COWICHAN THERAPEUTIC RIDING ASSOCIATION
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Mission Statement
The Cowichan Therapeutic Riding Association provides equine-based wellness programs for persons with special needs. Services include therapeutic riding, therapeutic horsemanship, para-equestrian sport, adapted equestrian vaulting, and stable management vocational development interventions as well as horse camps for children of all abilities. CTRA serves as a hub of inclusion and catalyst for human potential, enriching the lives of countless individuals and supporting key social determinants of health in our community.
About This Cause
The Cowichan Therapeutic Riding Association (CTRA) is a registered Canadian charity located in Duncan, BC. CTRA has served the Cowichan Valley since 1978. CTRA’s program participants are persons with special needs usually referred to the program by medical professionals (e.g. physicians, occupational/physical therapists). In cases of “secondary” referrals for mental health/psycho-social supports, referrals may come from community service navigators (e.g. counselors, educators, social workers). The vast majority of our participants (approx. 75-80%) are children and youth under 18 years of age. A large body of evidence-based research demonstrates the multifaceted benefits that therapeutic riding and equine-based therapeutic services provide persons with disabilities. As a physical therapy, these services provide many benefits: from development of mobility, stabilization, and muscle tone to improvements in vital digestive/circulatory function and reductions in spasticity. Further to this, equine therapies provide powerful cognitive and developmental interventions, learning assistance, and psychosocial supports. For those with disabilities that may preclude participation in other forms of sports or community activities, therapeutic riding provides an important opportunity for physical exercise, play, and the myriad benefits associated with recreation and sport. For everyone involved with the program, our accessible stable-yard provides a place of belonging and promotes supportive social connections anchored in a shared love of horses. While several unaccredited programs in the region offer equine-based wellness programs, there are only a few organizations in the Vancouver Island area (including Powell River) that are certified as Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association (CanTRA) “member centres.” Of these, CTRA is one of the largest, and the only centre that offers a “lift” (requiring specially trained horses and personnel) to accommodate clients with severe mobility restrictions (e.g. persons in wheelchairs). CTRA remains the only CanTRA centre in British Columbia to be accredited at the highest level (as an “Examination and Training Centre”) and as such, acts as a resource and professional development hub for therapeutic riding organizations across the Province. CTRA’s program is made possible through the support of over 100 active volunteers donating approximately 5000 hours of service per year. These dedicated community members are the lifeblood of our charity and without these selfless contributors, our program would not be possible.