Wednesday, June 21, 2006, saw some of our members being given a tour of SARI Therapeutic Riding stables. We have long been a supporter of this very worthwhile program (found at http://www.sari.ca/) where children and adults with special needs are given riding instruction.  They have a number of very gentle horses, each of which are available for adoption.

Susan Morel, Executive Director of SARI, had made a video presentation at our business meeting a couple of months ago, and whereas our previous support had always been in the form of paying for lessons, we decided this time to make a larger donation of $5,000, which we presented to Susan during the visit.

Susan had explained by telephone when the tour was being arranged that they had recently purchased a special therapeutic saddle, and with which the staff and volunteers had been extremely impressed; so much so that they wished they would be able to purchase another.  Now they can!

She also explained their Adopt a Pony program, so while on the tour, we met Bailey, Amigo and Fanny.  At 13 hands, Fanny, a Percheron Halflinger cross provides a wide base on short legs. Her height is great for volunteers and SARI is grateful to have had her on loan since 1999. Fanny pretends to be a courageous jousting pony, but really she has a sweet temperament, a very kind face and always looks after her riders.   Susan mentioned that Fanny, although lovable, has never been adopted.  The members present decided she would be the one!  The balance of our 2006 donation adopts Fanny for the year, and Susan will be coming to our September business meeting to bring a plaque with her photo for our clubhouse wall.  This donation was renewed in June 2007, so Fanny is ours for another year!

Welcome to the newest member of the London Middlesex Civitan Club.  At 20, does she count as a Junior?