MRDA has a newriding home:

West Wind StablesBox 402, 53086 Road 4E

Oak Bluff, ManitobaCanada R0G 1N0Tel: 204.736.3410Fax: 204.925.5792

A donation of $15or more may be made

to MRDA in memoriam,or in recognition

of an event such asbirthdays,

anniversaries, etc.An appropriate certificatewill be sent to the family

or person on behalfof whom the donation

is being made.

Donate on line.

Visit the MRDA website at

www.mrda.cc

Spring 2011

Come support MRDA and raise moneyfor the children in the program.

Tickets can be purchased by visiting the website at winnstock.ca

Free Ride ConcertA great evening of entertainment,prizes and costumes took place on

October 29, 2010.

145 Pacific AvenueWinnipeg, Manitoba R3B 2Z6

Tel: 204.925.5905Fax: 204.925.5792

Email: exedir@mrda.ccWebsite: www.mrda.cc

www.mrda.cc

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MRDA Board of Directors2011-2012

Honorary Director

ChairmanGraham Curnew

Finance ChairDale Hawthorn

Executive DirectorPeter A. Manastyrsky

DirectorsHeather Clements

Deborah DavisKatelyn GrisimDayna OulionKelly Scrivener

Gord Stein

Parent RepresentativesCathy Cowen

Mae GobelKevin RollasonPenny Toupin

PepperTree FashionsOn November 23, 2010 at Assiniboia Downs PepperTree Fashions hostedtheir 10th Anniversary Winter Wonderland Gala Dinner & Fashion Show.The evening raised over $13,000 for the MRDA program.

Manitoba Riding for the Disabled Association and PepperTree Fashionswould like to thank the following for their participation & generosity:

Partners: Linden Ridge Eye Care, Marivic Tuazon (Arbonne), AssiniboiaDowns, Winnipeg Free Press, Winnipeg Women Magazine, The BacchusGroup Inc, Brematson & Associates.

Sponsors: Central Display, Crystal Sound, Shaw Cable, Canadian Linen, 360 Winnipeg

Donors: Lasania Fashions, Original Creations, Anonymous Fashion Agents, Hiroko Fashions, Empress Fashions, JeanMasiowski, Linden Ridge Eye Care,Marivic Tuazon, WinnipegWomen Magazine,

Auction and Swag Bag Donors:Linden Ridge Eye Care, MarivicTuazon, Winnipeg Free Press,Assiniboia Downs, WinnipegWomen Magazine, GatewayPublishing, Glitz Gallery, JensenNursery, Anonymous FashionHouses, Anonymous FashionReps, Liz Andryo, Bernstein’sDeli, Fashion 2020, Holiday InnAirport West, Assiniboine CreditUnion, Quality Print Services,

Party Lite, Golf Town WinnipegSouth (Kenaston), Shooters Family Golf Centre, The Chamois Car Wash, Westwood DentalCentre, Dream Day Decorators, T.D. Canada Trust (Corydon), Triple B’s Billiards, B-BQ & Bar,Eyelet Dove, Mary K, Waverley Dodge, Paper Gallery, Dale Turner, Jette Fowler, Mona LisaRistorante Italiano, Rozie Lee Jewellery, The Keg (McGillivray Blvd.), Rae & Jerry’s Steak House,Live A Balanced Life, Cathy Cowen, Linda Dean, Lancomb, Diane Curnew, Norwex/Epicure(Tracey Porco), Heather Wiebe, West Wind Stables, Maureen Wiebe, Michelle Anseeuw, KarenPellet, Fitness Edge for Women, Frostiak & Leslie Chartered Accountants, Macyk's Florist,Legacy Travel & TLC Silk Designs.

Models: Jette Fowler, Edie Warner, Jacquie Morris, Dee Handford, Lisa Ryplanski, Becky Craig,Bev Vargo, Linda Thorlakson, Kathy Lautens, Barbara Bouskill, Ramona Tkachuk, Joan Leslie-Thomson, Olive McDonald, and Arlene Billeck.

important datesApril 14, 2011

Winnstock FundraiserCowboys / Canad Inns Windsor Park

June 3, 2011MRDA Volunteer Appreciation Night

Assiniboia Downs / 3rd FloorBanquet & Awards / 6:00 pm

PROGRAM SUPPORTERS

CERIDIANAn employee of Ceridian,Amanda Delorme used to

volunteer roughly 10 years agofor the MRDA and when thechance came up for Ceridianemployee's to suggest wherecompany dollars should be

donated she sent in a requestfor the MRDA.

CommunitySpotlight

Our program MRDA is a therapeutic horseback riding program for children living with disabilities and is accredited by the Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association.

Riding sessions are conducted by certified therapeutic riding instructors in conjunction with volunteer physiotherapists and occupational therapists.

There are two sessions (spring and fall) each year consisting of 10 weeks each session. There are four classes each week accommodating six riders in each class – MRDA rides out of

West Wind Stables. We have over 100 full-time volunteers who attend a minimum of one class per week. Volunteers include a leader for each horse, two sidewalkers for each rider and

the instructors and therapists. There are also a number of our valuable spares who fill in often on very short notice and help to keep the program running.

The annual cost to run our program is approximately $106,000. Less than 10% of the cost is covered by the riding fees. MRDA does not receive government funding. We rely solely

on fundraising and donations to meet the remainder of the expenses so that we may continue to exist and provide this unique therapy for children living with disabilities.

What does Sarah like about riding?Sarah enjoys seeing her riding friends at riding and getting to spend time with her horse JOJO. Riding makes Sarahhappy when she does something in class that she didn't think she could do!

What grade and school does Sarah attend? Sarah is in grade seven and attends Lindenmeadows School.

What is Sarah's favorite movie? Sarah’s favorite movie is Nims Island.

MRDA would like to acknowledge the following:Westgates Horse & Country – donating equipment to the program; Richards Packing Inc– two stretching barrels; Aspen Therapy Clinic – patient donations; Elmwood EaglesAerie3360 – monetary donation; Equal Opportunities West – clerical support;Dr. L. Kahane – nine hand crafted stone sculptures; Rick Payne – saddle buck.

Rider Profile Sarah

How did you first learn about MRDA?When I was eleven years old. I met Don at the stable where I was taking lessons, and he told me all aboutMRDA. My dad joined to be more involved with my obsession with horses. A year later he had me hooked.He always talked about how much fun he had working with the kids and I knew that I had to check it out. Iwasn't disappointed, being a part of MRDA was just as amazing as he had said it was.

When did you start volunteering with MRDA?I started volunteering with MRDA when I was twelve years old. I did all that I could to help out, even if thatmeant that I couldn't work with the kids yet. I helped the new leaders tack up, and I was always happy torun around helping Don set up. I soon became a MRDA trainer during class time when I wasn't needed foranything else. I still love being the one to ride the horses in training, and prepare them for the kids. I became a leader as soon as Icould and side walked as a spare where ever was needed.

Why do you volunteer with MRDA?I volunteer with MRDA because it is so much fun. I really enjoy working with the other volunteers and I love the horses.However, I would have to say the children are the real reason I volunteer. It makes me smile when I seen how much fun theyare having and how much they have improved over their time with MRDA. The fact that me being there allows them to behappy, fills me with joy.

What is your favorite thing about MRDA?My favorite thing about MRDA is that they combine the two things that I love, horses and helping children. I have been involvedin a couple different organizations that either help animals or people, but never a combination of both, like with MRDA. I havealways wanted to have a career that involves horses, and being involved with MRDA has made me want to use that future career tohelp people just like they do.

What keeps you coming back?The reason I keep coming back each session is because I enjoy my time spent with all the people, horses and children. Even whenmy dad couldn't volunteer, I still came back. Going to MRDA gives me the chance to catch up with all the volunteers, meet newpeople and have fun with the kids, not to mention spend time with the horses. MRDA is one of the highlights of my week.

Which horse is your favorite?My favourite horse is Rosie, because she is so small and sweet. At the same time she can still be a handful. Rosie keeps me focusedon leading and helps redirect my attention from the rider to what we are supposed to be doing. She is very full of expression andtends to be very sassy. She always makes me laugh.

Volunteer Profile Robyn

Please complete the information below and return to the MRDA with your donation – 145 Pacific Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3B 2Z6Cheques payable to MRDA, cash or on-line payment (credit card). I would like to help a rider by sponsoring a horse.

Examples of what your donation can provide:

❑ $50 – A horse for one class. ❑ $100 – A horse for two classes.

❑ $200 – A horse for four classes. ❑ $2000 – A horse for a 10-week session.

❑ $4000 – A horse for both Spring and Fall sessions.

Name: ______________________________________________________________________________________________

Address: ____________________________________________________________________________________________

City: ____________________ Province: ____________ Postal Code: ________________ Phone: _____________________

T-shirt Size: (If applicable, please circle) Small Medium Large X-Large

Email: ______________________________________________________________________________________________

Rental of one horse for a three-monthsession (10 weeks) is $2000. Two three-month sessions are held per year, a SpringSession (March - May) and a Fall Session(September - November).

Examples of what yourdonation can provide:$50 – A horse for one class.$100 – A horse for two classes.$200 – A horse for four classes.$2000 – A horse for a 10-week session.

What you will receive:Shetland Pony – $50 to $200 - Framed picture of your horse & a charitable tax receipt.Appaloosa – $201-$500 - Framed picture of your horse with rider, MRDA T-shirt and a charitable taxreceipt.Quarter Horse – $501 to $1000 - Name recognition on MRDA website, framed picture of your horsewith rider, MRDA T-shirt and a charitable tax receipt.Arabian – $1001 to $2400 - Name recognition (business logo with link) on MRDA website,appreciation gift, framed picture of your horse with rider, MRDA T-shirt and a charitable tax receipt.Standard bred – $2401 to $4800 - Name recognition (business logo with link), on MRDA website,appreciation gift, recognition in MRDA newsletter, framed picture of your horse with rider,MRDA T-shirt and a charitable tax receipt.Thoroughbred – $4801 & up - Your profile (personal or business) in our newsletter, your picture takenwith rider and horse, appreciation gift, logo and link on our website, special guest invitation to MRDAfundraisers and a charitable tax receipt.

Sponsor a Horse – Help a Child to Ride

Super FleaMarket 2011The 12th Annual Super Flea Marketfundraiser in February was a HUGEsuccess – raising over $12,000. Theattendance was over 4,000 peopleduring the weekend. Our raffle tablesold out early and there was a goodmix of vendors that took part. MRDAwould like to thank Alice Taylor for donating her great baking to sell during the weekend.Thank you to the staff at Assiniboia Downs, our volunteers, families, vendors and patrons.A big thank you has to go out to everyone who provided prizes for the raffle, and our eventsupporters/contributors for their generosity.Without everyone’s support, our event would not have been as successful as it was.

Cooler and water supplierfor the MRDA riding program.