Committed to Therapeutic Riding and Equine-Assisted Therapies throughout Canada.

By Bren Pickel

For 40 years, the Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association (CanTRA) has been working to promote the benefits of equine-assisted activities for persons with disabilities, and to establish and maintain national standards for instructors and program centres. Now more than ever, CanTRA is working to support and direct in these challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic.

We firmly believe that the struggles we are facing today are developing the strengths we need for tomorrow. Is there an opportunity to grow, to serve, or to show up differently? Have you considered pursuing the calling of therapeutic equine-assisted activities? 

The objective of the CanTRA certification program is to produce Canadian Therapeutic Riding Instructors capable of giving knowledgeable, safe, and enjoyable riding instruction to people of various abilities. Working in tandem with Equestrian Canada rider levels, prospective CanTRA instructors will then partner with a CanTRA member centre and be mentored by a CanTRA instructor.

Equine-facilitated wellness at Sunrise Therapeutic, Ontario. Photo: Kristin Clancy

Hippotherapy at Cowichan Therapeutic Riding Association, BC. Photo: D Vipond

CanTRA has developed a tiered system of certification to ensure the full depth of knowledge, care, and commitment needed for this unique and dynamic profession:

CanTRA Basic Instructor (CTRBI) - certified to teach one student in a lesson.

CanTRA Basic Instructor-2 (CTRBI2) - certified to teach two students in a lesson.

CanTRA Intermediate Instructor (CTRII) - certified to teach groups of four students in a lesson. 

CanTRA Senior Instructor (CTRSI) – one who who will take on additional responsibilities of mentoring, and the selection and schooling of therapy horses. 

By creating a foundation of quality training and ongoing support, we will bring positive change to the lives of people through therapeutic riding and equine-assisted activities, benefiting their mental, social and physical well-being. We need to be ready, willing, and able for the time when barn doors open, and therapeutic programs are running once again!

For more information about Instructor Certification, Educational Online Webinars, and CanTRA Membership please contact our Head Office at ctra@golden.net. 

Follow us on Facebook @CanTRA_ACET and visit www.CanTRA.ca.

Main Photo: Therapeutic riding at Joyriders, PEI. Credit: M Gallant