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:.OronoW~e1dy Tlmes% Wedncsday, ~June 25~ 1997-5 We are pleased ta announce that Andrea Dianne Burnham graduated from the University of Western Ontario, London on ]une 10, 1997 with a Bachelor of Science degree in 'Physical Therapy', 'with distinction",. Andrea prevîously earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacology and Toxicology from Western University. Proud parents are Faye and Gardon Burnham of WhiteRock B.C. Proud grandparents are Floyd Nicholson and Mable Cawker of Lindsay, Ontario. Andrea has accepted a position in a Physîcal Therapy Cinîc in WhîteRock B.C. Horse sense - makes for good common sense by Catherine Sampson The> days of hors e and buggy bave long passed when the fir7st horseless carrnages, (referred to by the old timers' as "stink wagons"), rattled and sputted their way down the primitive roads, spoolng horses ln harness, tossing riders and creating general mayhem. The horse is stili with us today and Is responsible for a booming multi-million dollar Industry ln Ontario that employs thousands. The recreational horse brings back a measure of content- ment for many in a crazy fast paced world. Its uses encom- passes a wide variety of inter- ests, everything from racing to trail riding. 1As with most th1ings nowa- days, safe habitats are becoming scarce to find for the backyard owner of a plea- sure horse, as the city dweller encroaches on the farms and llmited woodlands. It is a challenge to adjust to this modemn environmen tthat demands so much compro- mdise, while, attempting to educatethe public atlarge about the horse and rider for a common good. It Is almost impossible to' ride on trails without comlng in contact wlth dogs who are ailowed to mun at wiil, or dirt bikes that roar pass at reck- less speed. The off road enjoy- ment of riders bas long been chailenged by these elements with much frustration. The general public has no aware- ness of, the potential danger they may be causing by ailow- ing sucli actions, wihich are totally preventable from hap- pening, when approaching a rider on horseback. Most horses bave had the companry of a faithfu old farm dog and are usually accus- tomed to its presence. The farm dog bas been taught not to provoke or agitate a horse, including other livestock. However, a dog that lias not been exposIed to a horse before, mayact quite differ- ently. That normally friendly dog of a pet owner may turn aggressive when it confronts an unfamiiar animal of such large proportions. Often the dog wilI change Its posture and vocalize with intent and intimidation. To the dog owner, they May think this is harmless nonsense and in some cases, even fu nny. Fido woulId not do anything rash, after all, he's the family pet. What these people do not understand is the simplistic psychology of the horse that has alowed it'to 'survive through the ages, be it wolves or mountain lions. The horse and Uts rider do not know your dog or Uts now height- ened behaviour. The dog is a predator by nature; the horse, a herd and grazinïg animal. A horse's keeniy inbred sense of sur- vival is for flight or fight. When these mechanisms are engage with overwhelming fear brought on by these unwanted occurrences, such as a growling dog nipping at a horse's heal, or a deafening noise of unknown origins, it can in some circumstances produce catastrophic resuits for the horse, rider and dog. -When a dog owner ignores the- rlder's plea to leash or hold their dog until they are safely passed, and instead demands that the rider con- trol its horse, that might not be such a simple task. The rider is sitting on 1200 lbs. of muscle, bone and sinew that could take off like the thrust from a rocket booster, or fire a rapid ick ln defence of its perceived danger. It is a more logical progression that the dog owner take control of their pet, who is the aggres- sor, and avoid sucli haz- ardous situations altogether. Some ownAers are even s0 gullible as to allow the possi- bility of their dog to get icked to "teach It a lesson" If It won't heal to their command. (Don't Iaugh; riders hear th-is often.) Would you like to feel the full force of 1200 lbs. crashing in on your head! I think not. Hopefully, 'common sense would prevail, dissipating a lot of unpleasantness and lnjury, whiùle creatlng a more hannonious meeting of neigh- bours. For dirt bike riders, or snowmobflers, Just turnlng off the machine until the horse is well passed, wiil most Iikely prevent an accident waiting to happen. Even the silence of a bicycle that suddenly appears can surprise a horse momentarily. Courtesy of the trail is always appreciated. Athougli horses can and should be conditioned and desensitized to traffic by their owners as much as possible, there are exceptions and lim- itations to every situation and given temperament of horse. It is stili a living creature with a mimd that can work in over- drive if it feels genuinely threatened. For the safety of the, motorist and the horseback rider alike, approaching traf- fic would be cautioned to slow down and take a wide berth when passing a horse and rider on a quiet country road. Regardless of how calm and trusting the horse may seem, if something was to unex- pectedly frigliten it, it will shy away, or in some instances, even shy into what ever bas disturbed it.* Horses are curious by nature and are able to see glimpses of images with near panoranlic vision. They will want to tumn and face that image to identIifr it as being possible friend or foe. A horse may therefore spin around to look and listen, before mak- ing the ultimate decision to fiee harm's way. What'the average non-horse person these senses can happen almost simultaneously and be trlggered with lightening speed, depending on the sen- sitivity of the Individual. A horse's refiexes are far far superior to our own, and even- a capable rider might not be able to, react quickly enough to control the situation. The horse is still revered as the noble beast. It is not an aggressive animal, but often timid, willing and obedient. even under trying circum- stances. However, it is cer- tainly not a machine that you can Just switch off when the moment suits you,. The horse enjoys a change of scenery that a trail ride affords, Just like the rest of us. For every-' one's satisfaction and safety, let horse'sense be everyone's common sense so that we may ail share and pursue our recreational adventures with- out confilct or risk. Happy trails. Clarington Fire Department Calis The Clarington Fire Departrnetn answered the fol- lowing cails during the period of June 16 to June 22: 1 structure lire; 2 vehicle fires; 7 motor vehicle accidents: 15 medical assistance: 9 911 unknown; 1 assist other agency; 5 alarm activations; and 7 check-out calis. St. Saviour s Anglican Church MILL ST., ORONO, ONTARIO, Minister: Rev. Ann Tottenham Rectory 987-5678 - Church 983-5594 Sunday Service, Sunday School and Youth Group 9:30 ar.. lst & 3rd Sunday ofMonth HOLY COMMUNION Are youý planning afamily? Are you expecting a baby?... Memorial Hospital, Bowmanville can help you. First, we have launched a new education program called the 'Expectant Parent Education Program' to provide couples with information on pre-natal care, delivery, and post-natal care Memorial Hospital provides. Sessions are tai- iored to the participants needs. Second, there are about a dozen family physicians in the area who are now available to deliver your baby at Meinorial Hospital. A ist is available at the Hospital. If you are interested in learning more about either of these initiatives, please cal Memorial Hospital at 623-3331, ext. 3 790 or ask for tbe Obstetrics Departrnent. Memor ial Hospital, Bowmanviile fe are working with you fra healthy tomorrow CHAM PIONS 0F CHANGE Space is stlll avallable. This sumamer CHAMPIONS 0F CHANGE will offer the chance to develop and strengthen your leadership abilities, provide volunteer opportunities and experience, ini addition to day trips and sports activities. If you are between the ages of 12 to 1 6, looking for an adventurous leadership camp this summer CHAMPIONS 0F CHANGE is the place to be. CHAMPIONS 0F CHANGE WILL RUN: General Session A -.July 2 -July 11, 1997 General Session B - July 14 -July 25, 1197 Advanced Session 1 - July 28 - August 1, 1997 General Session C - August 5 - August 15, 1997 Advanced Session 2 - August 18 - August 22, 1997 Each session will cost $50.00 and upon completion of the leadership camp you will receive a letter of refer- ence and certificate acknowl- edglng your success!!!, To register for this excitmng opportunity drop in to the office of Big Brothers of Clarington, 23 Scugog St., Bowmanville. Officeshours Mo nday to Thursday 9:00 - 2:00 (Or cal to set upa Urne). Serices and Repairs To Ail Makes Of Vehicles Used Auto Parts & Complete Auto Body Servce 1 Used and New ires 1 Serice Cails i