Friday, December 30, 2016

Therapeutic Riding Horses

I've been out collecting pictures so I can keep the blog going in this winter weather.  After a snowshoe walk around the edge of Wodehouse Marsh the other day, I drove home past Hope Haven, a nearby centre for therapeutic riding, where we have both volunteered a bit.

It's a nice looking farm, and if I stop at the right point, I can frame the farm buildings and paddocks with the old cedar rail fence and this big old Sugar Maple.

They've got about a dozen horses, and regardless of the season those horses prefer to be outside.  The farm manager tells me there's a greater danger of over-heating staying in the barn too much than being cold outside, though they're taken in at night.

For a change these four horses were in the paddock right by the road, letting me get a close look.   But they were certainly more interested in eating than in me!

These light brown horses are Norwegian Fjord horses, very hardy, peaceful, and small of stature.  They're ideal for therapeutic riding, where the riders need gentle, patient horses.

They've got an interesting pattern in their manes, here groomed differently to help tell them apart!  And take a look at the length of their tails.

Eventually one of the other horses looked up at me.  I always enjoy driving by here to see which ones are out in the paddocks.

Hope Haven has a good reputation in the local community, running a variety of programs for riders, and attracting a large group of volunteers to help.

Linking to:

21 comments:

  1. We have a large therapeutic riding program in Powell River. They do lots of fund raising and are well supported. When the program isn't running the horses are sent to foster families who have pasture space. I used to have horses of my own and know how they can help you stretch your abilities and foster an easy way to bond to others. Love the Norwegian Fjord horses. They look like they have nice flat backs for bareback riding. - Margy

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  2. These therapeutic riding stables / programmes are excellent, and I also admire the many volunteers that help out.

    All the best Jan

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  3. The Therapeutic Riding programs are very popular around the Province at helping many with limited communication skills and they have expanded the program in some areas to include victims of stroke.
    Wishing you, Mrs. FG and all your family a Safe and Happy New Year.

    It's about time.

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  4. And a Haflinger!!! I love these horses. Still miss mine every day. I donated mine to a therapeutic riding program.

    Thank you for reading my story. I surprised Mom, too. We didn't have a lot but even then I knew I had more. Happy New Year.

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  5. Nice composition on that first photo and those horses do look a bit different than the norm

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  6. Beautiful stout horses, they remind me of the wild Dartmoor ponies in England.
    The therapeutic programs are such a worthy cause.
    Your pictures are stunning, I can feel the cold just by gazing at them :)
    Wishing you a Happy and Healthy New Year !
    Jo

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  7. Those Norwegian Fjord horses are adorable!

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  8. Love these winter images, and I agree with Linda - the Fjord horses are gorgeous! There are only a few in the Lanark highlands, and I always enjoy looking at them.

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  9. Interesting to learn about the farm and their program FG.

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  10. The are truly beautiful creatures. I would love to get to know on and ride it, although it's been a LONG time since I sat on horseback. :-)

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  11. What a lovely post! I haven't been riding since a kid. Maybe only twice?
    They are beautiful horses!
    (ツ) from Cottage Country Ontario , ON, Canada!

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  12. Beautiful horses, but I love the first shot best...just the snowy rural scene..makes me wish I could be standing there seeing through your eyes the same sight.
    Have a blessed New Year.

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  13. This is right up my alley. I love winter, love snow and love scenic farms. Gorgeous photography!

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  14. Happy New Year! Love your blog and so enjoy your pictures. We are new to the area and it has been lovely getting to know the countryside by our own wanderings and through your blog where we have gotten a lot of great insight into the area. Thank you!

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  15. They certainly are beautiful horses. Yes, at least a couple of them were curious about you.

    Happy New Year!

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  16. what a great selection of images!! i am in the same position, i will be digging for blog material!!

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  17. Hello, I just love that these therapy riding havens are around. The horses are beautiful, they must very sweet and gentle horses. Great series of photos. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Have a happy weekend! I wish you and your family all the best in 2017, Happy New Year!

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  18. Lovely winter pictures.
    Happy New Year.

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  19. Your photos of those beautiful horses really spoke to my heart. It is so good to know that such places as these exist. I'd like to visit those beautiful creatures and go for a ride myself. I do think I'd rather wait till it is warmer to do so though. Blessings to you and may 2017 bring you the very best.

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  20. What a wonderful place!
    Happy New Year!

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