Spring Fun Fair hosted by Windsor-Essex Therapeutic Riding Association

Humane Society volunteer Tanya Bordun  brought along Fuzzy Wuzzy to the WETRA Spring Fun Fair held May 3.

Charlie had a few visitors on Sunday and even made some new friends.

The Windsor-Essex Therapeutic Riding Association (WETRA) opened its doors for another great event, this one the Spring Fun Fair.

Located on North Malden Road near McGregor, WETRA has a long-standing commitment to the region for providing a sense of freedom and independence for riders, their families and volunteers.

Mia from Border City Barkers leaps over one of the barriers.

One of those who lend a helping hand is Abby Rosiek who was letting everyone say hello to 26-year-old Charlie, the oldest and one of the most reliable geldings on the farm.

“He’s a sweet horse. He is really, really good and gets ridden a lot,” said Rosiek.

According to WETRA executive director Becky Mills, Charlie was just two-years old when he was brought on board and he has been a therapeutic horse since 1999.

“He lived with me for a couple of years. I saw something in him that said he would be a good horse,” said Mills.

The May 3 event saw nearly 50 vendors set up inside but there was a lot going on outside including hayrides, a barbecue, and of course pony rides.

There is a lot of co-operation with other organizations including Amherstburg’s Sarah Parks Horsemanship who brought a few special guests including Ginger, the Border City Barkers Agility Club that make WETRA their permanent home and the Windsor-Essex Humane Society.

Celebrating its 100 year the society could not resist but to bring a long a couple of cuddly and very cute month-old orange brother-and-sister kittens, Fuzzy Wuzzy and his sister Frito.

“We are promoting kitten adoption because it’s kitten season and the busiest time of the year for us at the shelter,” said Humane Society volunteer Tanya Borden.

Charlie and WETRA volunteer Abby Rosiek were part of the Spring Fun Fair held May 3.

There is a lot happening for WETRA including a 50/50 draw which will be drawn later this week and fund-raising efforts for the new roof, at a cost of $100,000, is just about done. Mills noted that Empire Roofing has stepped up in a big way for that. There is also the first ever golf tournament scheduled for June 26 at Sutton Creek.

As far as the nearly 20 horses go, many of them are beginning to get a little older and Mills noted that there soon will be some new arrivals.

“Our herd is aging out. We are transitioning by 2027. We are getting some new ones and once we do, they will be here forever.”

Spring Fun Fair hosted by Windsor-Essex Therapeutic Riding Association

By Fred Groves