Genevieve Labelle is a talented 16 year old with her own set of challenges. She has the same worries, aspirations, and interests as any other teenager, but on a daily basis she has to deal with Attention Deficit Disorder, a learning disability, poor balance, and visual perception problems making coordination difficult. She came to our program in July of 2000 looking for recreational sport. Her parents were hoping that she would develop a love of sport and a sense of well being and belonging, thus improving her self-esteem. She started out being apprehensive about horses yet her love of horses overcame that fear and she moved on.

Jo-Anne Chevalier, instructor and program director of the Northern Lights Therapeutic Riding Association in Val Rita, Ontario, directed Genevieve’s training. Therapy started with the basics; grooming, tacking up, and handling of her horse from the ground, including leading her horse from the field to the barn. She learned the routine steps it takes to prepare her horse Brigitte, a grey 14 hand Connemara mare, and herself for riding. Learning to communicate and trust Brigitte, Genevieve soon came to know that Brigitte accepted her unconditionally. Respect and trust evolved between the two.

Genevieve decided to take the challenge and started working towards her Horse Mastership Levels. First, she had to learn the names of the brushes in a grooming kit, the parts of her horse, and the parts of her bridle and saddle as well as how and why they are used. After learning how to properly mount her horse, she then had to master basic position and commands. With these new skills down pat, she added walking, trotting, and cantering in specific patterns such as circles and figure eights. All of these tasks require a great deal of concentration, so Genevieve learned to dedicate herself and to count on her horse.

Music was then added to the program. She had to synchronize all her timing, movements, and accuracy to the beat of the music — not an easy task. Brigitte and Genevieve worked as a team. Wow — what a sight! As she progressed, there were tests to pass. One by one, she passed her four Horse Mastership Levels by studying and practicing all that she had learned. Genevieve’s self-esteem increased with the realization that she could do something that other “normal” kids found difficult. She even volunteered to help with handicapped adults during their riding lessons. With increased self-esteem and newly found success, Genevieve declared, “You know what, Jo-Anne? I would like to learn to jump!” Months passed with regular weekly riding lessons and summer day camps. It wasn’t long before Genevieve was jumping over low jumps, then a line, then a full course. Gen will now be working towards her English Rider Preparation Program. These are obtainable goals for her.

This year, Genevieve has a new challenge. She has outgrown Brigitte and must leave this very dear friend behind and build a new relationship with another partner. Genevieve was introduced to Misty, a 14.3 hand black Tennessee Walker in the fall of 2002.

It has been a long and sometimes very challenging road for Genevieve — but with perseverance, she has overcome many obstacles. Her parents best describe what the program has done for her, “We have watched her become more self-assured, focussed and better coordinated — all while doing something she loves. She comes home tired, but much more relaxed. This sport has done what we had hoped for her and more. We have always known how much she loves animals but she has developed a very special bond with her horse. This is very good therapy for Genevieve and we certainly would recommend this to anyone who has special challenges to meet.”

The Northern Lights Therapeutic Riding Association is located in Val Rita, Ontario and provides equine therapy for the mentally, physically and emotionally challenged persons. N.L.T.R.A. is a member in good standing of the Ontario and Canadian Therpeutic Riding Associations. They have earned the CanTRA certificate for high standards and quality management. Helping out the Northern Lights is a great way to help children and adults in your community with special needs. If you wish to make a donation or volunteer your time it would be greatly appreciated. Please contact program director Jo-Anne Chevalier at 705-335-2441 or email at nltra@hotmail.com