Horses and friends open new worlds for youth

MUSKOKA - Some cannot speak, others suffer in arthritic agony but all have had a new world of experience and joy brought into their lives and their eyes tell the story.
Some seven children with various special needs, from juvenile arthritis to autism or Down syndrome, have come to the end of a winter program that for them should last a lifetime. The Muskoka Trails Riding Academy in Kilworthy has been hosting a special needs day camp since early in the new year until just this past Saturday, April 7.
The academy, owned by national Arabian horse riding champion Erin Edwards and operated with the help of her mother Jane has been an unfamiliar and unique learning centre for the children. Jane Edwards explained the youth have been shown a new world through interaction with horses and with each other, creating bonds that while often silent, express so much.
“It’s amazing how far the kids have come since they started the day camp,” Jane explained. “We had our expectations at one level when we started the camp and we’ve absolutely exceeded them all.”
The youth have been spending their winter days learning how to handle, groom and ride horses, while also learning social interactions with both peers and four-legged friends.
Edwards explained the program came to fruition when the academy secured funding through South Muskoka Community Living to offer the equestrian camp, based on program models for other regions. The camp represents the first such program in Muskoka and the hope is the academy will continue, although the funding ended with this past weekend’s events.
“When we requested the funding it seemed like there was a real need for this type of programming in Muskoka,” Edwards said. “We thought we’d try it and it’s proven so worthwhile. When we announced it and the paper (Gravenhurst Banner) did a story on it, we ended up with a waiting list, so we definitely want to continue on with this.”
“The children have all gotten along so well, had fun and played,” Edwards added. “Some came in pretty unsure and shy but they’ve grown so much.”
She added the academy uses Arabian horses exclusively because of their gentle temperament.
“The horses are very receptive to the children and have been just amazing with the kids,” Edwards said.
If anyone would like more information about the special needs camp or the academy, contact 705-689-4242.

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