Albertans love horses; per capita, we own the most horses out of any other province or territory in Canada.
Horse owners have powerful feelings for their animals and connect with them on an almost spiritual level.
At the Robinson Outreach at RiverCross Ranch (ROARR) just outside of Cochrane, a unique gathering left a few horse lovers’ eyes a bit mistier than usual.
ROARR has carved out a niche in Alberta by offering Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL) and related therapies to youth and elderly residents of Cochrane and Calgary.
Their sessions are about more than horse riding; participants take part in objective-driven exercises that foster confidence and resilience by engaging with horses.
The Impact of Horses
A quiet gathering of guests and donors recently witnessed the heartwarming impact of the ROARR approach.
A video presentation featured the gentle interactions between horses and visitors, moving many to tears as the narrator aptly noted, “In the horse’s presence, hearts ignite.”
The effect of these interactions was vividly captured in the video, showing children and seniors lit up with joy.
Marian Koosel, an 84-year-old resident of Hawthorne Seniors Facility in Cochrane, shared her moving experiences at the ranch with the Cochrane Eagle.
Despite never being a ‘horse person’ and growing up in an urban setting in England, Marian found profound joy in her interactions with the horses, particularly a mini horse named Kisses.
While it was a first for her, she felt something from the experience that would keep her returning.
“It’s tough to explain; it doesn’t take much to get emotional.”
Marian’s story is just one of many. The ranch regularly hosts seniors for grooming and other hands-on activities with the horses, providing a much-needed emotional boost and a great outing.
Marilyn MacLean, ROARR’s director, emphasized the transformative power of these interactions.
“We want it to be so there are no barriers.”
Cost Challenges
However, recent challenges have arisen with the increasing costs of transportation, which have made it difficult for some participants to visit the ranch.
Recognizing this barrier, ROARR has been proactive in ensuring that financial constraints do not prevent anyone from benefiting from their programs.
The recent gathering functioned primarily as an opportunity to express gratitude towards donors like the Rocky Mountain Rotary Club and the Calgary Stampede Rotary Club, whose contributions have helped cover transportation costs for participants.
Whether it’s a senior rediscovering joy or a young person learning to overcome social anxieties, the programs at ROARR provide crucial life-enhancing opportunities.
For anyone interested in the transformative power of equine therapy or looking to support their cause, ROARR welcomes volunteer involvement and donations to continue their impactful work.
Their programs remind us of the simple joys and profound healing that come from connecting with these magnificent animals.
And there is nothing more Albertan than hugging a horse and lending a hand.
Follow along @roarrorg and go here to read more of our many stories on horses.
