MINI MAILER Page 1

WINTER 2016 Volume 4, I ssue 1

MINI MAILER Pacific Riding for Developing Abilities 1088 208th Street, Langley BC, V2Z 1T4 www.prda.ca 604-530-8717

Happy New Year! We hope that everyone had a

wonderful holiday season. The horses are well rested

and ready for the start of a new year. This year we will

be asking our riders to design our logo for the Phae

Collins Horse Show in June. Riders will be asked to

submit their designs, and then we will open up voting.

The design with the most votes will be this year’s logo

and will be printed on the rider T-shirts and in the

show programs! Look for more information in the

coming weeks.

2016 Schedule

Winter Session (10 weeks) January 4 to March 12 *9 weeks for Mondays, No Lessons Feb.8

Spring Session (12 weeks) March 28 to June 18 *11 weeks for Monday & Saturday, May 23, & Jun. 11

Phae Collins Memorial Horse Show June 11 & 12

Summer Session (8 weeks) July 4 to August 26 *7 weeks for Monday, No lessons August 1

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Welcome 2016 1 Information Nights

Introducing Stormy 2 10 Facts about Autism

Meet Mireya 3 Barn Wish List Loose Change Winner Welcome Sam

An Interview with Grover 4 2016 Night at the Races

To Gimli, Love Linus 5 Campbell Valley Wine Run 2015

Stall Tying 101 6 Save the Date PRDA Funnies 7 Horse Sponsorship Say What!? Classifieds

PRDA – YPI Winner 8 Rider Spotlight - Fred

Fundraisers 9 Volunteer Spotlight – Dawn Newsletter

INFORMATION NIGHTS

PRDA held 2 volunteer information nights in fall session. Back in October

we hosted Para-Olympian Ashley Gowanlock for a talk and questions and

answer period. It was a wonderful night, and Ashley’s new book “My

Opportunities Just Dress Up As Obstacles” is available for sale in the office.

It is a great read!

We also hosted an amazing race night in November. A great time was had

by all, staff and volunteers alike. Volunteers ran all over PRDA’s property

solving clues and completing tasks. Thanks to everyone who came out!

We have another information night planned for February 24. It will be an

evening of HorsePlay, appies, and drinks. It will be a great opportunity to

meet fellow volunteers. Look for more information in the coming weeks.

We hope you can make it!

WELCOME 2016

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1. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) refers to a group of complex neurodevelopment disorders characterized by repetitive

and characteristic patterns of behavior and difficulties with social communication and interaction. The symptoms are

present from early childhood and affect daily functioning.

2. The term “spectrum” refers to the wide range of symptoms, skills, and levels of disability in functioning that can occur in

people with ASD. Some children and adults with ASD are fully able to perform all activities of daily living while others

require substantial support to perform basic activities. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5,

published in 2013) includes Asperger syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, and pervasive developmental

disorders not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) as part of ASD rather than as separate disorders. A diagnosis of ASD

includes an assessment of intellectual disability and language impairment.

3. Autism is a bio-neurological developmental disability that generally appears before the age of 3

4. Autism impacts the normal development of the brain in the areas of social interaction, communication skills, and cognitive

function. Individuals with autism typically have difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions,

and leisure or play activities

5. Autism is diagnosed four times more often in boys than girls. Its prevalence is not affected by race, region, or socio-

economic status.

6. Autism now affects 1 in 68 children

7. About 40% of children with autism do not speak. About 25%–30% of children with autism have some words at 12 to 18

months of age and then lose them. Others might speak, but not until later in childhood

8. Autism greatly varies from person to person (no two people with autism are alike)

9. The rate of autism has steadily grown over the last twenty years. Autism is the fastest growing developmental disorder,

yet most underfunded.

10. Comorbid conditions often associated with autism include Fragile X, allergies, asthma, epilepsy, bowel disease,

gastrointestinal/digestive disorders, persistent viral infections, PANDAS, feeding disorders, anxiety disorder, bipolar

disorder, ADHD, Tourette Syndrome, OCD, sensory integration dysfunction, sleeping disorders, immune disorders,

autoimmune disorders, and neuroinflammation.

INTRODUCING STORMY

Some of you may have noticed a new face out in the paddocks.

Stormy arrived back in September for his three month trial. He

has since passed his trial with flying colours and is now officially a

four-legged therapist. Stormy is fitting in really well and is quickly

becoming a barn favorite. He is a very personable and

affectionate guy. Before coming to PRDA, Stormy lived right next

door at the big red barn. Stormy originally came from Ontario and

has only been a BC resident for the past couple years. He loves

riding the trails in Campbell Valley and also up at High

Point. Before coming to PRDA Stormy had only ever been ridden

in a western saddle, but he has quickly adjusted to the English

tack. We are thrilled to have him as part of our team. Make sure

you say hi and give him a pat, or a carrot, next time you are out

by the paddocks!

10 FACTS ABOUT AUTISM

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Looking for a way to help out at PRDA? Consider helping us by providing one of these items the barn is always in need of:

Show Sheen

Fly Spray

Scotch Guard (to waterproof blankets)

Sponges

Brooms

Photocopier Paper

Post-it Notes

Hot pocket hand warmers

Keurig Cups

Hot Chocolate

Tea

Coffee

MEET MIREYA – INSTRUCTOR

LOOSE CHANGE WINNER

BARN/OFFICE WISH LIST

Mireya is one of our part-time instructors here at PRDA. She can

be found in the arenas from Monday to Friday in the afternoons.

Mireya has been instructing at PRDA since September of 2012, but

has been instructing horseback riding lessons for the last 6 years.

She has been riding horses since she was 3 and has her pony club

B2. When not at PRDA, she is a full time student at Kwantlen

University and she is studying to become an applied behaviour

interventionist. Mireya has a horse, Ohana, who she has had for 6

years. Ohana is a Dutch Warmblood and is 12 years old. Ohana

recently moved to PRDA, so say hi to her next time you are out in

the paddocks! Mireya and Ohana compete in 3 Day Eventing.

Mireya also has an adorable Corgi named Lolah.

WELCOME SAM PRDA is excited to welcome Sam to our team. Sam will

be doing his internship at PRDA from January to April.

He is attending Langara College and completing his

Recreational Leadership certificate. While at PRDA Sam

will be a Jack of all trades. He will be helping out in

lessons, working in the office, planning our annual

fundraiser, “A Night at the Races”, to name a few. We

are so excited that Sam has chosen PRDA as his intern

site and we hope that he enjoys his time here with us.

Make sure you say hello to him if you see him around

PRDA!

Thanks to everyone who supported

their favorite horse in our 2nd

annual Loose Change Drive. We

were able to raise just over $1000.

The winner this year was Zena and

she enjoyed a warm bran mash in

honour of her racing efforts.

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PRDA’s 7th annual “Night At The Races” will be here before you know it! Mark April 1st on your calendar for a

night full of food, fun, and, of course, live Standardbred racing. This event is one of PRDA’s biggest fundraisers

for the year, and it is always a great evening. Our Langara intern, Sam, spends many hours organizing the

festivities and seeking sponsorship and silent auction items. Sponsorships are what help make this night not

only successful, but also profitable. There are four levels of sponsorship available, Platinum ($1000), Gold

($500), Silver ($300), and Bronze ($100). Each level comes with its own perks and options for recognition. If you

know of a business or individual who might be willing to sponsor the Night at the Races please let us know so we

can get in contact with them If you or someone you know has an item to donate to the silent auction, please

drop it off at the main office. Tickets to the event are $50, and will be available starting in February. We hope to

see you there!

Dodger: Well hey there Grover! So nice of you to agree to this interview with me! Grover: No worries buddy, I’m always happy to

help out anywhere I can!

Dodger: Well isn’t that the truth. I hear you

have recently become an official therapy horse!

Congrats bud on joining the coolest herd

around.

Grover: Well thanks Dodge. It is true, I am a

therapy horse, and it is a pretty awesome job

indeed!

Dodger: I have seen you out in the field by the

arena for so many years, what made you decide

to take the leap and join the therapy team?

Grover: Well, as you know I was a pretty

amazing 3 day eventer, but all good things must

come to an end, and I retired from the eventing

world. I had a lot of spare time on my hands, so

thought I would give this a whirl.

Dodger: And how are you enjoying it so far?

Grover: Oh, it is great! I love all my riders and

look forward to seeing them every week. Plus

my Mom is super proud which makes me feel

good.

Dodger: Is there

anything you miss

about your eventing

days?

Grover: Well of

course, I miss seeing

all my horsey friend

and competing with my mom. But, I did get to

do an event with one of my PRDA riders, so that

was pretty awesome.

Dodger: Shows are the best! I love when I get

to go off property for a little field trip.

Grover: Totally, camping out under the stars is

the best.

Dodger: I’ve looked for you around the

paddocks, where are you hanging out these

days?

Grover: Oh, I don’t have a paddock up with the

therapy horses just yet. My paddock is just to

the right of the outdoor arena, right across from

the minis.

Dodger: Cool. Thanks bud!

2016 NIGHT AT THE RACES

AN INTERVIEW WITH GROVER BY DODGER

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Back in September PRDA was the benefiting charity for the Campbell Valley Wine Run. Participants

enjoyed a special toast with bubbly from Backyard to start the race, and then headed out to the other

wineries. Township 7 was first on the list, then Domaine de Charberton, then was Vista D'Oro and

finished back at High Point where they received their special edition wine glass for finishing! At the

different wineries runners enjoyed musical guests as well as snacks and, of course, wine sampling.

A great time was had by all, and a special thank-you to all of the volunteers that came out to help.

To Gimli, Love Linus

To Gimli,

Why are you wearing a coat?

I want one too. How come I

don’t have one? Is it because

my owner doesn’t love me?

Love, Linus

Sweet Little Linus,

Thanks for the note, little guy. I trust you and your fellow miniatures had

a happy holiday season. We horses up in the big paddocks thoroughly

enjoyed our winter break, it went by so fast. Now, you fuzzy little fluff

ball, while it is true that I am rocking this winter coat, the reason you

don’t have one is not because your owner doesn’t love you. You see,

little man, not all horses need to wear blankets. There are actually 3

main reasons we lesson horses wear blankets. The first reason is that

they help us to stay clean and dry in these rainy, muddy winter months.

In theory, the blanket should keep the mud off our backs and saddle

area, and make the grooming process a little easier for the humans. But I’ll let you in on a secret, if you lay

in a mud puddle for long enough, the mud will soak right through! Another benefit of the blankets is they

help to prevent us from growing our own thick winter coats. When we horses get cold, we grow thicker

natural coats to help keep us warm, but the problem is that then when we go into lessons we get sweaty

faster. The humans don’t like that. I think it’s great…we don’t have to work very hard! Then there are the

horses who just can’t grow natural thick winter coats, not naming any names….ALEX….. They need a blanket

to keep them warm. I, personally, have a vast wardrobe of blankets. I have lighter weight blankets, called

rain sheets, for the warmer, but wet, spring months. In the colder winter months I wear a heavier weight

winter blanket, to keep me toasty warm. Because, little Linus, you aren’t a lesson horse, you don’t really

need a blanket. You can grow as thick of a coat as you want, because you don’t have to worry about getting

sweaty. Plus, you are super adorable when you get all fuzzy. You also have that awesome custom shelter

that you and your friends can hang out in if it rains. Hope that helps clarify!

Hugs & Kisses, GIMLI

Campbell Valley Wine Run 2015

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We have recently noticed that there is some confusion about how to properly tie a horse in their stall before and

after their lessons. Let’s take this opportunity to review the proper and improper ways to do so. Safety is always

our #1 concern, for the horses as well as staff, volunteers and riders, and so it is important to only tie them as

described below. If you have any questions, please ask a staff member.

Proper ways to tie:

What not to do:

STALL TYING 101

SAVE THE DATE Feb. 8 No Lessons (Family Day)

Feb. 24 Volunteer Information Night

Mar. 12 Last Day of Session

Mar. 28 Spring Session starts

Apr. 1 Night at the Races

Jun. 11 & 12 Phae Collins Horse Show

Jun. 18 Spring Session Ends

Option 1: It is safe to clip the trailer tie directly to the horse’s halter

Option 2: It is safe to put the halter over top of the cavesson (without reins attached) and clip the trailer tie to the halter.

Improper #1: Do not leave the horse’s halter around their neck with the trailer tie clipped to the wall. This is not safe for the horse.

Improper #2: Do not clip the trailer tie to the horse’s cavesson. Although it seems like the easy thing to do, it is made of leather and will break if the horse pulls.

Option 3: It is safe to put the halter over top of the bridle(without reins attached) and clip the trailer tie to the halter.

Improper #3: Do not clip the trailer tie to the horse’s bit. This can be very dangerous to the horse as they can pull the bit through their mouth.

Improper #4: Do not clip the trailer tie to the horse’s bit connector.

Improper #5: Do not leave the halter clipped in the stall. Please unclip it and hang it outside the stall door

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THE PRDA FUNNIES

SAY WHAT?!

HORSE SPONSORSHIP

There are a number of 4-legged

therapists looking for sponsors.

Interested in sponsoring one? There

are five levels of sponsorship

available ranging from $25 a month

to $5000 a year. Sponsorships help

ensure our amazing horses get

treated like the kings and queens they

truly are. Contact the office today for

more details.

And a BIG thank-you to all of our

other current horse sponsors. Your

support is appreciated greatly.

CLASSIFIEDS

Tall Dark and Handsome Seeks New Home

Hi, my name is Toby, and this is my first try writing a classified. I am a 30 year old Dutch Warmblood and have spent the last 5 years

as a therapy horse. Prior to that I was a Grand Prix jumper, but I’m a humble guy so I

don’t talk about my success there much. I have recently been retired so am looking for a special someone to share my golden years with. My riding years are behind me but I am very interested in trying my hand at Equine Assisted Personal Development activities. If you think we might be a match, please get in

touch with the folks at PRDA.

Have you ever wondered about some of the terms that horse

people use commonly, but you aren’t sure of their meaning?

Here is your Horsemen’s Lingo guide to parts of the bridle:

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RIDER SPOTLIGHT – FRED

PRDA PROUD TO BE A YPI WINNER

The “Youth In Philanthropy Initiative” is a secondary school program designed to strengthen the social sector by engaging youth in social issues, local charities and grant making. YPI was started in 2002 by the Toskan Casale Foundation, a Canadian foundation started by the creators of MAC cosmetics. Since its beginning in Toronto, YPI now operates in more than 400 schools in Canada, the United Kingdom, and New York City and has given away more than $12 million in grants.

Tell us a bit about yourself. I incurred a brain injury in grade 12 due to a stroke How long have you been riding at PRDA? About 2 years Why did you start riding? My mom signed me up, I used to ride What are your favorite things about riding? I like being outside, I like the staff-especially the ladies of course, and it is a great way to exercise Who is your favorite horse? Marvin! Do you have any goals for your riding? I want to gain independence. My main goal is walking What do you find most challenging about riding? Staying focused What other sports/activities do you do outside of riding? Swimming and video games on my ipad Anything else you would like to add? Bill is an entertaining worker; he is like a father figure

The Youth In Philanthropy Initiative requires students, in groups, or as a class, to research a local charity and make a presentation about its work to a panel of judges, consisting of students and community leaders. After hearing all the pitches, this panel determines which grassroots charity receives the $5K grant.

A group of five students from Maple Ridge Secondary School chose PRDA to research and present to the panel. Maya, Cassandra, Clara, Ava and Zaria, with guidance from their teacher Jacqueline Burns, spent time with us at PRDA learning about what we do, and talking to staff, riders, volunteers, parents and caregivers. They also shot video footage of some of the classes. After a great deal of hard work fine tuning their presentation, they appeared in front of the panel.

All of their hard work paid off, when they were selected to move forward to the final round of selection process, and were ultimately declared the winners! We are so proud of these remarkable young women, and honoured to have been chosen as the recipient charity – and winners of the $5,000 grant.

After careful consideration, the girls have opted to apply the grant monies towards the Platinum sponsorship of one of our special 4 legged therapists – Grover. PRDA is very grateful to YPI, and the five students of Maple Ridge Secondary school for making this possible. We wish Zaria, Ava, Clara, Cassandra and Maya all the best in their future endeavours, and hope that they will stay in touch with us, and Grover.

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NEWSLETTER We would like to put out a newsletter three times a year, at the beginning of each session, but we can’t do it

without contributions from you. If you have any ideas for things to include, or would like to write something to be

included please email them to hseigman@prda.ca

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT - DAWN

TRACTOR FUNDRAISING

Tell us a little about you. I am retired from a very long career with the provincial government. I have two wonderful amazing grown up kids who I adore, and a lovely new daughter-in-law. I love to travel, both near and far and try to go on a longish trip every couple of years. How long have you been volunteering with us? Just about two years now. What made you want to volunteer with PRDA? My education and early career were in Early Childhood Education, working with children with disabilities. I loved the career, but gave it up in order to raise my own kids. I have always loved horses and had a succession of horses from the time I was about 16. My daughter grew up with her horse in the back yard. I miss both horses and young kids in my life and also wanted to give back to my community when I retired. PRDA was the natural fit. What do you enjoy most about being at PRDA? The people, whether they are students, instructors, volunteers or parents. Everyone is special. And of course, the horses. We couldn't do what we do without them. They make PRDA! I feel a great sense of being in the right place when I'm at PRDA. Who is your favorite horse? REALLY? Only one? Bug for her perkiness and spirit, Gimli for his heart and honesty ( when he has a rider in his back) and Marvin for being solid and pretty well bomb proof (even though he loves to bite me). Butters is starting to grow on me as I get to know him.

All of us at PRDA would like to thank you – PRDA’s loyal supporters for helping us in our TRACTOR DRIVE. Maintaining our facility, all 15 acres of it – is a big job, and a good tractor is a must. PRDA is now the proud owner of a new John Deere 3038E tractor with a front loader. Malcolm can be seen driving around, most often early in the morning, with a big grin, as he prepares both arenas for the day’s work ahead. The machine has more power, and a number of features that the old one did not have, and should last many years. Without the generosity of the PRDA family and all those who so kindly donated to our tractor fund, this purchase would have remained beyond our reach – we are truly grateful to all of you!! We would like to add a special thank you to Fraser Way RV for their generous donation and their support. Our old tractor will be listed on Craig’s list, and we hope to find it a new home soon.