Personal healing through horses
Benefit Saturday at Kawartha Country Wines to support Horse Medicine Collective
An equine-style fundraiser for a horse therapy program in Lakefield is combining wine and riding Saturday.
The Wine and Trails Fun Fundraiser is in support of the Horse Medicine Collective.
The group offers programming that caters to those on the autism spectrum and those with other neuropsychiatric conditions such as ADHD, PTSD, anxiety and depression. Programs are also geared toward helping those with addictions, grief and youth at risk.
The goal is to bring the participant back to a renewed state of well being.
The benefit takes place at Kawartha Country Wines in Buckhorn on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
It kicks off with a trail ride at 10 a.m. Riders will travel down local cottage roads on the edge of Big Bald Lake as well as trails surrounding the winery.
After that, riders will enjoy a hot lunch, followed by horse games, a wine tasting and a tour of the winery.
To take part in the ride and activities, tickets are $95.
The public is also welcome to participate in the wine tasting, tour and to cheer on riders in the Winolympic games for a donation.
Jineen des Vignes started Horse Medicine Collective in 2012. She’s a certified facilitated equine experiential learning facilitator and equine specialist.
She leads both one-on-one and group sessions. Sessions can either be on or off the horse, depending on the individuals needs.
Because horses are highly sensitive animals, des Vignes said they’re able to connect with people on a deeper level.
“Regardless of what you are portraying to the world on the outside, the horse will see that but they will also know exactly what’s going on the inside as well,” she said.
Benefits of des Vignes’s programs include an increase in cognitive, emotional and physical functions, emotional regulation, positive social engagement and personal growth and healing.
Des Vignes held the Wine and Trails Fun Fundraiser for the first time last year, raising $1,200.
Funds support programming for the non-profit organization as well as subsidies for those who need financial help.
NOTE: To register for Wine and Trails Fun Fundraiser, contact info@horsemedicinecollective.com