~Welcome to CTRA~
What We Do
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.
Community: Although our program serves people with disabilities, it has positively impacted the lives of countless individuals of all abilities. Our program serves as a hub of community action where members of our community give back through participation, volunteerism, and a culture of inclusion.
What is Therapeutic Riding and Equine-Based Therapy?
The incredible achievements of our participants are testimony to the power of the human-equine bond. (Photo credit and copyright Lisa Pink)
“Therapeutic Riding” is often called “Equine Assisted Therapy.” Therapeutic riding is an alternative form of therapy that utilizes horses to help people realize various therapeutic goals. Therapeutic riding is especially beneficial for persons with various disabilities.
The therapeutic benefits of equine-based therapies, activities, and education can extend far beyond simply riding a horse. Activities involving the horse can be used to assist people in achieving physical and mental health as well as cognitive, behavioral, social and communication goals.
At CTRA our goal is threefold:
To facilitate and promote access to horses as a therapeutic alternative and agent of well being.
To improve the quality of life for all people involved in our program with an emphasis on providing opportunities for persons living with disabilities.
To offer opportunities for vocational development, volunteerism, workplace training, and employment for persons facing barriers to employment.
Whether participant, volunteer, supporter, or visitor, CTRA is a space of inclusivity for everyone. (Photo credit and copyright Lisa Pink)
The Cowichan Therapeutic Riding Association is a long-standing fixture in the Cowichan Valley and encourages friendship and collaboration between our association and our community. We believe that to truly understand the healing power of the human-equine bond, individuals need to experience therapeutic riding and equine-based therapies for themselves. Our facility is open to the public and we encourage individuals and groups to visit us and experience what makes this program so very special.
This unique program transcends basic therapy to provide multi-sensory pathways of communication; dynamic and empowering forms of mobility; and lasting opportunities for friendship, growth, and inclusion. We invite everyone to explore our website, contact our office, or visit us in person to discover first-hand the power of therapy based on the human-equine bond.
Alert! Upcoming Event! BIG Used Tack Sale @ CTRA
Sunday April 7 2013 -10am – 2pm
Poster: Tack Sale Poster 2013
Some Videos on CTRA:
The Cowichan Therapeutic Riding Association
(this ^ video courtesy of DV Media Inc.)
