Riding tall in the saddle
Kids find comfort in the saddle at Little C’s Ranch “Try Riding” event
Sometimes horses make the best teachers.
Celina Gallant, the owner and operator of Little C’s Ranch in Miscouche, knows this all too well, as she took a moment to fondly remember her mother for getting her life back on track with horses.
“Today’s the third anniversary of my mother’s death and if it wasn’t for her keeping me involved with horses –she purchased my first pony when I was nine-years-old – then I don’t even know if I would have graduated high school,” she said.
“I had such a problem dealing with what is now known as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) at school. I struggled with learning and I was picked on at school, but my love of horses got me through everything.”
Gallant invited kids to find their solace in the saddle and experience the joy of horse riding for the first time at the “Try Riding” event held at Little C’s Ranch on St. Nicholas Road, which was organized by Go West PEI, on Saturday.
“I love this program,” said Gallant with a grin. “It’s from Go West PEI and this is my second time doing this event. The aim is to get the kids interested in something different outside of the home, where they are not playing video games or on cell phones.”
More than 40 children climbed into the saddle and clip-clopped around a field, with help from volunteers.
“I want to get the kids enjoying the outdoors, as well as being around animals. This (horse riding) is also wonderful for kids that have learning disabilities, as well as problems at school,” added Gallant, who owns four horses, and also offers horse boarding.
Lindsay Lidstone, O’Leary, came with her six-year-old son, Seger.
“Seger was really excited to have the opportunity to learn how to care for horses, ride a big horse, and help with the cleanup after the horses.” Lidstone pointed, “You can see him over there with the lady helping to clean up the poop left in the field.”
Seger smiled and said, “It was fun riding the horse.”
Gallant says working with horses is her dream.
“When I graduated high school I moved to Alberta and got right back with horses. Then I got married and got my husband involved. When we moved back to the Island with our two children we were looking for a property that we could operate as a riding and boarding facility.”
She concluded, “And my dream has come true. It’s been 21 years.”