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D enise Praill doesn't know when she first met a horse—she just remembers breaking her wrist while riding one in Grade 2. "It's just something that has been an integral part of our lifestyle," she says. Praill's family has been challenging the stigma around gambling and horse racing for generations: her great uncle was a racehorse trainer, she and her mom own a share of two horses (yes, you can do that) and her youngest daugh- ter rides professionally. "Contrary to popular belief, the racetrack can be a very family-friendly place," Praill says, noting that, while you do run into the occasional oddball, "it's a wonderful community to be part of." Even as the CEO of Canuck Place Children's Hospice, a nonprofit that provides pediat- ric palliative care for children and their families in B.C., the equestrian always makes time for horses. There is a clear bind between interacting with sick kids and animals of that size for her. "When you're with horses, you have to be there—you can't be worried about what's hap- pening next Tuesday," she explains. "And I think you're present in the space with chil- dren and families who are go- ing through such difficult times to almost honour the suffering and pain that you can witness." It's a unique position to be in—you need to be disciplined in handling the business, but also compassionate in your interactions. Praill believes that her time with horses gives her the capacity to keep showing up for the kids and her team at Canuck Place. W E E K E N D WA R R IOR WARRIOR SPOTLIGHT In partnership with BC Children's Hospital and BC Women's Hospital, Canuck Place Children's Hospice cares for children and youth aged 0 to 19 with life-threatening illnesses. The 200-person nonprofit offers at-home services like pain and symptom management and end-of- life support. Children and families can stay at Canuck Place's two hospice locations in B.C. as well as access its 24-hour phone line. "We also provide the opportunity for families to make memories through our recreation therapy, mu- sic and art programs," says CEO Denise Praill.–R.R. RIDE ALONG Canuck Place CEO Denise Praill enjoys getting back in the saddle Off to the Races Denise Praill's work as the CEO of Canuck Place Children's Hospice rides on her love for horses by Rushmila Rahman O FF T H E C LO C K ( quality time ) ADAM BLASBERG MARCH/APRIL 2023 BCBUSINESS.CA 57