Wendy MacDonald was introduced by Jack Wilson. Wendy has a B.A. in psychology and worked for about 12 years in social services with youth and families before founding Urban Stable in 2001. She has 3 wonderful children, ages 15, 18 & 20 as well as an incredibly supportive husband of 22 years.
The mission statement of Urban Stable is ‘Empower youth to engage in their education and community and achieve personal success through hands-on learning experiences with horses’.
The goal would be to have the students learn key fundamental skills and then have the opportunity to transfer what they have learned to school, home and their community.
Urban Stable Values include;
- Learning
- Inclusion – acceptance, feel that they belong
- Integrity
- Dedication- lead by example, perseverance and compassion
- Connection
The Alumni Leadership Program and Leaders in Training Program provide opportunities to students that have been extremely engaged in the school program. Students that fit specific criteria are invited into these programs. The two programs allow students to continue their learning and growth in their high school years (grade 9-12), as they step into significant leadership and ambassador roles with Urban Stable…giving back as program volunteers (grade 10-12) or by assisting with fundraising. These high school programs are provided at no cost to the schools or the parents; everyone experiences the benefits.
The cost per student for the program is $1380/year; Urban Stable seeks grant funding, donations and does fundraising activities to cover the additional $1380+ required to cover full costs of providing the program…in addition to 4000+ volunteer hours contributed annually in all aspects of the charitable organization.
The program currently runs 55 spots for students. The goal over the next 3 years would be to increase that to 130 students/ year. The ‘school program’ runs 37 positions now, that would increase to 64. The ‘alumni program’ operates 7 positions now, that would increase to 16 over the next 3 years.
Urban Stable has an annual operating budget of $192,000. Funds come from the 3 school divisions currently sending students, community partners, grants and donations. The Rotary Club of Winnipeg – Charleswood has supported one student position in the past.
Q/A
- Janet Spence wondered how a student gets referred to Urban Stable.
A.- The referral comes through schools in the program. The selection committee looks for students with a ‘good fit’ for the program. There is an orientation class to start with. This allows the prospective student to see what the program is all about. It does require work from the student to care for their horse and set up the riding equipment.
2.- Elaine Thompson wanted to know how many horses are in the program?
A.- There are currently 9 horses. Camp Assiniboia owns the horses.
Elaine then asked if they can grow with this number of horses?
A.-no, they will have 10 horses by summer and 12 horses in the future.
3.- Brian Campbell requested the names of the 3 School Divisions that are currently sending students.
A.- Pembina Trails, Seine River S.D. and Pembina Valley S.D.
4.- Glenda Werbowski asked how the horses are acquired?
A.- They are purchased after careful selection to ensure that the horse is a good fit for the program. They do not tend to be rescue horses (some may be suitable). The programming is for the students, not to retrain the horses. The students usually keep the same horse for the duration of the school year. The kids groom the horses as well as prepare the horse for the riding session.
There is no fee for the families of the students in the program.
5.- Elaine Thompson asked what type of saddle is used?
A.- Both Western and English saddles are used in the program.
Rod thanked Wendy for her presentation tonight. She was advised that a donation to ShelterBox would be made in her name in appreciation for her attendance tonight.
