Pikwàkanagàn Youth Horseback Riding

As a reward for their hard work and dedication during the Afterschool Program young members of the Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn spent the afternoon at Frontier Trails Camp in Eganville riding horses.

Twenty one students and four supervisors including Teresa G. Kohoko, Stephanie Luloff, Angel Dale, and program teacher, Eva Kuzyk, spent the day horseback riding at Frontier Trails. The youth comprised of students from grade two through to grade eight. The camp provided horses, assistants, games room, trampoline, a park and lunch for the group.

The youth were split into groups for horseback riding while the balance enjoyed time jumping on the trampoline, playing in the park, utilizing the games room, watching the horses or trying to locate the pot bellied pig roaming among the pastures.

The trails for riding took the youth on a 25 minute ride through fields and into shaded forests. Each member was given a helmet to wear and two camp assistants ensured the riders were safe and on track. One supervisor attended each riding group.

The day was clear, warm and bright and the youth had a great day running around, riding horses, checking things out and having fun. The camp provided the hungry youth with fresh vegetables and dip, homemade cheese and pepperoni pizza, french fries, drinks, and dessert.

The horseback riding activity was organized through the After School Program in Pikwàkanagàn. Designed to tutor students from Tuesday through Thursday from 5-8 pm, the program also focuses on culture, music, art and safety. Extracurricular activities have included ceramics classes, bowling, and movie and pizza nights. The After School Program is run by the Education Department with funding provided by Indian and Northern Affairs Canada.