Meet Emily, Our Featured Equestrian of the Week!

Hi, my name is Gina and my daughter Emily goes to riding at the Richmond Therapeutic Riding. She began going in Grade 1 and has just finished grade 5.

There are so many things that Emily has not been able to do, not only because she has Down's Syndrome, but because she has Reactive Airway Disease (RAD), apnea and asthma. There are not many sports that allow for a child to experience working with an animal, with assistance and independence at the same time. She gets exercise, strengthens her muscles, teaches her social skills and increases her confidence, all while learning to ride a horse. She is learning how she can do more than she ever thought she could do.

Therapeutic Riding is unique, in that she can go to school and talk to the other children about riding horses and everyone finds it interesting and something they would like to do. There are really not that many things that Emily does that other children in her class can relate to, as she is less mature than other children her age, but riding appeals to all ages.

I cannot say enough about how great the staff is at RTES. They are wonderful with Emily and our entire family. Not every lesson goes well, but the staff, horses and volunteers are always patient. RTES and our family have high expectations for Emily and the Instructors expects her to try everything she is capable of.

Emily has grown so much in her years at RTES. Too many people don't push Emily to grow, they see this sweet little girl with Down's Syndrome and they forget that one day she won't be little and she needs to learn skills now that will help her in adulthood. So much of what RTES is about, is life and challenges and growing to your full potential.

Our family thanks your organization (VCHS) for your support as we know that RTES needssupport from sponsors to continue to deliver services to children like our daughter, Emily.

Thank you so very very much

Gina Oleksiew