Fredericton Therapeutic Riding Association

Our daughter, Brandi Charters is one of the participants of the riding program. Brandi is a 28-year-old young lady who enjoys everything from sports, dancing to music, making art and now HORSES. Brandi has Down Syndrome, she is not defined by that, but she does have obstacles to overcome and must work a little harder at life. Having this opportunity to do something she can call her own, is special. She can learn and own it.

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The past 2 years Brandi has been involved with the Fredericton Therapeutic Riding Association. She has fallen in love with both the horses and the amazing volunteers and staff that the riding program offers. She started with a beautiful horse named Stryker. Stryker gave her the first start of “trust” because before this time, she hadn’t even ridden a horse or matter of fact Brandi was a little shy of even petting a horse.

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Brandi has a disposition of starting most things in life a little shy and hesitant but when she has been given the confidence and trust in her world around her, she can show her true colors and, well now she’s coming out of her shell……...so we have to say “lookout”.

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Brandi was introduced to Cole this year and he has been very good with her; she tells me all the time “you know Cole is a racing horse” and my response is “and look at you, you are riding him”. This could only be done with having the trust with her surroundings and the people helping her to conquer those fears. 

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The excitement she has when it’s her night to ride is heartwarming and when she talks to her friends and family the excitement leading up to this day is overwhelming!

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Kim and staff and volunteers make her riding night something to look forward to all week and something to talk about for the rest of her week.

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Brandi was also introduced to the mechanical horse named Sonny, which we weren’t sure on how that would go but she comes out laughing and interacting with everyone helping her, only shows that they are truly special people. The laughter from that room makes your heart glow because the volunteers and staff absolutely get it.

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They understand how to reach down in the rider’s heart to get them to do better, feel better and succeed. To see Brandi sitting high in the saddle with an ear-to-ear smile is infectious.

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We are also amazed at how well the younger adult riders pitch in a support our sons and daughters and do so with professionalism. You show your character and integrity, you should be proud of that.This program has broadened Brandi’s horizon in life, and I know what she learns from horseback riding will flow into other areas of her life.

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We as parents want to truly thank you to all staff, volunteers, and organizers for all the hard work to make this possible, you are truly the angels among us.

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Thank you, “The Charters Family” (2024)