Community support is the ultimate driving force behind the Lethbridge Therapeutic Riding Association being able to make their new adaptive cart a reality.
Executive Director Kale Hayes says the new piece of equipment opens the doors to allow those who previously were unable to ride because of medical conditions or physical ability to still take part. Making the cart a reality has been a process that included consultation with community professionals including recreational therapists, occupational therapists, and mobility specialists.
“Our goal was to make our already accessible facility not have barriers to anyone,” Hayes says. “An occupational therapist confirmed that there isn’t a single condition that should be excluded from the use of this cart. So we’re thrilled.”
He says the idea for the horse-drawn cart, which was designed and built by Alberta Carriage, came from the LTRA Outreach and Engagement Committee after one of the organization’s longtime riders was told they would not be able to ride again because of a medical issue.
“We started thinking like, how could we work with them? The notion that we would be able to get from there to here is huge. We went as far as the UK looking for different types of adaptable carts.”
Hayes says what led the organization to actually go forward with the cart was the support received after being the recipient of the 94.1 CJOC and 98-1 The Ranch Community Voice Fund, sponsored by the Allied Marketing Group. He says the month of advertising they received was the first domino in a positive line of events.
“It led to an uptick in donations, which allowed us to pull the trigger on this cart and really get the project rolling out.”
“The other thing that was really interesting was it led to an increase of people inquiring about who we are, where we are, the services we offer, and actually is leading to some new styles of programs coming out.”
Member of the Allied Marketing Group, Carlene Clark says being able to give back to the community is important to the group.
“We’re five feedlots in the local area and we think it’s really cool that we can come together and give a little more horsepower to our funds and help spread more awareness in the community.”
