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 was 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.

[PURDYS SPRING TREATS FUNDRAISER]👀 “Trigger, I bet the Purdys’ Spring Treats are over there!”Find your favourites and su...
03/08/2026

[PURDYS SPRING TREATS FUNDRAISER]

👀 “Trigger, I bet the Purdys’ Spring Treats are over there!”

Find your favourites and support VTRA at the same time!

Order delicious Purdys Chocolatier chocolate today and choose delivery to VTRA or your home.

Get your order in before March 18th! 🌸🍫

👉 https://fundraising.purdys.com/campaign/000027644

🌳Growing Through Nature and Equine ExperiencesBeing outdoors with horses offers a refreshing sense of calm, presence, an...
03/07/2026

🌳Growing Through Nature and Equine Experiences

Being outdoors with horses offers a refreshing sense of calm, presence, and connection.

Participants often experience increased mindfulness, greater appreciation for nature, and a renewed sense of personal clarity.

Caring for horses also encourages healthy routines, responsibility, and reflective practices that support long‑term well‑being.

At VTRA, the barn, the arena, and the trail become spaces where people reconnect with themselves and the world around them. 🌾🐴

[PURDYS SPRING TREATS FUNDRAISER]😋 “Counting down the seconds until Purdys’ Spring Treats arrive…”You don’t have to wait...
03/05/2026

[PURDYS SPRING TREATS FUNDRAISER]

😋 “Counting down the seconds until Purdys’ Spring Treats arrive…”

You don’t have to wait — order now and support the Victoria Therapeutic Riding Association!

Every box helps fund horse care, training, and accessible programs.

Order deadline: March 18th! Delivery to VTRA (pick up on April 1st) or straight to your door!

👉 https://fundraising.purdys.com/campaign/000027644

Purdys Chocolatier

[PURDYS SPRING TREATS FUNDRAISER]🌸 “When you’re supposed to be napping, but all you can think about is Purdys’ Spring Tr...
03/03/2026

[PURDYS SPRING TREATS FUNDRAISER]

🌸 “When you’re supposed to be napping, but all you can think about is Purdys’ Spring Treats…”

Support VTRA with your chocolate order! 🍫

Get your Purdys Chocolatier favourites delivered to VTRA (pick up on April 1st) or straight to your door — just order before March 18th!

Every treat helps care for our herd and support our Equine-Assisted Services. 💛🐴

👉 https://fundraising.purdys.com/campaign/000027644

[PURDYS SPRING TREATS FUNDRAISER]🤣 “Oh, the wild lengths I’d go for a stash of Purdys’ Spring Treats!”Luckily, you don’t...
02/28/2026

[PURDYS SPRING TREATS FUNDRAISER]

🤣 “Oh, the wild lengths I’d go for a stash of Purdys’ Spring Treats!”

Luckily, you don’t have to stretch quite this far!

Order your Purdys Chocolatier favourites and support VTRA’s riders and horses.
Hurry — deadline is March 18th! Choose to be delivered at VTRA (pick up on April 1st) or directly at your home.

👉 https://fundraising.purdys.com/campaign/000027644

🧠Strengthening Focus and Thoughtful SkillsTime spent with horses can boost focus, attention, problem‑solving, and execut...
02/28/2026

🧠Strengthening Focus and Thoughtful Skills

Time spent with horses can boost focus, attention, problem‑solving, and executive functioning.

Whether grooming, leading, riding, or completing equine‑assisted tasks, participants engage their minds in ways that support planning, self‑regulation, and clear thinking.

These benefits are especially supportive for individuals experiencing attention‑related challenges, autism, or the after‑effects of stress or trauma.

At VTRA, horses help create learning moments that strengthen the mind — naturally and meaningfully. 🐴✨

Learn more about our programs at VTRA.CA

[VTRA USED TACK STORE]📣 Special Saturday OpeningThe VTRA Used Tack Store will be exceptionally open this Saturday, Febru...
02/27/2026

[VTRA USED TACK STORE]

📣 Special Saturday Opening

The VTRA Used Tack Store will be exceptionally open this Saturday, February 28 from 10am to 2pm.

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.

Come visit us and shop with purpose!

🔎Want to have a sneak peak at the items we have in store? Check our online catalog at vtra.ca/tack-store

[PURDYS SPRING TREATS FUNDRAISER]⏰ “Bjor, wake up! It’s time to order our Purdys’ Spring Treats!”Don’t sleep on this fun...
02/26/2026

[PURDYS SPRING TREATS FUNDRAISER]

⏰ “Bjor, wake up! It’s time to order our Purdys’ Spring Treats!”

Don’t sleep on this fundraiser — support VTRA before March 18th! Choose delivery to VTRA (pick up on April 1st) or to your home.

Your order helps people with diverse abilities access life‑changing Equine-Assisted Services. 🐎💙

👉https://fundraising.purdys.com/campaign/000027644

02/25/2026

🌟Step by Step: A Participant Journey at VTRA 🌟

💜Missing Saffy, but Celebrating Her Progress! 💜

Saffy has been unwell for the past two weeks, so she unfortunately hasn’t been able to join Trigger and her volunteer team for her lessons. We’ve missed her bright energy in the arena! 🌼

Today, we wanted to share some sweet moments from recent weeks to celebrate the progress she’s made—from building confidence in the saddle, to connecting with Trigger, to cheering on her friends. 🐴✨

We’re sending Saffy all our best wishes and hope to see her smiling in the barn again very soon. 💛

Get well, Saffy—we can’t wait to welcome you back next week!

🤝Connection and Communication With Equine PartnersHorses are incredible partners in building trust and communication.The...
02/21/2026

🤝Connection and Communication With Equine Partners

Horses are incredible partners in building trust and communication.

They respond honestly and without judgment, making social interaction feel more approachable and supportive.

At VTRA, participants practice teamwork, cooperation, boundary‑setting, and confidence in relationship‑building — all through shared moments with horses and the people around them.

These experiences help create stronger connections, both in and outside the arena. 🐴🤍

⚠️CLOSURE NOTICE⚠️A kind reminder that VTRA will be closed tomorrow, Monday, February 16th, for Family Day. We hope you ...
02/16/2026

⚠️CLOSURE NOTICE⚠️

A kind reminder that VTRA will be closed tomorrow, Monday, February 16th, for Family Day. We hope you have a wonderful day celebrating with your loved ones!

💪Building Strength and Stability in the Arena and BarnWorking with horses naturally supports physical strength, balance,...
02/15/2026

💪Building Strength and Stability in the Arena and Barn

Working with horses naturally supports physical strength, balance, and coordination.

From mounted activities to hands‑on interaction, individuals engage muscles that promote posture, core stability, and overall mobility.
For many, these improvements grow into greater independence and confidence in their daily movement.

At VTRA, each stride offers opportunities for building physical skills in a supportive, encouraging environment. 🌱🐴

Support our herd and riders at VTRA.CA— every contribution makes a difference.

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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