can’t do it without them, they make a difference and that is as simple as it is.”
LTRA Executive Director Cale Hayes echoed Boudreau’s sentiments, adding one of the biggest parts of the being being done at the facility is connection. Hayes explains that there are clients who once they see their horse it doesn’t matter who else is around them, that is the reason they are there.
“I think there is also something beautiful about the way you have to approach horses, they match your energy and it really grounding, particularly for those with communicative problems.”
“There is a connection there that is amazing, seeing their face light up when they get here is amazing and they really make it worth it.”
A lot of the programs at the LTRA are available to both adults and youth, as the organization prides itself on being inclusive.
“Some of our clients who started as kids, speaking of legacy and decades, have continued throughout so it is fantastic.”
In the past year, the organization is said to have launched several new programs and pilot programs that are funded from money raised at events like Boots, Buckles and BBQ and the Ride for Dreams.
