Kids & Horses Foundation celebrates its inaugural year

For the past year, thanks to the efforts of a new foundation, an increasing number of kids in Peel have been experiencing the excitement of being involved with horses for the first time.

The Kids & Horses Foundation, founded in September of 2005, is a non-profit organization located in Caledon, dedicated to making this connection with horses a reality for children whose families lack the necessary financial means.

The goal of Kids & Horses Foundation is to help educate motivated kids, watch them flourish, grow and experience the true magic that interacting with horses can provide.

"Experienced horse people know first-hand that horses are good teachers," said foundation president Robin Ogilvie. "We are seeing obvious evidence that learning good horsemanship provides long-term life benefits for these children. These benefits include learning discipline, building self confidence, patience, respect and trust."

The Kids & Horses Foundation pays for a series of structured riding lessons and educational riding camps.

"It's wonderful to see and hear the sense of achievement and increased self-esteem that these children demonstrate after participating in the program," said program liaison Dianne Susin.

"We had a contest and one of them was a bridle race, for the first time I won a contest ... This camp has been the best experience of my life," added Victoria, age 12.

The Foundation also has established the Kids & Horses Scholarship, which is awarded to a graduate of the program wishing to pursue college level studies, leading to a career involving horses. The foundation is very proud of the first winner, whose scholarship will help cover the cost of attending a college-level veterinary technician program.

Kids & Horses Foundation is funded through a grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation and through the generosity of private individuals and local businesses. Any and all donations are appreciated, and 100% of monies donated are used for the children.

High Tea at High Noon is an exciting fund-raising event, a unique fashion show experience being held Nov. 1st at the Caledon Riding & Hunt Club with the help of The Ascot Room of Belfountain and Renaissance of Erin. Partial proceeds will help fund continuing programs.

For more information on the Tea, and on the Kids & Horses Foundation, please call 905-880-8711 or e-mail info@kidsandhorses.ca.