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.

⚠️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.

[VTRA TACK STORE]🎉Special Saturday Opening! 💖The VTRA Used Tack Store will be exceptionally open this Saturday, February...
02/14/2026

[VTRA TACK STORE]

🎉Special Saturday Opening! 💖

The VTRA Used Tack Store will be exceptionally open this Saturday, February 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

02/13/2026

[One Hoof at a Time kicks off tomorrow!]

Curious about One Hoof at a Time? Watch to understand what it is, how to sign up, and how to start fundraising.

Visit the link in the comment section and register today!

Small strides lead to great changes.

02/11/2026

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

Some days just aren’t riding days and that’s completely okay. Today, Saffy let us know right away that she didn’t feel like riding. Even with Abby’s gentle encouragement, she made her boundaries clear, and we always honour that. 💛

As an Adaptive Riding program, supporting emotional well‑being is just as important as riding skills. So instead of getting in the saddle, Saffy spent some quiet, meaningful time in the barn bonding with Trigger and her volunteer team. 🐴✨

She also cheered Abby on from the sidelines, watching her laps in the sunshine and soaking up the warm, positive energy. By the end of the session, those early tears had turned into smiles, giggles, and connection, a beautiful reminder that progress looks different every day. 🌈

We’re proud of Saffy for expressing herself, and proud of our team for meeting her exactly where she was. 💜

🌟Finding Emotional Balance Through HorsesHorses have a remarkable way of helping people feel more grounded and centered....
02/07/2026

🌟Finding Emotional Balance Through Horses

Horses have a remarkable way of helping people feel more grounded and centered.

At VTRA, many participants share that spending time with our equine partners helps them lower stress, build confidence, and navigate their emotions with greater ease.

The environment around horses encourages calm attention, gentle awareness, and an authentic sense of connection — all of which support emotional steadiness in everyday life.

Small moments with horses often lead to meaningful shifts in how people feel and relate to the world around them. 🐴💛

02/04/2026

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

While Saffy was away this week, we wanted to take a moment to highlight something truly special: the incredible bond between Saffy and Abby, two young riders who have been sharing lessons since last spring. 🌷

Week after week, we’ve watched their friendship grow in the most heartwarming ways. Abby has lovingly taken Saffy under her wing, supporting her, cheering her on, and stepping into her helper role with so much kindness and care. Together, they make such a beautiful team. 🤝✨

We feel so grateful that they’ve been able to continue riding together this term. Their connection reminds us that adaptive riding isn’t just about riding skills, it’s also about community, confidence, and the friendships that form along the way. 💛🐴

Here’s to the power of partnership and the magic these two bring to every lesson!

✨VTRA's One Hoof at a Time Campaign isn’t just about fundraising — it’s about wellness, connection, and the powerful ben...
02/03/2026

✨VTRA's One Hoof at a Time Campaign isn’t just about fundraising — it’s about wellness, connection, and the powerful benefits of spending intentional time with horses.✨

Join us, set your pledge, and take part in two meaningful weeks that support both you and VTRA.

- Register and receive a $10 VTRA Tack Store gift card
- Top fundraisers will win amazing prizes like a gift card to Greenhawk and a gift card to Float House Victoria and more!
- Raise at least $200 and get access to exclusive challenges from Michelle Young Horsemanship Online Connected Community!

Ready to make an impact — for your wellbeing and our herd?

👉 Register and find more information here: www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/victoria-therapeutic-riding-association/p2p/one-hoof-at-a-time-2026/

Horses offer more than connection — they help people grow in ways that research continues to highlight.At VTRA, we see h...
01/31/2026

Horses offer more than connection — they help people grow in ways that research continues to highlight.

At VTRA, we see how equine‑assisted programs support individuals of all ages in developing confidence, emotional balance, physical strength, and social connection.

People who spend time with horses often experience:
✨ Reduced stress and improved emotional regulation
✨ Increased confidence and self‑esteem
✨ Better balance, coordination, and core strength
✨ Stronger communication and relationship‑building skills
✨ Improved focus, attention, and executive functioning
✨ Support in navigating trauma, sensory needs, and life transitions

Horses respond with presence, honesty, and calm curiosity — creating a space where growth naturally unfolds.

At VTRA, every step, stride, and moment with our equine partners helps people move toward greater well‑being. 🐴💚

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

[VTRA TACK STORE]🎉Special Saturday Opening! The VTRA Used Tack Store will be exceptionally open this Saturday, January 3...
01/30/2026

[VTRA TACK STORE]

🎉Special Saturday Opening!

The VTRA Used Tack Store will be exceptionally open this Saturday, January 31st 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

[VTRA's One Hoof at a Time Pledge Campaign is back for another year!]Join us for our annual two‑week pledge campaign foc...
01/29/2026

[VTRA's One Hoof at a Time Pledge Campaign is back for another year!]

Join us for our annual two‑week pledge campaign focused on mental health, connection, and overall wellness. Participants commit to spending intentional time with their horse while raising funds that directly support VTRA’s riders and herd.

✨ What you get when you register:
– A $10 VTRA Tack Store gift card
– A chance to win amazing prizes as a top fundraiser
– Thanks to Michelle Young Horsemanship's generosity, participants will get access to exclusive online challenges from Michelle's Online Connected Community when you raise $200+

🌟 Volunteers — you’re included too!
Any volunteer hours completed during the campaign count toward your pledge time.

A huge thank you to and Float House for generously donating some of the incredible prizes for this campaign!

Help us make this February meaningful — for you, your horse, and the VTRA community.

👉 For more information about the campaign, how to register, and what to do, visit the link in our bio: One Hoof at a Time.

01/28/2026

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

This week, we watched Saffy’s confidence continue to bloom in the saddle! She’s sitting taller, looking ahead, and building amazing core strength as she learns to follow Trigger’s movement.

To make learning fun, Saffy got to roll the giant dice 🎲 to decide their adventure:

➡️ Over the poles to feel Trigger’s steps and practice balance
➡️ Or steering the cones to work on direction, focus, and body awareness

Both choices help her tune in to how Trigger moves beneath her and she did an incredible job! 🐴💛

We wrapped up the lesson with a peaceful lap outdoors, practicing recognizing and touching different body parts while enjoying the sunshine. A beautiful finish to a beautiful week. ☀

We’re so proud of you, Saffy! 💜

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

Alerts

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