An incredible opportunity is being offered just outside of Cochrane.

Thanks to the generosity of Deanne and Katrina Robinson, Co-Founders of Robinson Outreach at Rivercross Ranch (ROARR) as well as a group of volunteers, the charity is able to provide equine learning opportunities to two generations on either side of the spectrum.

While they tossed around different ideas on what they should do with the prop house and family land the ranch is located on, they decided that giving back was the way to go. The house and land have been part of the Robinson family since the 1800s and was part of the television series 'Wild Roses'; knowing they wanted to create a charity that would benefit others, the two got to work and created a concept which would enable seniors and youth to connect with horses, nature and build relationships. Starting out three plus years ago, the two are gaining momentum. "We started out really small because we weren't registered. So we started with just friends and family helping and volunteering on their own time. We're now a registered charity so that is really exciting and we have been able to put some official programs in place providing underprivileged youth and seniors with equine therapy."

Starting off with Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) for youth, Deanne shares ROARR provides them with life skill building. "They don't do any riding but the horse is the teacher, with the facilitator being the go-between and helping them understand each other. The kids learn teamwork, respect, confidence, trust the kind of skills they need every day when they go to school or to work with friends and parents. They are in there loving and having fun with the horse but not knowing they are learning these skills."

The youth program runs between 8-12 weeks and each session focuses on a certain objective. "Problem-solving, choices...each day you focus on the one objective and the idea is that the kids come out learning or realizing how using that skill got them through that session and how it got the horse to listen to them. At the end of the session, we help them figure out how they can take what they learned and use it in life outside the arena."

Looking into the future, ROARR hopes to strike up an agreement with Rocky View Schools to offer daytime programming to students in the Cochrane area as well as continue to grow their youth after-school programming.

For seniors, the idea was sparked by her mother in law, Irene Robinson, shares Katrina. When Irene was moved from ranchland into assisted living, they feel the move broke her spirit. "I think she would have lived a little longer if she could have stayed a little bit longer on the ranch. Her dream was to take one of our old barns and turn it into a picnic barn for her and her friends, she was bound and determined to bring her friends here."

That idea sparked what ROARR offers now to a group of seniors from Bethany Calgary, Bethany Cochrane and in September, Big Hill Lodge. Serving a nice lunch, playing a game, having an opportunity to build relationships and chat with volunteers as well as pet and have contact with ROARR's two miniature horses is all part of the day's activity. Katrina, shares senior lunch days' have been an incredible success. "Our testimonial there, is we get repeats. When they told one lady she was going to come again, she said she wouldn't be able to sleep until then because she was so excited."

The only restrictions placed on seniors' is they have to be fairly mobile and have transportation to get to the ranch. Kim Mclure, Activity Coordinator for Big Hill Lodge says they are looking forward to their inaugural visit at Rivercross Ranch. "I am looking forward to it. It's not too far of a drive and it's a historic ranch which I think will be very interesting for our residents to learn more about. Then to enjoy a day out in the country with a nice lunch and getting close to the horses in a safe environment, will be fun."

Mclure shares they know the benefits pet therapy can provide seniors and she is looking forward to witnessing the response of the 12 residents that will have an opportunity to experience the September 6th event. "If we have a large waitlist for this trip we may have to do the same trip twice."

The cost for equine learning programs is usually quite steep and sometimes out of the realm for those who could benefit; the beauty of ROARR is there is no cost for their programming. "We have a criteria, they have to have a certain income level. Our mission is to help children in need or seniors in need, but we do have a financial guideline. We work with partners and get their help with setting guidelines to help us determine who is eligible."

ROARR has just over 30 volunteers on the roster and the charity is always looking for more helping hands. "We always need more volunteers, because the more volunteers, the more we can do."

The charity will be hosting their first fundraising gala in September which the ladies hope will sustain them financially through the fall and winter months.

If you would like more information about ROARR's programming, to volunteer or help with sponsorship/donations, go HERE.