JULY 2012 THE RIDER /19


Triple-R-Ranch’s Open House For Horses4Heroes


by Kelly Bowers On June 16, 2012, Robyn’s “TRIPLE-R- RANCH” in Priceville, ON launched the official opening of the Cana- dian arm of “Opera- tion Free Ride” and the Wounded War- rior program, “Hors- es4Heroes” with an open house.


The USA par- ent organization from Las Vegas, Nevada boasts 150 equine facilities in the United States, coast to coast. The TRIPLE-R-RANCH in Priceville Ontario is the first and only Canadian ranch in the network and offers the same ser- vice as in the USA. The “Operation Free Ride” program pro-


The Triple R Drill Team (blue neckties), George Hewitt (white + cowboy hat), Louise Rea (red shirt) with her daughters, Robyn Hewitt (black shirt). Deputy Mayor Paul McQueen (kneeling, cowboy hat)


vides the experience of horse riding and handling for Canadian Military, police, fire- man, first responders injured in the line of duty or suffering from PTSD, and for their family members as well. The many pro- grams developed to help the families of all ages cope with the stress related to our brave men and women who were injured protect- ing us, is unique to “HORSES4HEROES” For the open house, Triple-R-Ranch was transformed into a wonderland as fami- lies, some travelling more than 50 miles to attend, explored every nook and cranny. There was a free lunch provided for all, and the kids also enjoyed a movie style popcorn machine, candy floss, face painting, cowboy roping lessons, crafts and more. The day’s guest of honour was “Hero Family of The Day”, Louise Rea and her three young daughters from Atwood, ON. She lost her husband Kenneth last year fighting a fire as District Deputy Chief, Atwood Station of the North Perth Fire Department after 37 years on the job. Another special guest was Grey Highland Deputy Mayor, Paul McQueen who attended with his two sons and expressed how impressed he was with the facility.


The TRIPLE-R-RANCH” girls mount- ed drill team, under the direction of Robyn Hewitt, gave three spectacular performances to the delight of the many spectators, a great number who stayed for all three shows. At the conclusion of the final perfor- mance, 77 year old George Hewitt entered the arena leading his ol’ horse. Supported by a cane, he walked, or I should say hobbled over to a step stool placed in the centre of the arena. As Elvis Presley music crooned “MY WAY” through the speakers, visitors watched as George struggled to get his left leg high enough to reach the stirrup and mount the ever patient sorrel gelding stand- ing as if a statue. It was a slow process and everyone could feel his pain as he persisted. If successful, this would be the first time that he would be atop a horse since he was injured 5 years ago. That was when he was bucked off an unbroke 2 year-old and suf- fered more than 20 fractured bones includ- ing ribs, lower back, tail bone, and pelvis plus extensive internal injuries - and was lucky to survive. His day to day life has been tough, slow moving and pain filled since then. Despite the doctors orders of “no horseback riding - ever”…. here he was, just one last time.


The crowd exploded as several fought back tears as the message sank in, “You never know what you can do, until you can’t” George said with a slight smile, relaxing in the barn later. Lesson learned.


Foundation Reining Training Centre


Western performance horse development, true horsemanship, Bitting, Body Control foundation, safety training, colt starting, reining, lessons, ‘train the trainer’, clinics


Susan Dahl


Myler Bitting System Certified, Toklat’s Myler (Bit) Ride Team, Certified Professional Horse Trainer


Durham, On • 519-369-4631 • reinersue@hotmail.com www.reinersuehorsemanship.com


Now, settled on that old horses back, George starting slowly..... then, suddenly a three minute explosion, as if turning back the hands of time, that old horse and rider were flying. The spectators were all on their feet now, wide eyed and gasping. Left and right swirls, stopping and starting at break neck speed, then letting the reins drop over the saddle horn he finished with both hands held high as Ol’ Horse was spinning like a tornado. Stopping and backing as the song ended with the famous words “I DID IT MY WAY”, with a tip of the old cowboy hat.


Islandview Farm Equipment


633520 Hwy 10, Orangeville, ON • 519-941-9098 or 1-866-892-8452 www.islandviewfarmequipment.com


Dad always said - he could never figure out what it was about the outside of a furry critter that did so much for the inside of a human!


For up to the minute detailed inventory, pics, prices & payments


visit www.hepburnsales.com • Hwy 9 Schomberg, ON • 905-939-2279


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