2021 CanTRA Awards

Amber started her volunteer work with CARD in April 1988, more than 33 consecutive years ago, working as a leader/sidewalker on Saturday mornings each week. This also included grooming and tacking up horses before classes. In 1999, Amber obtained her Assistant Instructor certification and began teaching Wednesday evenings. Amber now is the Volunteer Instructor for the Monday and or Wednesday afternoon classes each week" - Judy Wanless, Director of Volunteer Services, CARD

Andy passed away on Septemer 4, 2020, this is a posthumous award.

"Andy Robb served as a volunteer board member at the Joyriders for the past 20-odd years. During that time, he took on various roles within the organization including serving for several years as president. When he stepped down from the presidency, Andy was honoured by the board for his work as a transformational president by being named Director Emeritus, a position held until his recent passing." - Mel Galant, Treasurer The Joyriders T.R.A. Photo courtesy of The Joyriders

Cowboy would like to be known as a horse in a pony’s body. Standing a mighty 13 HH tall, Cowboy has been an integral part of the EquineAbility team since its inception in 2010. He is the horse the new volunteers first work with, the quiet mount for a variety of riders and the first horse for individuals to transition off of leadline. As Cowboy approaches retirement in his mid thirties we will struggle to find a single horse to fill his horse shoes.

ED STACEY has been volunteering with Mount View Special Riding (MVSRA) of Olds, Alberta for some 15 years. Every Tuesday through spring and fall sessions Ed has dutifully brought his gentle Fjord ponies Sensible, Sven, Lucky Surprise and Skoki Lodge the 50-plus kilometres from just outside Bergen to Olds for use by the club’s saddled riders. Ed, a year or two into his stint with MVSRA and sensing a need and opportunity, custom built a cart to accommodate wheel-chaired “riders”. They gleefully take the loose ends of his reins, playing games and “driving” through the pilons along with him. Ed, a modest and compassionate man, says that little in his life brings the satisfaction he gains from helping our riders. Ed truly has been a rare gift to all he has impacted.

Erin O’Rielly first got involved with Rainbow Riders as a young equestrian volunteering her time with our lesson program, and many years later has become Program Director and Head Instructor. Her tireless enthusiasm carries our team through busy program semesters, recruitment, training and certification of new instructors, and the day-to-day chaotic wonderfulness of a busy therapeutic riding barn. This passionate young woman grew Rainbow’s lesson program through the struggles of a global pandemic, kick-started a long-defunct Competitive Team, and even learned American Sign Language to facilitate weekly lessons for a school group of hearing-impaired children. They say it takes a team, it takes a village… but it also takes a spark—and that’s what Erin is to her team at Rainbow Riders.

"Helgi approaches everything she does with great thought, careful planning, research and wisdom. She is constantly looking for opportunities to educate herself and those around her, placing high value on acquiring knowledge and skills of the industry and beyond. She is an accomplished horse woman, a natural mentor and a skilled instructor, but she also has intuition and sensitivity towards her equine and human partners that bolsters her holistic approach to everything she does." - Susan Lake, Interim Executive Director, CTRA

Mel Gallant is so deserving of recognition for his many contributions to the Joyriders. He has been a true friend, volunteer and administrator for fifteen years serving on the board of directors, especially as treasurer and fund-raiser. He made important contacts for us, including with an international artist whom he persuaded to design and donate our logo and donate artwork for fund-raising. He also shared his own award-winning talent as a photographer to our benefit. His administrative skills and organizing abilities were above reproach, and his caring, compassionate and outgoing personality – imparted with a great sense of humour – have placed us very much in his debt.

Daphne Davey, President, The Joyriders Therapeutic Riding Association of PEI

"Woody is a rare find! Quiet enough to come on board as full-time therapy horse a the young age of six and still and active team member 19 years later. Standing 15.1HH with a medium build and kind temperment, this handsome solid chestnut boy could be described as a therapy horse unicorn. Through his years with PRANCE, Woody has carried many riders of all ages and needs. Woody has shown patience to those first learning and those whose methods are adapted to allow as much independence as possible." - Jenny Sanderson, CanTRA Intermediate Instructor, PRANCE