It was a big weekend for the Rainbow Riders Therapeutic Riding Centre in St. John’s.

The first-ever Newfoundland and Labrador Equestrian Association Sanctioned Horse Show got underway this weekend and featured both para-athletes and able-bodied riders from across the province.

Erin O’Rielly, the program director at Rainbow Riders, says having such a competition for athletes across the province marks a milestone for inclusivity. Often times, their riders are on the sidelines watching others compete.

“They’re watching their siblings compete in soccer or hockey or whatever the sport, but this is their thing and the fact that they get to compete against so many athletes across the province is amazing for inclusivity and equal opportunity,” says O’Reilly.