Bow Valley Equine Adaptive Team

Bandit brings wisdom, calm and quiet strength to our program. With his steady temperament and patient nature. He’s a trusted partner for riders and volunteers alike. Bandits years of experience make him perfect for the nervous rider or those just starting out. He may be one of our older herd members, but his presence continues to make a big impact every day.

Bo is an absolute gentleman! He takes special care of children. Now semi-retired, in his previous career Bo was a professionally trained cutting horse. Bo is a proud resident of Banff, Alberta.

Cowboy is a sensitive senior who recently gained his confidence. Cowboy takes his job very seriously. He loves nothing more than his daily snack and saying hello to children.

Sweet mare with a big heart and a gentle soul. Rescued from auction, she has found her forever home at Camp Chief Hector and in our program. She shines as a steady and reliable partner. Fern thrives best with a friend nearby, especially if they are black and white, her absolute favourites. Her strong bonds and sensitive nature make her extra attuned to her rider and surroundings. She has a beautiful smooth trot and a patient presence makes her a wonderful fit for both beginner and experienced riders.

Jericho is a retired ranch horse. He loves his new life! His least favourite things are cows. His new job is perfect because there are no cows. Jericho is a lively senior who loves trot around the arena.

In his former career, Mackenzie was a trail and backcountry pack horse. He has now added Therapeutic riding to his resume! Mackenzie is a valued member of our crew.

Prairie is a sensitive boy. He is very cooperative. He’ll do whatever his rider requires in the arena or out on the trails.

A gelding with a peaceful spirit and a heart of gold. Taiga is especially gentle with children and responds best to a gentle voice. His calm demeanor and smooth, steady movement make him a favourite for riders who need a little extra reassurance. Whether he is in the arena or on a quiet trail, he brings a sense of comfort and trust to everyone.

Kind-hearted, Wish lives up to his name! Steady, reliable, he puts the rider’s comfort first. He’s an incredibly comfortable ride, with a steady rocking walk, that puts everyone at ease. Wish is honest and expressive; he lets you know how he’s feeling. He always brings a calm and caring energy to every session.

With a broad range of knowledge, a warm and caring approach, and a smile that lights up every session, Tamara creates an environment where participants feel supported and inspired. She is a skilled instructor who teaches in a way that helps riders truly understand and remember what they’re learning.

We’re also excited to support Tamara as she continues her professional journey, preparing for her upcoming CanTRA exam when it’s next offered closer to home.

Paula has been a dedicated member of the BVEA board for nearly a decade, serving in various roles and currently as Chairperson. Her passion for therapeutic riding and horsemanship stems from personal experience—her daughter has participated in the program since the age of four. Witnessing the profound impact of equine-assisted activities inspired Paula to give back by volunteering.

With a background in program coordination, Paula previously worked as a school swim lesson programmer at SAIT, where she honed her organizational, people, and technology skills. Her leadership experience extends beyond the boardroom—she spent over a decade as a lifeguard and served as a Girl Guide leader for seven years.

Paula is excited to support the continued growth of BVEA, helping to expand programming and strengthen its volunteer base to benefit riders of all abilities!

Fun Facts:

• Does pineapple belong on pizza? YES!
• Cats or dogs? Hard to choose, but dog most days.
• When I was 5, I was pretty sure I’d be a farmer when I grew up.

president@bvea.ca

Reta’s connection to Bow Valley Equine Adaptive began when her daughter joined Rundle Riders at the age of four. The benefits of the program were evident almost immediately, inspiring Reta to get involved and support its mission.

A few years later, she joined the board as Secretary before transitioning into her current role as Treasurer. Reta remains dedicated to ensuring the program’s continued success, helping to provide riders with meaningful equine experiences.

Fun Facts:

• Pineapple should be a staple topping on ALL pizza!!
• I’m a dog person and somehow only have 1 dog but 3 cats! In all fairness, 1 cat truly thinks she is a dog.
• If I were a superhero, I’d be able to clean while sleeping!! When I was 5, I thought for sure I’d be a nurse when I grew up.
• If I were pasta, I’d be cannelloni because I’d have the biggest tummy to hold all the yummy foods!!

treasurer@bvea.ca

Growing up with horses and having a background as a support worker, I have always been passionate about the positive impact of horses in fostering growth and healing. In 2020, this passion led me to begin volunteering with BVEA, where I am continually moved by the profound effects horses have on participants and the mutual transformation that occurs.

In 2023, I took on a more active role, joining the BVEA Board of Directors. As a board member, I am committed to supporting BVEA’s mission and helping guide the organization as it provides life-changing experiences for those involved.

Fun Facts: If I were a superhero, my superpower would be to heal anyone who is struggling physically, mentally and/or emotionally!

A longtime member of the Canmore community, Jay is active in the Canmore Lions Club and SPCA and has served on several boards, including local strata councils, a water co-op, and a volleyball club.

Professionally, Jay is a Civil Engineer with extensive experience in financial management, project cost analysis, and cash flow optimization, complemented by studies in Accounting and Financial Analysis at the MBA level.

Having grown up with close family members with multiple sclerosis and Down syndrome, Jay is also committed to supporting inclusion and accessibility for people with disabilities.

“I believe that the BEVA team is doing valuable work and I am honoured to be part of it.”

1. Does pineapple belong on pizza? Not on mine, I will leave that topping for others.

2. Cats or Dogs? I am a dog person, but when around cats, they must think that I am a cat person.

3. When I was 5, I was pretty sure I’d be a fireman when I grew up.

Sage has volunteered with both the horses and riders in our program for the past two summers and is excited to officially be part of the team. Her work with the program allowed her to witness firsthand the impact it has had on many riders’ lives, and she is dedicated to helping create that same impact for many riders to come. Sage’s background in riding and coaching has allowed her to support the program in a variety of ways. While she doesn’t ride as regularly as she used to, she still loves working with animals and fosters with local animal shelters while she’s away at school.

Cats or Dogs? Dogs are her favourite, no contest.

Does pineapple belong on pizza? One of Sage’s hot takes is that pineapple absolutely does not belong on pizza!