MAY 2026 THE RIDER /13


Rescued Hearts Documentary Premieres in Niagara: A Powerful Exploration of Healing Through Horses


Niagara, ON — A moving and thought-provoking documentary exploring the connection be- tween humans and horses is set to make its Canadian premiere on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 3:00 PM at the FirstOntario Perform- ing Arts Centre. Hosted in partnership by


Horse Sense for Kids and Path- stone Mental Health, Rescued Hearts invites audiences into a deeply human story of resilience, connection, and healing. The documentary explores the mira- cles, mystery, and science behind equine-assisted therapy, shedding light on how horses help individ- uals process trauma, build trust, and rediscover hope. This premiere marks the first


Canadian screening of the film and will be followed by a live panel discussion featuring local experts and practitioners working at the intersection of mental health and equine therapy.


A Partnership Rooted in Heal- ing


The collaboration between


Pathstone Mental Health and Horse Sense for Kids represents a shared commitment to innova- tive, compassionate care for chil- dren and youth facing complex mental health challenges—meet- ing young people where they are, and helping them move forward in ways that feel safe, supported, and achievable. Through this partnership,


equine-assisted therapy has been integrated into Pathstone’s Day Treatment Program, where stu- dents often arrive feeling over-


whelmed, disconnected, and un- successful in traditional school environments. Within this thera- peutic classroom, youth receive individualized clinical care alongside their education—but for many, words alone are not enough.


Equine therapy creates a dif- ferent entry point. With the support of horses,


youth begin to experience regu- lation before they are asked to explain it. The rhythmic move- ment, the need for presence, and the horse’s sensitivity to emotion help students recognize their feelings in real time. They learn how their energy, body language, and trust impact the world around them. For a young person who has struggled to sit in a classroom or form relationships, this can be a turning point—building confi- dence, re-establishing a sense of control, and creating readiness to re-engage in both learning and life.


Within Pathstone’s Live-In


Treatment Program (LITS), the need is even more acute. Youth in this program are navigating some of the most significant mental health challenges, often along- side trauma, instability, and deep emotional distress. In a 24/7 ther- apeutic environment, clinical care is essential—but healing also requires moments of connec- tion, safety, and calm that cannot always be accessed through tra- ditional approaches. Equine-assisted therapy offers that space. For youth in LITS, time with


to form healthy relationships— skills that are critical for long- term stability and well-being.


Why This Matters Youth mental health is in-


creasingly complex, and the path- ways to healing must evolve alongside it. For many young people, especially those who have experienced trauma or struggle with trust, traditional talk-based therapy can feel inac- cessible or overwhelming.


Equine-assisted therapy


bridges that gap. It offers a tangible, relational


experience where youth can feel seen, understood, and capable— often before they can articulate why. It transforms therapy from something that is done to them into something they actively ex- perience and shape. This matters because healing


is not just about intervention—it is about connection, confidence, and the belief that change is pos- sible. Through this partnership, Pathstone Mental Health and Horse Sense for Kids are not only expanding services; they are ex- panding what healing can look like for the young people who need it most.


the horses becomes an opportu- nity to lower defenses, build trust, and experience connection without expectation or judgment. Horses do not require explana- tions or histories—they respond only to what is present. This al-


lows young people to practice vulnerability in a way that feels safe, often for the first time. These moments can spark break- throughs in self-awareness, emo- tional regulation, and the ability


Voices from the Partnership “Every day, we see the in-


credible impact that horses can have on a young person’s journey toward healing,” said Brenda Langeondoen, Founder of Horse Sense for Kids. “There is some-


thing profoundly powerful about the way horses meet individuals exactly where they are—without judgment, without expectation. Rescued Hearts captures that magic in a way that is both mov- ing and deeply validating of this work.” “At Pathstone, we are al-


ways looking for meaningful, ev- idence-informed ways to support children and youth,” said Shaun Baylis, CEO of Pathstone Mental Health. “Our partnership with Horse Sense for Kids allows us to expand how we engage young people in their healing. This doc- umentary beautifully illustrates why innovative approaches like equine therapy matter—not just in theory, but in the real lives of the youth we serve every day.”


Event Details What: Rescued Hearts Canadian Premiere + Panel Discussion When: Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 3:00 PM Where: FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre Tickets: https://firstontariopac.ca/On- l ine/Ar t icle/EventAr t icle- 26FILM04-Rescued-Hearts Hosted by:Horse Sense for Kids and Pathstone Mental Health Community members, sup-


porters, and anyone interested in the future of mental health care are invited to attend this inspiring afternoon of storytelling, learn- ing, and connection. Tickets are limited. Early at-


tendance is encouraged.


17th ANNUAL TRAIL RIDE FOR BREAST CANCER (7th VIRTUAL RIDE)


Ride anytime between May 1st – October 31st No horse – No problem!!


This ride is now open to hikers, mountain bikers


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Ride, hike, bike or walk anywhere you are comfortable, with whoever and whenever convenient.


Our online auction is live on Apr 1st and runs till June 30th. COST: $50.00


(Includes T-shirt, goody bag and Donation receipt of $25.00)


FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CALL


416 407-6695 or email rebel1312@bell.net


https://trailrideforbreastcancer.weebly.com


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