T.E.A.D has come to the end of the trail

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One of the most unique therapy programs in Hamilton, has come to an end. T.E.A.D, the Equestrian Association for the Disabled , will suspend its programming next week after it’s board of directors came to the conclusion that the current operation was unsustainable.

There is a special bond between horse and rider, it’s said, but few, are more special than this.

“For a lot of them this is their therapy. This is their once a week out of their setting out of their home, out of their wheelchair.” said lead instructor Hillary Webb.

Julia Hayes is 34 years old, blind and deaf, she needs help from a support worker who uses hand signals to relay commands from the ring instructor:

“The horses become their legs when they’re sitting on their backs, and the horses can take them places where they can’t go on their own. But it also helps our riders build up their confidence, their self-esteem, it improves balance.” said Webb.

But next Tuesday, Julia will saddle up for the last time.

After nearly 40 years in Hamilton, the Equestrian Association for the Disabled, T.E.A.D., is closing the barn door on its therapy program.

“Basically we’re in debt, almost $500 000 at this stage, and we really need to eliminate that debt.” said Anderson.

The program costs nearly $400 000 a year and runs on volunteers. Funding is sporadic and the current facilities need a lot of work. And so T.E.A.D. is suspending its operations and selling the farm.

“The deal actually is effectively done by December 4th, so that will basically relieve the debt that we have and we’ll be in the positive, and that will give us some funding to really re-start the program.”

In the interim T.E.A.D. is trying to find new homes for its 17 horses, and new ways to put nearly 250 clients, like Julia, back in the saddle again.