Victoria Therapeutic Riding Association

Victoria Therapeutic Riding Association Please visit www.vtra.ca for more information.

VTRA is a registered charity and non-profit organization that provides therapeutic horseback riding and related equine-assisted activities for those with diverse abilities. VTRA has been operating since 1982, when it was started by a small and extremely dedicated group of visionaries who wanted to bring the proven benefits of equine assisted activities to our community. Finding a permanent home wa

s a challenge for the program in the early years; in 2009 VTRA was fortunate to be able to set up long term operations its’ current location. Its history demonstrates growth from a small, volunteer-only organization to a well-structured not-for-profit agency with an employed staff, consisting of highly trained and experienced therapeutic riding professionals. There is a large pool of committed volunteers who provide most of our program services, working as horse handlers, sidewalkers, assistant instructors, grooms, and helpers in the clubhouse. The scope of our activities and the degree of organization have increased over the years, resulting in a substantial enhancement of levels of service and efficacy of our programs.

💙 In Loving Memory of Karl 💙Last week, we said goodbye to our beloved Karl, who passed peacefully surrounded by his best...
06/02/2026

💙 In Loving Memory of Karl 💙

Last week, we said goodbye to our beloved Karl, who passed peacefully surrounded by his best friend Sadie and the people who loved him most.

Since joining VTRA in 2022, Karl brought so much joy, comfort, and personality to our herd. With his gentle (and sometimes stubborn!) nature, he had a way of making everyone smile. Many will remember his striking Fjord look, often compared to the royal horse from Frozen, and his beautiful mane, always so carefully styled. More than anything, Karl will be remembered for his kind heart, his steady presence, and the special bond he shared with Sadie.

💛 From June 1–21, his stall will become a memory wall. We invite you to stop by during program hours (M-W 9:30am to 5:30pm, T 9:30am to 7pm) to leave a note, share a memory, or pin a photo or drawing in his honour.

Karl will be deeply missed, but the love and joy he gave will stay with us always.

🧐Staying Focused Through Purposeful ActivityWorking with horses invites active engagement. Each task requires attention,...
05/30/2026

🧐Staying Focused Through Purposeful Activity

Working with horses invites active engagement. Each task requires attention, sequencing, and follow‑through.

This supports focus, problem‑solving, and thoughtful decision‑making.

At VTRA, participants strengthen concentration by doing real, purposeful activities alongside horses.

Want to volunteer and support our participants ▶ visit vtra.ca

05/29/2026

🌟 Step by Step: A Participant's Journey at VTRA 🌟

Lesson learned: when things don’t go as planned, we adjust.

As anyone who works with horses knows, even the best‑planned lessons sometimes need to shift, and today was one of those days. The plan was to continue practicing Leslie’s freestyle dressage test, but after the warm‑up, Sadie became a bit spooked in one corner of the arena.

Leslie and Louise responded beautifully, choosing to slow things down and refocus on the basics, working through calm “whoa” and “walk on” transitions to help Sadie regain confidence.

Today’s big takeaway was an important one: rather than holding tight on the reins in tense moments, it’s often better to soften, release, and allow space, while Leslie also focused on using her body, keeping her hips grounded and steady in the seat.

These moments can feel challenging, but they’re also where some of the most meaningful learning happens. We’re so proud of how Leslie, Louise, Sadie and the volunteers worked through it together with patience, trust, and teamwork. 💛

⏰ One week to go!Our Volunteer Orientation is happening June 4th at 5:30pm 🐴If you’ve been curious about volunteering wi...
05/28/2026

⏰ One week to go!

Our Volunteer Orientation is happening June 4th at 5:30pm 🐴

If you’ve been curious about volunteering with VTRA, this is the perfect chance to learn more!

✔ 1‑hour info session on volunteer roles
✔ Followed by a fun barn tour
✔ Free & no obligation to apply

Spots are filling—save yours today! 💙

▶ RSVP at vtra.ca/our-calendar

🌟 A Huge Milestone for VTRA! 🌟Last Wednesday marked an exciting step forward as VTRA hosted its very first Early Interve...
05/24/2026

🌟 A Huge Milestone for VTRA! 🌟

Last Wednesday marked an exciting step forward as VTRA hosted its very first Early Intervention/Hippotherapy session at Heart Lake Farm in Saanichton! 🐴💙

Expanding our Early Intervention Program to a new location is a dream made possible through the incredible support of Island Health and the generosity of Heart Lake Farm, who have provided their horses, expert training, and beautiful facility at no cost.

We’re also proud to recognize the amazing team in this photo who helped make this milestone possible: Linda H (VTRA volunteer), Liz G (VTRA Executive Director), Kim A (Physiotherapist, Queen Alexandra Center for Children's Health), Maddy C (HLF Herd Care Lead), and Heather M (VTRA volunteer).

We’re deeply grateful for the partnerships and people who help us grow and bring these life-changing programs to even more families in our community. 💫

💛 Help us continue this important work, consider making a donation today at vtra.ca.

👀Understanding Non‑Verbal CommunicationHorses communicate primarily through body language and subtle cues.This encourage...
05/23/2026

👀Understanding Non‑Verbal Communication

Horses communicate primarily through body language and subtle cues.
This encourages people to become more observant, patient, and clear in how they express themselves.

At VTRA, participants practice reading signals, adjusting their approach, and communicating calmly, skills that translate well beyond the barn.

Want to support our Equine-Assisted Services ▶ go to vtra.ca

⏰ This Saturday! Community Fun Day at Gage GalleryLooking for something fun, creative, and meaningful this weekend?Join ...
05/22/2026

⏰ This Saturday! Community Fun Day at Gage Gallery

Looking for something fun, creative, and meaningful this weekend?

Join VTRA for a free, family‑friendly afternoon filled with art, horses, and community connection.

🐴 Try the MiraColt
🎨 Paint your own horseshoe
💙 Learn how VTRA makes a difference

🗓 May 23 | 12–3 PM
📍 Gage Gallery, Bastion Square

Drop in, say hello, and experience the heart of our community — everyone is welcome!

05/22/2026

🌟Step by Step: A Participant's Journey at VTRA🌟

It was so good to have Leslie back this week, we missed her positive energy last week! ✨

And what a return it was… today marked a big milestone as Leslie began working on a freestyle dressage test with Sadie! 🎶

For those unfamiliar, a freestyle dressage test combines a pattern of movements, like circles, serpentines, and changes of gait, with music, creating a beautiful and personalized performance. Leslie and Louise have been working together to build her test, and it’s been incredible to see it come to life.

One of the most heartwarming parts of the day was watching the entire team rally around Leslie, offering encouragement, feedback, and support as she practiced. This is what VTRA is all about: community, collaboration, and lifting each other up. 💛

We can’t wait to see Leslie and Sadie continue to refine their freestyle, it’s already looking so special! 🌟

📣SPECIAL SATURDAY OPENING!The VTRA Used Tack Store will be open this Saturday, May 23rd from 10am to 2pm!🎉SPECIAL SALE: ...
05/22/2026

📣SPECIAL SATURDAY OPENING!

The VTRA Used Tack Store will be open this Saturday, May 23rd from 10am to 2pm!

🎉SPECIAL SALE: Buy one set of POLO WRAPS and get one for free!

Most items are just $5 - a perfect chance to grab great deals while directly supporting our Equine-Assisted Services. Every purchase helps make a difference in the lives of our participants and horses.

🔎Want to have a sneak peak at what is in store? Check our Online Catalog at vtra.ca/tack-store

Address

6917 Veyaness Road, Central Saanich
Victoria, BC
V8M1W1

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5:30pm
Tuesday 9am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 9am - 5:30pm
Thursday 9am - 5:30pm
Friday 9am - 12pm

Telephone

+17784260506

Website

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