By Ann Caine, CanTRA Advisory Council 

So many people, including equestrians, think that therapeutic riding is just putting a child or an adult on a horse and having a fun ride — but it is much more than that.

In fact, across our country, many people with the best intentions are doing this with no training regarding the individual needs of a person with a physical disability, on the autism spectrum, or with developmental delay.

So why is CanTRA different? We provide in-depth training about a wide range of disabilities and how to relate to students with varying needs. This practical training is supported by an Instructor Manual, a Home Study handbook, and mentors for candidate instructors, either in person or virtually depending on their location in Canada.

Once all the prerequisite experience and skill training have been completed, the candidate is ready to take the qualifying instructor examination at one of three levels, depending on previous experience and individual ability: Basic, Intermediate, or Senior.

Referrals

Prospective riders with special needs require a referral to CanTRA member centres by their paediatrician, family doctor, or therapist.

Each candidate is assessed by the head instructor and a therapist, to determine how their needs and goals can best be met through the program.

What Opportunities are Available?

Riding: Most CanTRA member centres offer group riding lessons of up to four riders. However, there is often a private lesson option for riders who find groups and socialization difficult, such as a child on the autism spectrum who is highly stimulated.

New riders often have a leader and two side-walkers. These volunteers may have previous horse experience or may just feel drawn to help in the program. Regardless of previous experience, all lesson volunteers receive preparatory training.

Hippotherapy: CanTRA programs that offer this opportunity require an experienced instructor to longline the horse, while a therapist who is certified through the American Hippotherapy Association (AHA), works with the student who is sitting on a pad (not a saddle) secured by a surcingle.

Freedom on a horse! Photo courtesy of Ann Caine

The horse, whose temperature is higher than human temperature, acts as a moving heating pad to warm and relax the rider’s muscles, as a series of appropriate therapeutic exercises are completed. The horse’s movement facilitates physical therapy. Hippotherapy may be offered by an AHA certified physiotherapist, occupational therapist or speech language pathologist (SLP). 

Equine Assisted Learning (EAL): These group activities with horses on the ground achieve personal development, team building, and leadership skills.

This program is excellent for young people with special needs to learn interactive team building and social skills, but is equally effective for staff and sports teams, youth groups, family groups, and those experiencing PTSD.

Sessions are led by a certified EAL Facilitator, with the horse as the motivator.

Equine Facilitated Wellness (EFW): On-the-ground sessions with the horse as facilitator, this program offers individual mental health counselling led by a registered mental health clinician partnered with a CanTRA equine specialist who is responsible for the horse.

Additional Programs at some centres: Summer day camps and young adult life skills training — check your local centre for details, or email ctra@golden.net for more information.

SAVE THE DATE!

The CanTRA 45th Anniversary Conference will take place May 2 – 4, 2025 at Sunrise Therapeutic Riding & Learning Centre and Crieff Hills Retreat Centre, Puslinch, Ontario.

Related: The Magic of Horses - CanTRA

Related: Canadian Therapeutic Riding: Celebrating 45 Years of Service

Main Photo: Leader Camilla Giffen, Head Instructor, and a team of volunteers, with a group musical ride at a southwest Ontario CanTRA member centre. Photo courtesy of Ann Caine