Mission

The Cowichan Therapeutic Riding Association provides therapeutic riding and equine-based therapeutic services for persons with disabilities. We promote and facilitate access to horses as a therapeutic alternative, recreational/sport opportunity, and agent of well-being in the lives of all participants. Through the power of the human-equine bond, CTRA  brings  together individuals, families, and the community in the spirit of healing, inclusion, and human growth.

Vision

CTRA exists as a place where the human-equine relationship creates opportunities for achievement and positive human experiences.

What We Do

The Cowichan Therapeutic Riding Association began in 1986 as a small branch of Pacific Riding for the Disabled, running two classes per week on borrowed horses working with riders from a special needs school of the area. After several years and great support from community, CTRA became a tenant of Providence Farm and expanded to a full-time operation. Today, CTRA delivers a variety of programs. Our participants are supported with a small herd of specialized therapy horses, multiple volunteers, and highly-trained instructors who are certified in a multitude of disciplines through Equine Canada, Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association, BC Therapeutic Riding and more.

CTRA is certified under the Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association as an Accredited Examination and Training Centre. We hold a high standard for safety, operations, horse care and more. In addition, many of our instructors hold, or are working towards additional certifications. This array of knowledge allows us to offer a wide variety of programming, tailored to each individual participant to work towards their own health, riding, competition, and/or horsemanship goals. The benefits of Therapeutic Riding, Therapeutic Horsemanship, and Equine Assisted Learning include improved physical, emotional and social wellness . Since we use horses as our partners in the therapeutic process, participants also gain riding skills, greater horsemanship knowledge and skills, and foster a connection with our equine friends.