I CAN-T.E.R. bringing back Buy a Bale fundraiser in support of therapeutic programs

I CAN-T.E.R. Farm, currently in its 31st year, will be bringing back its annual Buy a Bale of Hay fundraiser in support of its 87-acre horse farm.

An abbreviation for I Can Therapeutic Equestrian Riding Association of Niagara, I CAN-T.E.R. provides “therapeutic, educational and recreational farm-based programs for individuals facing barriers or special needs,” Executive Director Karen van der Zalm told Fort Erie Radio.

“We have to fundraise to keep the programs we have,” she noted, referencing the high costs of maintaining the horses.

The fundraiser, which involves purchasing bales of hay to keep the horses fed through winter, has raised as much as $10,000 in previous years.

Bales of hay to feed Maya, Maggie, and all the other horses at I CAN-T.E.R. can be purchased for $5 each. Large round bales are also available for $50 each.

All donations of $25 or more are eligible to receive a charitable tax receipt, and donations of $100 or more will be entered into a draw to win a weekend farm stay for two.

Bales of hay can be purchased by sending an e-transfer to icanter@icanter.ca.

Located at 1234 House Road, I CAN-T.E.R. also works with other organizations to provide educational experiences. Some of the programs offered include horse-grooming apprenticeships through Skills Ontario.

The 13-week program covers a mix of theoretical and practical training, covering topics such as horse handling and safety, stable management, hoof care, tack and equipment, first aid, lameness, nutrition, training methods, lunging, grooming techniques, horse anatomy, equine dentition, and breeding and foaling.

“They work with the miniature horses from the ground,” said van der Zalm, adding that the program caters to both group and individually-personalized activities.

“(The program lead) works with the miniature horses during a variety activities to help (apprentices) learn a little bit about themselves and a little bit about the horses, and then combines them together to try and make improvements in their life.”

I CAN-T.E.R. will soon be announcing more programming to begin in the fall.

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