PRANCE (Pegasus Riding Association Nurturing Challenged Equestrians) raised $4,000 with partner Scotiabank Matching Program at their recent Open House held on September 12. The event was entirely volunteer run and was PRANCE's first.

Operations Manager and Volunteer Co-ordinator Ann Veyvara-Divinski said, “We are sure we will have this event again as the PRANCE volunteers joined with volunteers from the Port Elgin Scotiabank branch to show the community what we do at PRANCE through demonstration and tours.”

PRANCE hosts first Open House and Fish Fry

Scotiabank Branch Manager, Steve Ingrey said, “It was an absolutely great day. It was very informative and there's a whole lot that goes on at the end of the lane that people aren't aware of and it's all really, really good stuff.”

Scotiabank Port Elgin employee Barb Nash-Daly who volunteered at the event said, “I had such an amazing day. The people really inspired me.”

PRANCE is a non profit organization committed to the development and enrichment of those with physical, emotional and intellectual challenges through experiences with and on a horse. PRANCE offers session riding in Spring and Fall as well as a March Break and Summer camps. PRANCE is funded solely by donations and grants.

Veyvara-Divinski said the money raised at their Open House will be used to upgrade their safety equipment. “We just did an audit of our safety equipment and all our helmets need to be replaced.” She added that in order for PRANCE to maintain their certification with CANTRA (Canadian Therapeutic and Riding Association), they have to meet certain safety standards.

Veyvara-Divinski, along with PRANCE's Board of Directors and instructors would like to thank Scotiabank Port Elgin for their support, as well as all the people who took part to find out just what is at the end of the long road.

“We'd also like to congratulate Natasha Whibley for winning the 50/50 draw and Roger Peterson for winning the raffle draw prize of a one of a kind painted paddle.”