Therapeutic Riding

Riders get back into the saddle as province loosens its reins

May 31, 2021 | 4:45 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – The Prince George Horse Society has welcomed back some of their user groups this year after being unable to host them last year due to COVID-19.

One of those groups that has been able to get back to the Agriplex, located within the Exhibition Grounds, is the Prince George Therapeutic Riding Association.

The Association, which was founded back in 1992, has been offering therapeutic and recreational horseback riding to children and adults with disabilities.

The Association, which had to ride out at Taba Creek Farm last year, is excited to get back to the heated indoor arena. For Therapeutic Riding it’s important for them to be riding back in the heart of the community, as it allows easier access for people to attend, as well as a longer schedule for the year.

For Barb Warkentine, President of the Prince George Therapeutic Riding Association, coming back to Agriplex enabled her to provide more opportunities for the kids.

“When we’re here the kids get to feed the horses and they get paid for that. So, it’s another opportunity for people with disabilities to learn how to have a job,” she said.

For the Horse Society and Therapeutic Riding, last Tuesday’s announcement provided them some relief to continually saddle up in preparation of next year’s BC Summer Games, which will be the first for Therapeutic Riding and their athletes.