MINI MAILER Page 1

Fal l 2014 Volume 2, I ssue 3

MINI MAILER Pacific Riding for Developing Abilities 1088 208th Street, Langley BC, V2Z 1T4 www.prda.ca 604-530-8717

Hello Fall!

The days are getting shorter, and the leaves are

changing, fall is in the air! With fall session comes the

annual pledge drive, the Christmas Purdy’s fundraiser

and our Christmas party. The summer is our longest

break between regular sessions so please try to be

patient with us as we get back into the swing of things

and sort out all the first week back changes that need to

be made. We hope everyone enjoyed the beautiful

sunshine we had this summer and we are so excited to

get everyone back in the saddle.

2014/15 Schedule

Fall Session (13 weeks) September 15 to December 13 *No Lessons Oct. 13 and Nov.11, Make-ups Dec. 15 & 16

Winter Session (10 weeks) January 5 to March 14 *9 weeks for Mondays, No Lessons Feb.9

Spring Session (12 weeks) March 30 to June 13 *11 weeks for Monday, Friday & Saturday, No Lessons Apr. 3, May 18, & Jun. 6

Phae Collins Memorial Horse Show June 6 & 7

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Hello Fall 1 When it’s not safe to ride

Introducing Tommy 2 10 Facts about Anxiety

Meet Karen 3 Barn Wish List Horse Sponsorship

An Interview with Ladybug 4 Dirty Dash Wrap-up

To Gimli, Love Linus 5 Campbell Valley Wine Run

Time for my Lesson 6 Save the Date Newsletter Happy Trails

PRDA Funnies 7 Say What!?

Phae Collins Wrap Up 8 2013 Awards 2014 AGM

Rider Spotlight –Christine 9 Pub Night Quiz Time

WHEN IT’S NOT SAFE TO RIDE

There are countless benefits of therapeutic horseback riding for

people with a wide range of disabilities, but there are also times

when riding is not advised. These include:

Uncontrolled seizures within the last 6 months

o PRDA should be aware of ANY seizure activity

Broken bones

Herrington rods

o These rods make the joints above and below the rod

weaker and more susceptible to injury

Scoliosis

o Riding is not advised if the degree of the scoliosis is

more than 30 degrees

PRDA keeps a physician’s referral on file for

each of our riders that are filled out upon

entrance into our programs. If there are

any medical changes that take place after

it has been received it is of the utmost

importance that PRDA is kept aware.

PRDA can also ask at any time for an

updated referral if we deem it necessary.

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1. Variations of anxiety include generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), agoraphobia, specific phobias, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

2. Anxiety affects a sufferer physically as well as mentally. Some physical symptoms, especially during a panic attack, include shortness of breath, shaking, nausea, headache, rapid heartbeat, dizzy spells, and more.

3. Surpassing even depression, anxiety is the most common form of mental illness in the United States. It’s estimated that approximately 10 percent of teenagers and 40 percent of adults suffer from an anxiety disorder of some kind.

4. Despite its high level of treatability through therapy and/or medication, 2/3 of adults with anxiety do not receive treatment. Teenagers with anxiety receive treatment even less frequently – only 1 in 5 teen sufferers do.

5. Biological factors contributing to anxiety are still being studied, but brain scans of people suffering with various anxiety disorders have often shown evidence of chemical imbalances.

6. Statistically, women are more commonly afflicted by anxiety disorders than men.

7. Rather than being simple fears, phobias are seriously debilitating, intense feelings of panic that cause sufferers to go to great lengths to avoid encountering the subject of their phobia, such as heights or tightly enclosed spaces.

8. War veterans are not the only ones who suffer from PTSD. Others who commonly experience post-traumatic anxiety, including flashbacks, are survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, child abuse, accidents, or natural disasters.

9. Closely related to OCD are various “manias,” or compulsions, which include, among others, pyromania, and trichotillomania. These are, respectively, the uncontrollable, continuous urges to start fires, and pull out one’s hair, eyebrows, or eyelashes.

10. Those who suffer from anxiety are prone to suffering from depression simultaneously.

INTRODUCING TOMMY

Tommy is the newest member of the PRDA herd. He is just finishing his

3 month trial and so far has fit in very well. Some of you may

remember a horse we used to have, Katie, well Tommy is her son!

Tommy is a 14.2hh, 14 year old Quarter Horse. Before coming to PRDA

Tommy was a western horse and did cutting. Unfortunately he

developed a bone spur in his left hind leg which left him unable to

continue competing. Most of the time the bone spur doesn’t seem to

bother him, but you may notice he isn’t super willing to pick up that

hoof to have his feet done, and lifts it a bit strangely when he does.

This is because of the bone spur. Tommy will be used in walk/trot

leadline classes at PRDA, and is proving to be an easy-going and

friendly guy. Make sure you say hi to him next time you are out around

the paddocks!

10 FACTS ABOUT ANXIETY

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Looking for a way to help out at PRDA? Consider helping us by providing one of these items the barn is always in need of:

Show Sheen

Fly Spray

Scotch Guard (to waterproof blankets)

Sponges

Brooms

Photocopier Paper

Post-it Notes

Hot pocket hand warmers

Keurig Cups

Hot Chocolate

Tea

Coffee

KAREN – VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR

HORSE SPONSORSHIP

There are a number 4-legged therapists looking for

sponsors. Interested in sponsoring one? There are five

levels of sponsorship available ranging from $25 a

month to $5000 a year. Contact the office today for

more details.

The RCMP Veterans recently made their cheque presentation for their yearly sponsorship of Dodger.

And a BIG thank-you to all of our other current horse

sponsors. Your support is appreciated greatly.

BARN/OFFICE WISH LIST

Karen is one our Volunteer Coordinators here at PRDA. She job shares with

Bill, on one week off one week. She is responsible for finding and scheduling

volunteers into lessons, which is incredibly important because PRDA cannot

function without volunteers! If volunteers can’t be found, it is Karen that

steps in. Before coming to PRDA Karen worked in accounting for 25 years. In

2008 saw an ad in the newspaper about volunteering at PRDA and decided to

give it a try. She has always loved horses, and was hoping it would alleviate

some work related stress. Karen was awarded Volunteer of the Year in 2009,

and became an employee in 2012. When she is not at PRDA Karen loves to

do anything outdoors, from reading on her deck, to floating in the pool to

walking her dog, Tucker. She tried to take up cross stitching, but that didn’t

really work out. Make sure you ask her about it! She has two sons, Brandon

and Dylan. In the summer Dylan helps out in lessons, so you may have seen

him around the barn. Karen also LOVES babies, and is anxiously waiting for

grandbabies (but none are expected just yet). She has been known to steal

babies to get cuddles, so watch out!

From left to right: Vice President Dick Hawkshaw, Director Ron Budd,

President Keith Leishman, Dodger, PRDA Executive Director Michelle

Meacher, Director Comp Kelly and Past President Tom Quilley.

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PRDA would like to once again thank everyone who came out to volunteer, or participate in the Dirty Dash back

in July. The event was a success and PRDA was able to raise over $5000 through volunteer shifts, concession

sales, water balloon sales, promo code usages and donations. A special thank-you to all our sponsors who

helped us with the event; IGA Brookswood, Superstore Langley, Costco Langley, Save On Foods (Fraser Hwy,

Langley), Tanis Pearson, Ian Ridding and Buy-Low Foods Brookswood. We hope to partner with them again this

coming year, and have some great ideas to make next year an even bigger success, but we can’t do it without

YOU! We will provide more details as soon as they become available, so keep your eyes peeled!

Galaxy: Gimli was otherwise occupied this edition, so he asked me to take over the interview. Thanks for helping me out Ladybug. Mare power!! Ladybug: Happy to help out Gally, we mares

have to stick together.

Galaxy: So Bug, tell me a little about yourself.

How long have you been at PRDA?

Ladybug: I came to PRDA in the fall of 2008. I

am 14 years young, and am 11 hands tall.

Galaxy: What did you do before coming to

PRDA?

Ladybug: Before I was a little girl’s pony. She

rode me often and we went to horse shows. I

also did some pony rides at birthday parties.

Galaxy: Who is your best bud at PRDA?

Ladybug: Hmm, best bud? I like everyone!

Except at feeding time, then back off and stay

away from my grain…..I’m talking to you

Maestro….

Galaxy: Oh my….do I sense a little tension?

Ladybug: No, no.

Nothing I can’t

handle. I keep him,

well in line. A little

ear pinning and fence

charging does the

trick.

Galaxy: You may be

small but you are mighty! What is your favorite

thing to do here in the paddocks?

Ladybug: That is an easy one! I love it when the

girls clean my paddock and use their pitchforks

to scratch my back. I look forward to it every

morning. My daily massage, it’s so relaxing.

You should give it a try!

Galaxy: What is your favorite treat?

Ladybug: I like all treats, but my favorite is

carrots. I like apples too, but don’t have them

too often as they give me a tummy ache. One of

my favorite things about being at PRDA is all the

attention and treats I get here. I am cute as a

bug after all!

Galaxy: Well I think that wraps up our

interview. See you on the trails!

DIRTY DASH

AN INTERVIEW WITH LADYBUG BY GALAXY

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PRDA is lucky to be once again partnering with the Campbell Valley Wine run this

year. Along with Critter Care, PRDA is the charity of choice for this fun event, and

the two charities will split the proceeds. The run is on September 21, at 9am. This

year there is a 15k run, or a 5k walk/jog available if you are interested in

participating, the 15k run can also be done as a two person relay. There will also be

prizes for the best costume! The run is very scenic and takes your from High Point

through the trails of Campbell Valley Park to visit the beautiful wineries in the area. At the wineries you

can stop to visit each one and sample their wines. Have fun, drink wine and socialize! PRDA will also be

looking for volunteers to help out at the run, directing runners on the course and helping out at the start

and finish lines. Please email volunteer@prda.ca for more information on volunteering, or visit

www.campbellvalleywinerun.org for more information on the run or to sign up!

To Gimli, Love Linus

To Gimli,

Everyone tells me I am dirty

all the time, but I can’t help

it, I am white! How do you

keep yourself looking so

handsome and sharp?

Love, Linus

Sweet Little Linus,

Thanks for thinking of me, I do my best to stay neat and clean, and I am

so pleased someone has noticed! It is tough to be a little white fluffball,

I know. One of the challenges of being white is that it shows all the dirt.

I am a brown dun, so even when I am dirty, it doesn’t show as much.

That being said, I do have a few secrets to share. First off, one word,

BATH. I have seen how you behave at bath time. Leaping and rearing,

and dragging the poor people all over the property. I know it is fun to

drag people, but baths are important, and essential to keeping neat and

tidy. There are all kinds of shampoos to keep you looking your best.

There is even a special kind of “Blue Shampoo” designed specifically for white horses to help get their coats

super white, so white you glow! Sometimes a whole bath isn’t necessary, if it is too cold, or there isn’t

enough time. There is something called “Cowboy Magic” that can be sprayed on dirty spots, and the spots

magically disappear. I also suggest a good tail wash while you are in the wash rack. Nothing feels better

than a soft, silky tail. I like to get detangler in mine so that it stays nice and tidy longer. Another helpful hint

is to trim the bottom of your tail so that it doesn’t drag in the dirt. I usually get mine trimmed around my

fetlock. I know it is fun to roll in the dirt, but you should try to keep that to a minimum. Sticks in your mane

and forelock are NOT a good look. I keep my mane neat and tidy by roaching it. This means that they use

the clippers to shave most of it off, leaving me with an awesome Mohawk. The mares LOVE it. My final tip

to keep your coat looking shiny all year long is to add a little flax to your diet, I have heard it works great,

but I don’t need it, I am naturally shiny. Well I think that is all the advice I have, see you around the

paddock next time I go for a gallop!

Hugs & Kisses, GIMLI

Campbell Valley Wine Run 2014

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They lead me into my stall and attach me to the trailer tie located on the wall. The trailer tie is to make

sure that I don’t leave my stall while they are tacking me - not that I would ever dream of doing that.

(On a side note, they are also very handy to crib on!) Then the spa treatment begins. I have a large

groom box with a wide variety of brushes, picks and combs to use. They use the curry comb first to bring

all the dirt and dust up to the top of my coat, then the harder dandy brush to brush the dirt and dust off

me. I don’t love the dandy brush. It is hard and sometimes hurts if it is used too roughly, so remember to

be gentle! Next up is the softer body brush, for legs and face. They also pick out all four of my feet.

After a good groom I am ready to be saddled. They put the saddle pad on first, then the bump pad, then

the saddle, and attach the saddle around my belly with the girth. They don’t make the girth too tight just

yet, thank heavens. The instructor does that once I am in the arena. The only thing left to do is put my

cavesson (or bridle for an independent rider) on, and clip on a pair of reins and I am ready to head to the

arena. I try to be in the arena about 5 minutes before my lesson starts so that the instructor can check

my tack and start my lesson on time. Sometimes I stand in the arena and wait and wait and wait, and no

one comes to ride me! After 10 minutes, the instructor tells my volunteer to put me back because I have

been waiting long enough, and so has the volunteer. Please remember to call if you are not going to be

able to come to ride. And if you are running late make sure you call and let them know so I’m not gone

when you get here!

Time for My Lesson By Alex

NEWSLETTER

We would like to put out a newsletter three times a year, at the

beginning of each session, but we can’t do it without contributions

from you. If you have any ideas for things to include, or would like

to write something to be included please email them to

hseigman@prda.ca

Hi everyone,

This is my first time contributing to the newsletter, so forgive me if I’m a bit long

winded. I was asked to write a piece about how I prepare for my lessons, so here I

go! About 30 minutes before my lesson is supposed to start someone comes and

gets me from my paddock. Sometimes it is a volunteer, sometimes a staff member.

Sometimes, mostly in the summer, it’s less than 30 minutes before my

lessons…those times the humans always seem a little stressed and try to hurry.

SAY WHAT?

SAVE THE DATE Sept. 21 Campbell Valley Wine Run

Oct. 13 No lessons (Thanksgiving)

Oct. 19 Pub Night, Townhall Pub

Nov. TBD Pledge Drive

Nov. TBD Silpada Wine & Cheese Party

Nov. TBD Christmas Purdy’s Order

Nov. 11 No lessons (Remembrance Day)

Dec. 12 Christmas Party

Dec. 13 Last day of session

Jan. 5 Winter Session starts HAPPY TRAILS (FOR NOW) PRDA would like to thank our wonderful summer students, Lauren

Klassen and Taryn Koreman, for all their hard work this summer. PRDA

was able to hire them through the Summer Student Grant that we receive

yearly. Our summer students are an integral part of our summer session

and we couldn’t do it without them. They do everything from helping in

lessons, to organizing summer session, to teaching summer lessons. Both

ladies are now back at university and we wish them well. Visit soon!

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Have you ever ridden in an arena and wondered about the letters that hang on the walls. Why are they

there and what do they mean? The history of dressage dates back to 5th Century BC but when you

research the origin of the letter markers the only two stories found on the subject originate from 19th

century German.

Story 1 - The standard size arena letters were chosen because the German cavalry in the 19th century

had an arena that size in between two sets of barracks and those letters were posted above the doors.

Story 2 – the letters represent the 19th c German social ranks. When the German military organized

riding demonstrations in a standard sized arena they were attended by members of the aristocracy.

Letters were posted on the wall so each person would know where to stand, so:

K – Kaiser/King

F – Furst/Prince

P – Pferdknecht/Ostler

V – Vassal

E – Edeling/Ehrengast/Guest of Honour

B – Bannertrager/Standard Bearer

S – Schatzkanzler/Chancellor of Exchequer

R – Ritter/Knight

M – Meier/Steward

H – Hofsmarshall/Lord Chancellor

However, all the letters are not accounted for. Could this be connected with the further development and

progression of dressage? Why did they come in during the 19th century and not before? It is interesting

as there is no mention as to them being used in earlier arenas, for example the Winter Riding School

which is part of the Spanish Riding School in Vienna (built 1729-1735). We may never know for sure.

THE PRDA FUNNIES

SAY WHAT?!

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PHAE COLLINS WRAP UP

The 21st annual Phae Collins Memorial Horse Show was held June 14 and 15

this year. The event was a great success with 60 riders competing over the

two day show. We were thrilled to welcome Richmond Therapeutic back

this year, with their 3 horses and 5 riders. PRDA would like to congratulate

all the riders that participated on their accomplishments. It is such a fun

weekend and we love seeing all the smiling faces. We would also like to

congratulate all of our trophy winners:

Pat & Dick Mackey Obstacle High Point: Benjamin Crowley Bud Aubrey Musical Freestyle Trophy: Dylan Allan Phae Collins Memorial Trophy: Dylan Allan Tilly Muller Challenge Cup: Rachel Whitmore Dressage Rookie of the Year: Victoria Vandenbossche Margo O’Callaghan Award: Emma Pflanz We look forward to seeing everyone back for next year’s show so mark your calendars for June 6 & 7!

2013 AWARDS

Every year at the Phae Collins show, PRDA hands out four awards from the year gone by. PRDA

would like to acknowledge these winners and once again congratulate them.

Horse of the Year: “Dodger” Hanneke Saunders Spirit of PRDA Award: Gord Nicoletti Peterson Trailers Most Improved Rider: Santhiya Balakumar Volunteer of the Year, in memory of Tony Funk: Marianne Nyland

2014 AGM

The 2014 AGM was held on June 14 after the Phae Collins classes were finished for the day. Guest

speaker, and PRDA alumni, Michael Coss did an excellent job of entertaining the audience and

spreading his message of courage and strength. We applaud him for how far he has come and

anxiously wait to see what he will accomplish in the future. This year we once again encourage

everyone to become a member of PRDA, attend the AGM and vote. The board of directors as elected

at the AGM are:

President: Maggie Vilvang Vice-President: Dave Neufeld

Treasurer: Kate Pilgrim Seceratary: Rick Gammer

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Hi, my name is Christine. It had been in the back of my mind for many years to look into riding with PRDA… Finally deciding to stop thinking about it and just DO it, I have been riding now for about 3.5 years and wonder what took me so long to saddle up… I look forward to it each week. I love knowing that here is a place that despite the physical challenges of cerebral palsy that somehow the staff and volunteers successfully get me aboard Zena and we can hit the trails of the park together enjoying all the sights and sounds in the park… Zena’s great, as are all the other horses and people who make PRDA what it is! – A place of wonderful opportunity!!

PRDA is hosting a Pub Night at the Townhall Pub in Langley on October 19, 2014. The event will run from 5pm – 9pm. Tickets are $20 and that will get you a burger of choice (beef, chicken or veggie) fries, and a drink of choice (beer, wine, a highball, or pop). Other activities will include a 50/50 draw, a wine draw and door prizes. It should be a fun and successful night and we hope to see everyone there. Come on out and support PRDA.

RIDER SPOTLIGHT – By Christine

QUIZ TIME

How much do you know about our volunteer

population? Email your answers to the questions

to volunteer@prda.ca to be in the running to win

Starbucks gift cards!

1. How many volunteers come to PRDA in a

given week?

2. Do more males or females volunteer at

PRDA?

3. What day of the week requires the most

volunteers?

4. What is the farthest a volunteer comes

from for their weekly shift?

5. What is the age of our current oldest

volunteer?

6. At what age can you start volunteering at

PRDA?

* Answers will appear in the next newsletter.

Spring Quiz Answers 1. What is the age of our oldest rider? Our

oldest rider is 63

2. What is the age of our youngest rider? Our

youngest rider is 3.

3. How many riders currently ride at PRDA? We

currently have 155 riders scheduled in fall

session.

4. How many rides take place every week at

PRDA (HINT: some people ride more than

once a week!) There currently 170 rides every

week.

5. What is the busiest day of the week at PRDA?

Saturday is the busiest day at PRDA with 38

riders riding.

6. How many instructors does PRDA employ? We

have 10 instructors on staff.

* Answers were current as of August 11, 2014

PUB NIGHT