Click Here to Read the STaRS 2023 AGM Report

In Memory of Megan

This week, STaRS lost a friend, talented horse trainer and much loved instructor. Megan McDonald was an integral part of the STaRS program for many years and brought with her a wealth of knowledge and skill as a therapeutic riding instructor. Megan was responsible for teaching many of our STaRS ponies how to be perfect therapeutic riding horses, how to stand still at the wheelchair ramp, how to tolerate side-walkers and horse-leaders and most importantly, how to carry our precious riders calmly and safely around Southlands. Her kindness, patience and calm leadership instilled confidence in all the horses and in all her students.

For those of us who assisted with Megan’s lessons, she was as much a source of guidance and inspiration to her volunteers as she was to her students. Megan had a rare empathy with animals and was always willing to share her knowledge and experience with those of us who knew so much less than she did! Megan’s horse Niña and her dogs Emily and later, Sadie and Ivy, could be seen regularly at Pony Meadows and around Southlands, where they delighted her students with the tricks Megan had taught them. Sadie could often be seen “riding” Teddy around the yard under Megan’s expert tutelage.

Megan was a very private person who seldom spoke of her own accomplishments. Few people knew that in addition to her teaching skills, Megan was a talented musician and a skilled, competitive equestrian. She was a witty, intelligent and compassionate person who faced her illness with courage and humour.

Megan’s passing came far too soon. The Board of Directors would like to acknowledge her immense contribution to our program. We will miss her.