The smiles on children’s faces says it all for volunteers and co-ordinators putting on the annual Horsin’ Around program for children, says event co-ordinator Sherry Kahanyshyn.
The program provides an opportunity for children ages five to 19 who may not otherwise have the opportunity, to spend time with a horse.
The program is sponsored by the Cariboo Child Development Centre with support from the Williams Lake Trail Riders who donate the use of their indoor arena and lend horses for the program which have been carefully screened and temperament tested for work with children, she says.
Two sessions were between July 6 to 16 with participation by 34 children and help from 20 volunteers who make the program possible, Kahanyshyn says.
During the sessions children participate in the everyday care and grooming of “their” horse, learn the principles of safe horse handling, and develop some basic horsemanship skills.
“The smile on the children’s faces every year is so rewarding and makes all the hard work and planning worthwhile,” Kahanyshyn says.