Our Program
The Cowichan Therapeutic Riding Association (CTRA) seeks to enrich the lives of all people involved in our programs through the power of the human-equine bond. The CTRA promotes and facilitates access to horses as a therapeutic alternative for all members of our community.
Through the power of the connection between client and horse, therapeutic riding helps our participants achieve anything from basic goals of physical therapy and increased independence/self confidence to dreams of para-equestrian competition and national representation.
History
Our organization began in 1986 and since then been devoted to providing our valuable program in our community for those who benefit most.
In 1988 CTRA moved to our current location on Providence Farm. CTRA has grown significantly from our humble beginnings but continues to reflect the same community spirit and client-focused ethos under which it was created. Founder Jane James continues to work at CTRA and is an invaluable member of our program team.
Facility
Our facility includes an indoor arena, a 20 stall barn, and a lounge/office area. Our location on Providence Farm affords us miles of park-like trails. Our indoor arena is bright and sunny and is equipped with a wheelchair accessible mounting block and lift equipment. The updated heritage stable features large stalls and fosters a friendly communal atmosphere for our equine partners.
CTRA horses enjoy large “turn-out” paddocks that incorporate natural elements such as old growth trees and natural hillsides. In the spring and summer months our horses relax in spacious grass fields.
In 2011, CTRA is unveiling their latest project: an equine memorial garden next to the lounge. This will be a contemplative space for individuals to rest, relax, and for some – to remember their late equine companions.
Program Overview
Our six-day a week program operates in 3 ten week sessions per year and 1 limited summer session per year. We are able to offer individualized riding programs for 100-120 riders per week.
We serve an area from Victoria to Parksville with the majority of riders living in the Cowichan Valley. We receive referrals from doctors, psychologists, physiotherapists, schools, and other health care agencies. CTRA also offers limited spaces to “integrated” riders (space permitting) from the community. A primary goal of our program is to provide a space of inclusion for all participants.
Our therapy programs are very diverse. Our program streams include Therapy - including Equine-Assisted Therapy and Hippotherapy components; Sport - including the Preparation for Competition and Rider Achievement Levels components; Education – including life skill development, stable management, and ground therapy elements; and Recreation - including pleasure and trail riding.
All of these aspects of Equine-based therapy play a part in improving the quality of life for our riders, especially those living with disabilities. Our program is executed with consistent input from professional therapists of various designations. The participation and inclusion of staff, clients, families, support networks, and medical/therapeutic professionals is a key aspect of operations. The collaborative nature of our approach to care has been a vital element in the success of our program.
