As many of us horse people are all too aware, a slew of riding schools across the country have and continue to struggle. First came the shut-down when lessons had to be cancelled, causing a lot of stress about how to pay for the care and feed of the lesson horses, known affectionately as “schoolies.” Even with the reopening, there are still debts to be paid and continued care to think of as stables everywhere try to play catch-up financially.
Various efforts have been made to help raise much needed funds, including the Ontario Equestrian Federation’s #FortheHerd campaign, which has currently raised 40% of its $500,000 goal, and some individual riding establishments have created their own fundraisers on social media platforms like Facebook.
An Oakville mother and her daughter, Rachael, have taken a unique approach to fundraising. In return for donations, Rachael reads horse stories on Rachael’s YouTube channel.