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:

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



 – Jim (and Lorraine)