A horse dressed up in costume for Halloween at the Kamloops Therapeutic Riding Center.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/ Ashley Sudds
October 17, 2021 - 1:04 PM
While some families are unsure of how they will spend a second Halloween under COVID-19 restrictions, a Kamloops group has come up with creative ideas to make the event safe, fun and affordable for families.
From horses wearing costumes, to sneaking through a spooky hay barn, families can expect to be entertained at the Kamloops Therapeutic Riding Association this Halloween. The adventure begins with an opportunity to donate to a good cause and ends with free candy.
The association is hosting a Drive-Thru Spooktacular event for the second year, an idea that came out of the pandemic, and has added a new fun feature this year.
Ashley Sudds is the executive director of the association.
“We want to continue to provide families with COVID-friendly Halloween activities,” she said. “For the drive thru, kids are encouraged to come dressed up and drive around the property where seventeen horses will be wearing costumes. Last year the goats were dressed up as inmates. The staff will also be decked out.”
Sudds said there was a steady flow of families driving through last year and is predicting another good turnout this year. The Haunted Barn is new.
“The Haunted Barn is for kids age 13 and up because it is a bit scary,” Sudds said. “Kids will walk through a fully decorated barn and expect to be spooked. I don’t want to reveal what surprises are waiting for them in the shadows.”
The barn requires a ticket purchased in advance where families will be given a time to show up, allowing for smaller groups.
The costume theme is open.
The biggest sponsor of the event is Interior Savings, which has supported the riding association in the past, along with Visual Signs and Printing, B100 Kamloops and Kamloops This Week.
“We have to apply for the sponsorship,” Sudds said. “We have been very fortunate to have their support for this event as well as former hoedown events. We are grateful for their help.”
A donation is required to do the drive thru and for the Haunted House tickets need to be purchased in advance. Last year, $1,500 was raised for the association that goes to paying for certified therapeutic riding instructors, animal feed, animal vets and farriers.
The event takes place Oct. 31 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets can be purchased here.
The Kamloops Therapeutic Riding Association is a non-profit geared to benefit people with a wide range of disabilities by using the motivating medium of horse care and riding. The association strives to build riders’ self-esteem by teaching social and behaviour skills necessary to function and succeed in a social world.
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