Through an ongoing partnership with Sport Canada, Para-Equestrian Canada is pleased to announce that four grants have been awarded to Canadian therapeutic riding centres.

As part of this project, therapeutic riding centres that offer new competitive opportunities or increase their existing competition program for riders with a disability are eligible to receive a grant of up to $500. The aim of the grants is to encourage the participation of riders with a disability in competition
 
The second series of the season came to a close on November 15, 2011. A total of four grants of $500 each were awarded to the following centres

• Cowichan Therapeutic Riding Association, Duncan, BC,
• Pony Pals Therapeutic Riding Association, Delta, BC,
• The Equestrian Association for the Disabled (TEAD), Mount Hope, ON, and
• Richmond Therapeutic Equestrian Society, Richmond, BC.

Some examples of how the grants will help therapeutic riding centres introduce riders to para-equestrian sport include funding for a new para-dressage ring, venue development, funding to host in-house competitions, sport promotion and clinic expenses.

“TEAD has been privileged to receive several grants from Para-Equestrian Canada” said Hilary Webb, program director, TEAD (The Equestrian Association for the Disabled). “These grants have enabled us to firstly introduce competition to a handful of riders. This has now grown to having an annual in-house show in December where more than 60 riders have participated.

“We are grateful to Para-Equestrian Canada for making this opportunity available. Our riders have benefitted immensely and our coaches are thoroughly enjoying working with our riders and sharing in their accomplishments,” continued Webb.

The deadline to submit an application for the second series is March 15, 2012.  Centres interested in applying for the second series may do so by visiting the Para-Equestrian website at www.equinecanada.ca/para-equestrian.
 
If you have any questions related to this project or any other Para-Equestrian Canada initiatives, please contact Para-Equestrian Canada at para-equestrian@equinecanada.ca or 613-248-3433 ext. 144.