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Sponsor Spotlight – Winnipeg Kinsmen

Sat, 02 May 2026 18:28:20 GMT

Sponsor Spotlight – Winnipeg Kinsmen

Behind every great community event is a group of people quietly driving real impact. The Winnipeg Kinsmen Club has been doing exactly that for over a century, turning connection into action and fundraising into meaningful change across Manitoba. As the presenting sponsor of our Spring 2026 Gallop & Groove, their support played a direct role in the event’s success, and we’re grateful for their continued commitment to strengthening our community.

The Winnipeg Kinsmen Club has been serving the community for 102 years, united by its mission of “coming together to build a better Manitoba.” Through engaging events and initiatives, the club raises funds to support numerous charities and nonprofit organizations across the province.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Winnipeg Kinsmen demonstrated their commitment to community support by donating $5.2 million to charities and projects throughout Manitoba. Their fundraising efforts have contributed to major community initiatives, including the Kinsmen Discovery Centre at the Assiniboine Park Zoo, Easter Seals Manitoba, and many others.

As the second-oldest Kinsmen Club in Canada, the Winnipeg Kinsmen continue to build on a proud legacy of giving. They were recognized as a 2023 recipient of the Manitoba Philanthropy Awards, reflecting both their ongoing partnerships with organizations like Agape Table and their historic contributions, such as the “Milk for Britain” campaign during World War II.

Today, the club continues to host its hallmark fundraisers, including Jackpot Bingo, the Kin Kar Raffle, and the 50/50 Raffle, helping to fund vital community initiatives across Manitoba.

kinsmenclub.com

A Volunteer's Perspective

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 16:46:09 GMT

Discovering Growth Beyond the Classroom

This was my first season volunteering as a Side Walker with Prairie Strides, and I’m so grateful for the experience. As an Educational Assistant with SJASD for nearly two decades, I’m used to helping kids overcome challenges in the classroom. But watching them grow in a completely different setting — on the back of a horse — opened my eyes in a whole new way.

These past ten weeks have reminded me that growth doesn’t only happen at a desk or during a lesson. Sometimes it unfolds in a dusty barn, beside a gentle horse, where a child discovers they are capable of more than they ever imagined.

Christina and her team create an environment where learning feels fun, safe, and full of possibility — for both the riders and the volunteers. I can’t wait to return in the spring.

– Kim Zapotochny

From Hesitant to Hopeful: George’s Strides at the Stables

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 01:28:56 GMT

From Hesitant to Hopeful: George’s strides at the stables

ORIGINAL POST: ( July 22, 2025)

Our son, George, now looks forward to his evenings at the West Wind Stables and his programming with Prairie Strides. Initially he was very hesitant about entering the big building, but he now gets excited at home when we tell him “It’s time to go see the horses” and he happily rushes into the barn when we get to the parking lot. Last time, George walked around the barn and even touched the noses of a couple of horses in their stables. Something, he never would have been comfortable doing prior to Prairie Strides. The regular exposure and friendly demeanor of the volunteers, director and the horses have made him much more comfortable.

We investigated Prairie Strides for George, because we had read/heard that equine therapy had the potential to be incredibly helpful in improving his quality of life across physical, cognitive, and emotional functioning.

Currently, George’s sessions involve grooming the horse and walking through the barn. These sessions, provide a safe, controlled opportunity to interact with horses in a way that is both therapeutic and educational. Our “big goal” is that in time, George will also be able to lead the horse and engage in horseback riding to further enhance communication, socialization, and physical development.

– Jen Muir (George's Mom)

UPDATE: (November 2025)

Our son, George, continues to thrive in his evenings at West Wind Stables and his programming with Prairie Strides. When he first began, he was hesitant even to step inside the barn. Now he rushes in with excitement, eager to see the horses and begin his session.

Since starting, George has made remarkable progress. He has graduated from grooming the horses and walking through the barn to actually horseback riding – an achievement we once only hoped for. He has even begun giving the horses verbal cues, a wonderful reflection of his growing confidence and his deepening connection with the animals.

Looking ahead, we’re excited for George to continue building his skills. We’re hopeful that he will soon progress to longer durations of trotting, increase his independent handling of the reins, and develop greater balance as his comfort and abilities continue to grow.

As parents, we are incredibly proud of George and deeply grateful to Prairie Strides. The patience, encouragement, and expertise of the volunteers, staff, and horses have opened doors for him that we could only imagine before. Their support has made all the difference.

– Jen Muir & Jon Kilfoyle

Finding Joy in Volunteering – Jim & Lorraine's Story

Fri, 23 May 2025 17:33:08 GMT

Finding Joy in Volunteering: Jim and Lorraine’s Story

We’re both retired – Lorraine from the Assiniboine Park Conservatory where she worked in the greenhouses, and me from Manitoba Agriculture, where I was a cartographer with the Soil Survey section.

Back in the summer of 2012, Lorraine spotted a volunteer call-out in the Winnipeg Free Press for Manitoba Riding for the Disabled’s fall session. She was looking for a meaningful way to give back and decided to check it out. I drove her out to West Wind Stables for her orientation, with no intention of getting involved myself. She loved what she saw, signed up, and began as a side walker.

During her sessions, I would drive her to the stable and head upstairs to read my book with the parents. That went on for two sessions, but by the next spring, I figured – why not? I was already there. Maybe I could help out as a spare. So I signed up for the 2013 fall session. I have to laugh now – during orientation, I raised my hand to give side walking a try, and that was the very first time in my life I had ever stood that close to a horse.

Much to my surprise, I was paired with a rider who was deaf and had a translator. It was fascinating and opened my eyes to the different ways kids communicate and connect. We had some incredible mentors who helped us find our footing – Lorraine learned from Judy, and I had Hal. They were generous with their knowledge and became good friends.

Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of working with several riders. Some we were with from their very first ride to their final graduation. We’ve shared stories, laughter, and lots of memorable moments. Like the young rider who waved to a fellow watching the lesson and shouted, “Hi Mike!” with all the confidence in the world, after being told his name just one lap earlier. Or the little girl who, during warm-ups, did a swim stroke with one arm while holding her nose with the other. When I asked what she was doing, she simply said, “That’s how I swim.” It still makes me smile.

Typically, we like to arrive early. It gives us time to greet our rider, chat with their parents, and get helmeted up before heading to the exercise room. Those few minutes before the ride feel a bit like the dressing room before a hockey game – full of energy, anticipation, and team spirit.

Some of our most meaningful moments came at graduations – celebrating a child’s progress, the confidence they gained, and yes, the bittersweet feeling of saying goodbye.

Volunteering with Prairie Strides has become an important part of our lives. We’ve come to see ourselves as part of a team: rider, horse, leader, and side walker. And we know how much it means for the kids to see the same faces week after week – it helps them feel safe and supported.

To anyone thinking about volunteering with Prairie Strides, we’d say:

It’s a great program that truly makes a difference in the lives of kids and their families.
You’ll be part of an incredible community.
And honestly – it’s just plain fun.

– Jim (and Lorraine)

Howdy, Friends! Meet Andy

Fri, 28 Mar 2025 18:18:53 GMT

Howdy, Friends! Meet Andy – The Best-Looking Horse in the Barn!

Hey there, partners! My name’s Andy, and I’m the smoothest, steadiest horse in the Prairie Strides barn. You might be wondering, “Andy, what’s your secret? How do you stay so balanced and never spook?” Well, I’ve got a little secret – I’m an Equicizer! That means I don’t need hay or water (though a good polish now and then keeps me looking sharp), and I’m always ready to help our riders get warmed up for their lessons.

Every week, I welcome riders of all abilities to climb aboard and get a feel for the rhythm of horseback riding. We stretch, we practice mounting and dismounting, and we work on balance –all without me moving a muscle! Pretty impressive, right? I might not gallop, but I’ve got an important job: helping our young equestrians gain confidence before they head into the arena with their four-legged friends.

One of the best things about being Andy is hearing the giggles and seeing the smiles of our riders as they get ready for their lesson. Some riders are meeting me for the first time, while others greet me like an old friend. Either way, I take my job seriously – helping everyone feel safe and comfortable before they hop onto one of my real-horse buddies.

Did you know that I also help with specialized exercises? Riders can practice core strength, coordination, and posture while working with me. I’m a great partner for building confidence and helping riders feel steady before they ride a moving horse. I may not have a swishy tail or a mane to braid, but I’m proud to be a part of the Prairie Strides team, giving every rider the best start possible.

I’ve also been known to host some fun games! Sometimes, we pretend we’re riding on a trail, imagining all the things we might see along the way. Other times, riders practice steering and posture by holding the reins and guiding me just like they would with a real horse. These little adventures make warm-up time even more fun!

So next time you stop by Prairie Strides, be sure to give me a pat and say hello! I may be made of wood, but I’ve got a heart as big as any horse out there.

Until next time, keep your heels down and your spirits up!

Your trusty warm-up horse,
Andy the Equicizer

Transforming Lives Through Volunteering

Sun, 09 Mar 2025 00:31:21 GMT

Transforming Lives Through Volunteering

I started volunteering with Prairie Strides (then known as Manitoba Riding for the Disabled Association – MRDA) in 2021, taking part in the first program session after a hiatus due to the COVID pandemic. A long-time equestrian, both recreationally and professionally, I transferred to Winnipeg in February 2019, setting up a new home with my husband Mitch and our three rescue dogs.

As an officer in the RCMP, I was working a very high-stress role so, in 2021, after the isolation of the pandemic period, I decided that volunteering would be a great way to meet new friends and do something different, fun, and positive.

I have always been interested in therapeutic and adaptive riding, so discovering MRDA felt like a natural fit. It gave me the opportunity to give back to my community, help children, de-stress, and enjoy working around horses again.

I quickly filled out a volunteer application through their website, and the next day I received a call from the Executive Director, inviting me to a volunteer orientation session. Two weeks later, I started working as a barn manager during the Monday program evenings. I was hooked in no time.

I continued with my volunteer gig, working several 10-week sessions as a barn manager. During that time, MRDA re-branded itself to Prairie Strides, and I made a bunch of fast friends. In 2022, I retired from the RCMP, and my husband and I decided to stay in Winnipeg permanently.

I joined Prairie Strides’ Board of Directors in late 2022 and started training as an instructor in the adaptive riding program. Currently, I’m a Director on the Board, sit on a couple of committees, and I’m a co-instructor for the Wednesday evening program. And I still love every minute of it.

I highly recommend anyone interested in giving back to step up and volunteer with Prairie Strides. We always need barn help, horse leaders, and side-walkers. The time commitment is easy to manage! Simply sign up for either a Monday or Wednesday evening for a couple of hours over a 10-week program. Sessions run in both the spring and fall. Easy-peasy!

We’re also always on the lookout for new instructor candidates and Board members.

Come join us – you’ll make a difference, gain new friendships, and experience the pure joy of seeing our riders thrive. Hope to see you in the arena!

– Jane McLatchy