History of Prance

How the hooves met the pavement and things started to roll!

 

In 1992, Kathy & Brad Pryde built Miramichi Farms specifically with a therapeutic program in mind. Bringing therapeutic riding to Saugeen Shores was the dream of Kathy after she saw therapeutic programs during a trip to Europe. In England, therapeutic riding programs were developed to aid in the recovery of war veterans. Kathy studied and trained intensively to become a therapeutic riding instructor.

The Prydes galvanized support from the community, gathered volunteers and with a dedicated Board of Directors became an incorporated non-profit organization in 1993. Since that time PRANCE (Pegasus Riding Association Nurturing Challenged Equestrians) has offered therapeutic riding sessions each Spring and Fall. Our ground-based grooming program is a great option for those that do not feel able to ride in the saddle. Integrated horse camps are offered during March Break and the Summer and are open to children of all abilities.

With her professional background in Social Work, Kathy also helped to develop and nurture PRANCE’s EFW or Equine Facilitated Wellness program. This innovative approach to therapy pairs participants with an equine specialist, a counselor and the all-important horse to work through activities designed specifically for the participant. The EFW program is now under the leadership of Rebecca Brown MSW.

Community support and a strong volunteer base has been crucial to PRANCE’s success. Throughout the years, instructors have worked extensively with specialized training through CanTRA (The Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association) and PATH.

PRANCE, and its members are proud members of CanTRA, PATH (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship, OEF (Ontario Equestrian Federation), Equine Canada and EFW Canada.