WETRA celebrating 50th anniversary this year, numerous events being held to celebrate

focus.” While they still offer that type of program, Mills said they also can assist with a person’s physical and mental well-being and being around horses aids with that.

“Just being in their presence keeps you grounded and focused in the moment,” she said.

Horses are utilized in different ways, including having people tend to them if they don’t wish to actually ride them, and other animals on the farm can assist with that as well.

The “HOOF” program stands for Horses Offering Outstanding Futures, with that helping people to learn skills that can transfer into their every day lives.

“That program usually involves group visits from various organizations in the community,” said Mills, with those ranging from people supported by Community Living Essex County, those who live in retirement homes to local high school students.

grown to seven full-time and seven part-time positions, Mills added.

“When we started, we probably had a total of four staff,” said Mills.

The board of directors, led by former WETRA executive director Sue Klotzer, also acts as the fundraising committee, said Mills. Dawn Arsenault, Anne Furtaw, Debbie Richards, Paul Goetz, Jane Baldwin and Hazel Keefner also comprise the board with more passionate members welcome.

A promotional video may soon be in theatres and on television, Mills added, and they are looking to stay strong for another 50 years at least.

Twenty-nine-year-old Gregory LeClair-Pattinson was taking part in the program last Thursday, something he has done since he was about four-years-old.

By Ron Giofu

A local equestrian organization is celebrating its 50th year of helping youth and adults.

The Windsor-Essex Therapeutic Riding Association (WETRA) was founded in 1973 by Dr. Elmer Butt at a five-acre farm on Huron Church Road in LaSalle. Now, a half-century later, it is located on a 73-acre farm in McGregor with expanded programming and clientele.

Becky Mills, executive director with WETRA, said they are emerging from COVID-19 public health restrictions and it coincides with the 50th anniversary. She said there is a new “plan of action” to move forward.

“Since its our 50th year, we decided to make it a big deal,” said Mills.

WETRA’s second annual “Blue Jean Bash” will be one of the biggest events during the 50th anniversary year with that being held April 29 at their home at 3323 North Malden Road. Dinner from Spago will be served with drinks being sponsored by Wolfhead Distillery, Coopers Hawk Vineyards, Sprucewood Shores Estate Winery and G.L. Heritage Brewing Co. Tickets for that event are $130.

A “rideathon” is planned in May with details still being finalized for that event. The RCMP Musical Ride is scheduled to include WETRA as part of its 150th anniversary tour Sept. 17.

“In 2022, we hosted our first Fall Fair,” said Mills. “It was so well attended we decided to do it again this year on Oct. 15.”

Mills said they are looking forward to sharing some of the updates and programs they have including the new shaded space they have added to one of the barns.

The new awning at the entrance will protect visitors and volunteers as they gather out front before heading in.

WETRA is grateful for all of the sponsorships, grants and donations it has received over the years, including the Solcz Family Foundation and the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF). Recent developments have included laneways to the back paddock area, running water lines and lights to an outdoor corral, and additional paved spaces.

“There’s been so much happening,” said Mills. “The volunteers and donors are at the heart of what we do here.”

The community’s support over the last 50 years is why WETRA is where it is, she added, and they have evolved their programming since they first started in 1973. Six people with cerebral palsy were bused to WETRA 50 years ago to build core strength and balance as well as relaxing spastic muscles while riding horses but now there are “three different areas of

First responders also have a program designed for them, known as the Equine-Assisted Cognitive Therapy (EACPT). It is aimed at helping foster growth and recovery from Operational Stress Impact and Injuries, WETRA’s website states.

“It’s starting to amp up,” Mills said of that program.

WETRA now has approximately 120 people in the riding program, about 100 volunteers and about 50 more in other programs. The staff has also

“He loves it,” said his mother Tari. “He enjoys coming here.” Kurtis Clarke estimates he’s been coming for about 25 years. He said he enjoys grooming horses and working on the farm every Thursday.

“It’s a welcoming environment,” added Christina Pacitti. “I just love coming here. It’s a place you can be yourself. It’s helped with my selfesteem and confidence.”

Pacitti added she wasn’t an “animal person” before attending WETRA, but now she loves animals.

For more information on WETRA and its anniversary celebrations, call 519-726-7682 or visit www.wetra.ca.