Long-time supporters of PRANCE, the Shriners of the Mocha Temple donated $1,000 at the 25 year celebration, September 16. From left Tippy, PRANCE owner and founder Kathleen Pryde, Jim Kline, Jim Hudvagner, Chuck Stucky, PRANCE Operations Manager Ann Veyvara-Divinski, Amy Hodkinson, Diva and Kerstin Essmann.

Hub Staff

Twenty-five years of PRANCE, Pegasus Riding Association Nurturing Challenged Equestrians, was celebrated September 16, and did so in style, with past and present riders and volunteers showing their love by sharing a meal, which was catered by Harrigan’s 100 Mile Market, and taking part in horse and mule related activities and demonstrations.

“It’s a beautiful day, we couldn't ask for anything better,” said PRANCE Operations Manager Ann Veyvara-Divinski at the celebration that brought back old faces.

“Jeff Preston is here, we’ve had a number of our previous riders that have come back to see us and a lot of our older volunteers that were around back in the day have now come back to visit with us, as well as our current volunteers and board members,” said Veyvara-Divinski.

Before the dinner was served, special guest Jeff Preston recalled 25 years ago when he looked “a lot more adorable” at the opening of PRANCE, calling it a special place. “The reality is that there are many, many children being born in Ontario, right now in Bruce County with disabilities and there are many other children who will acquire disabilities. And the number one problem, I think, that we face with disabilities is all the people around us that tell us, ‘No’... PRANCE is special because it is one of the places that doesn't say, ‘No.’ It’s one of the few places that says, ‘Yes,’ [a place] that looks at people with disabilities and sees the opportunity, the potential, the activity and not all the things that they cannot.” Preston then urged the many people in attendance to continue to support those who say, “Yes.”

Owner and founder of PRANCE, Kathleen Pryde, said that she was “grateful to all of you,” making special mention of the volunteers and their many hours of commitment to the organization. “It’s just amazing the community support that has made the programming happen.”

Pryde then mentioned the communal aspect of the past 25 years, before citing a poem and being presented with a present by PRANCE Board Chair Louise Martin who told Pryde that she has made the lives of everyone involved in PRANCE “so much better.”

PRANCE Operations Manager Ann Veyvara-Divinski, alongside owner and founder Kathleen Pryde, explained the value of money to horse Tippy. Tippy became excited by the donation.

From wagon rides, games, a demonstration and dinner, there was lots to see and do and plenty of animals to visit at PRANCE’s 25th anniversary celebration September 16.

Jeff Preston, who was present at the opening of PRANCE 25 years ago, was a welcomed guest speaker at the event.

PRANCE owner and founder Kathleen Pryde spoke to the many people in attendance before dinner was served.