BCAA team members revitalize riding centre where students’ disabilities disappear on the backs of horses (video).

Making a tangible difference

As part our commitment to improve our communities, "BCAA Volunteers" is a way for BCAA team members to get involved in their communities by giving their time, talents and hard-work to help a local charity.

On May 1, 2012, the Southlands Therapeutic Riding Society (STaRS), a non-profit charitable organization, received a 'makeover' when over 125 BCAA team members from all over the province joined forces to improve and revitalize the horseback riding facility where STaRS provides subsidized therapeutic riding lessons for people of all ages with special needs.

Together, we rolled up our sleeves to paint, clean, build and make repairs around the riding facility to make it safer and even more enjoyable for STaRS students, their families and volunteers.

By making improvements to the grounds, we also hoped to lighten the burden of maintenance and upkeep for the employees and volunteers of STaRS so they can focus on giving back even more to their students and community.

Note of appreciation: BCAA would like to thank the team at Belfor Canada for assisting with the various construction projects planned for the day.

STaRS students find independence and freedom on the back of a horse

From riding a horse to interacting with it, therapeutic horseback riding has amazing benefits for people with physical, cognitive and emotional disabilities. STaRS students are of all ages, come from diverse backgrounds and have a range of medical conditions such as autism, cerebral palsy or traumatic brain injuries. Conducting over 125 therapeutic riding lessons each month, the instructors, workers and volunteers have witnessed the remarkable effects horses have on people with special needs.

Like many charities, STaRS is challenged by the cost of resources. Having horses, trained staff, qualified therapeutic riding instructors and the proper insurance coverage is expensive and requires a lot of fundraising. After an intense day of work, BCAA team members hope the improvements to the facility will provide STaRS, its workers and volunteers relief from some of the financial and upkeep burdens that come along with providing therapeutic horseback riding.

To learn more about STaRS and how you can donate or sponsor a student, visit its website stars.ponies.ca

"All the projects for the day were on our to-do list and we thought it would be years before we could afford the time or money to accomplish them. We are all so amazed and delighted at the generosity of BCAA, the words don’t exist to properly express our appreciation."

— Jennifer Maynard, Co-Founder and Board Member of STaRS