Prairie Strides, Inc

Prairie Strides is an adaptive horse riding program for children, living with disabilities, in and around Winnipeg. Riding sessions are conducted by trained accessible riding instructors in conjunction with physiotherapists, speech language pathologists and occupational therapists. There are two sessions (spring and fall) each year consisting of 10 weeks each session. We have over 80 volunteers who attend a minimum of one class per week and include a leader for each horse, two sidewalkers for each rider, barn and arena help, activity leaders, greeters, certified instructors and therapists. There are also a number of our valuable spares who fill in on very short notice and keep the program running. Prairie Strides is a Charitable Organization. Less than 15% of the cost is covered by the riding fees. We rely 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 with varying abilities. Formed in 1977 to provide an accessible riding program for children with a variety of abilities, Prairie Strides (formerly The Manitoba Riding for the Disabled Association) is able to provide therapeutic riding for children 5 to 15 years of age. Prairie Strides is run by a volunteer Board of Directors and one office staff. Accessible riding can help children with diagnosis such as: Cerebral Palsy, Visual Impairment, Autism and other developmental challenges. Riding helps by providing stimulus by creating a unique therapeutic and social environment. As the horse is walking, the motion imparted to the rider is similar to normal human walking, gently mobilizing the joints. Physical Benefit: Riding can improve balance and coordination, strengthen muscles, increase circulation and decrease spasticity. Psychological Benefit: Riding presents participants with a challenge and gives them a sense of achievement with every task completed.