Five members of the Parksville-Qualicum Pony Club are lending a helping hand to the Comox Valley Therapeutic Riding Society (CVTRS) for seven weeks.
One day each week these members arrive, via carpool, and inject their youthful enthusiasm into whatever chores need to be completed. This is a huge help for CVTRS, which is a largely volunteer-driven society.
CVTRS has 16 horses, 120 riders, over 100 volunteers and over 35 classes each week so acquiring help is an ongoing quest.
In exchange for their services, Pony Club members gain valuable knowledge and their time and efforts go towards their badge earning program. Their involvement is made possible through an alternative learning program, arranged through their school, with the goal of learning while on volunteers and provides community service.
The members have been grooming, side-walking with riders, learning stable management and doing regular barn chores.
According to Laureli Morrison, volunteer co-ordinator, instructor and stable manager, “Their youth energy, enthusiasm and a willingness to help out regardless of the task is such a positive attitude. They interact so well with adults and riders alike.”
Pony Club is for people up to 25 who are interested in riding, learning and caring more about horses. There are seven Pony Club groups on the island.
For details, go to www.canadianponyclub.org and click on regions. If you’d like learn more about CVTRS or how you can be more involved, call 250-338-1968 or visit www.cvtrs.com.
— Comox Valley Therapeutic Riding Society