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.

🤝Learning Empathy and Teamwork With HorsesHorses communicate through body language, energy, and awareness — offering a g...
03/29/2026

🤝Learning Empathy and Teamwork With Horses

Horses communicate through body language, energy, and awareness — offering a gentle invitation to listen, observe, and respect another being’s perspective.

Participants at VTRA learn how to collaborate with their equine partner, which naturally builds empathy, patience, and cooperative skills. These lessons extend beyond the arena into friendships, school, workplaces, and family life.

Working together with horses helps people understand themselves and others more deeply. 🤝🐴

Learn more about our programs at VTRA.CA

03/28/2026

🌸 Two unforgettable weeks of Spring Break Camps! 🌸

From big smiles and new friendships to learning, creativity, and confidence-building moments — our camps gave kids and teens a space to grow, try new things, and have so much fun along the way 💛

These camps are about more than activities — they help build independence, teamwork, resilience, and a sense of belonging, all while creating memories they’ll carry long after the break ends.

A huge THANK YOU to our incredible volunteers and dedicated staff who brought the energy, care, and heart that made these weeks so special. We truly couldn’t do it without you 👏✨

Until the next adventure! 🌈

[VTRA Used Tack Store]📣SPECIAL SATURDAY OPENING!The VTRA Used Tack Store will be open this Saturday, March 28th from 10a...
03/27/2026

[VTRA Used Tack Store]

📣SPECIAL SATURDAY OPENING!

The VTRA Used Tack Store will be open this Saturday, March 28th 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 what is in store? Check our Online Catalog at vtra.ca/tack-store

[SAVE THE DATE ]☀️ Summer Camps & Adult Workshop Registration Opens next Wednesday! ☀️A sincere thanks to CFAX Santas An...
03/27/2026

[SAVE THE DATE ]

☀️ Summer Camps & Adult Workshop Registration Opens next Wednesday! ☀️

A sincere thanks to CFAX Santas Anonymous for supporting our Summer Camps and making an impact on our participants' lives!

📅 Registration opens: Wednesday, April 1st at 6:00 PM
✅ Important: Camp participation requires completing VTRA’s regular intake process, including physician’s forms.

Kids’ Camp (Ages 6–12)
📆July 6-10 / August 10-14
🕘 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM

Teens’ Camp (Ages 13+)
📆July 13-17 / August 17-12
🕘 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Adult Workshop
📆June 23-24-25
🕘 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM

Why join our camps or workshop?
✔ Build confidence and independence
✔ Learn horsemanship and riding skills
✔ Make new friends in a supportive environment
✔ Enjoy fun, hands-on activities tailored to each age group

Spots are limited—don’t miss out!

[PURDYS SPRING TREATS FUNDRAISER]💛 THANK YOU! 💛Thanks to your incredible support, VTRA raised over $1,100 through our Pu...
03/26/2026

[PURDYS SPRING TREATS FUNDRAISER]

💛 THANK YOU! 💛

Thanks to your incredible support, VTRA raised over $1,100 through our Purdys Chocolatier Spring Chocolate Fundraiser!

Here’s what that kindness looks like in action: a chiropractic session costs $100, meaning this fundraiser can cover one full session per horse, helping keep our therapeutic partners comfortable, sound, and ready to support our riders. 🐴✨

Every chocolate purchased directly supports the care, wellbeing, and training of our herd — and the life‑changing programs they make possible. Thank you for supporting our horses, our participants, and our mission. 🍫💛

Order Pick‑Up Reminder:
📍 Tomorrow (Thursday): 9:00am – 5:00pm
📍 Monday, March 30 to April 2: 9:00am – 5:00pm

✨ Meet Paris — The Newest Star of the VTRA Herd! ✨We’re so excited to welcome Paris to VTRA! This lovely Paint mare join...
03/25/2026

✨ Meet Paris — The Newest Star of the VTRA Herd! ✨

We’re so excited to welcome Paris to VTRA! This lovely Paint mare joined us from Brookside Stables, where she was a trusted lesson horse. At 15 hands high, she’s sweet, thoughtful, and has already captured all our hearts. 🤍

Paris has spent the last few weeks settling into her new routine here at VTRA — and she’s impressing us every step of the way. She’s joined our exercise program, is learning quickly in her training sessions with instructors, and has been observing and walking through lessons to get familiar with the unique flow of our programs. Her eagerness to learn and natural adaptability shine brighter every day.

Our team is working closely with her to make sure she feels confident, comfortable, and right at home. We’re thrilled with her progress and can’t wait for you to see how beautifully she’s fitting in.

And one more charming detail we just adore: Paris has one eye with white eyelashes and the other with brown — a little extra magic that makes her even more special. 🥰

Welcome to the VTRA family, Paris! 🐴💛

🐴How Horses Support Sensory RegulationHorses offer a rich sensory environment that can be calming, grounding, and regula...
03/21/2026

🐴How Horses Support Sensory Regulation

Horses offer a rich sensory environment that can be calming, grounding, and regulating.

From rhythmic movement during riding to the tactile experience of grooming, these interactions help individuals engage their senses in supportive ways.

This is especially meaningful for children and adults with sensory processing differences, autism, or ADHD. The steady, predictable nature of equine movement can provide structure, comfort, and focus.

At VTRA, sensory experiences with horses help participants feel more settled and in tune with their surroundings. 🌱🐴

Learn more about our programs at VTRA.CA

[PURDYS SPRING TREATS FUNDRAISER]☀️ “Hurry and grab your Purdys’ Spring Treats before time trots away!”Every order suppo...
03/18/2026

[PURDYS SPRING TREATS FUNDRAISER]

☀️ “Hurry and grab your Purdys’ Spring Treats before time trots away!”

Every order supports Equine-Assisted Services at VTRA — don’t miss the deadline today at 10am! 🐴🌸

Purdys Chocolatier

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

[PURDYS SPRING TREATS FUNDRAISER]🌼 “When you check the wheelbarrow… juuuust in case the Purdys’ Spring Treats have magic...
03/17/2026

[PURDYS SPRING TREATS FUNDRAISER]

🌼 “When you check the wheelbarrow… juuuust in case the Purdys’ Spring Treats have magically arrived.”

Order your real Purdys Chocolatier chocolate delivery before March 18th 10am and support VTRA’s riders and herd! 🍫💛

👉 Link in comments.

[PURDYS SPRING TREATS FUNDRAISER]💦 “I’m convinced someone hid Purdys’ Spring Treats in here…”Don’t go hunting — just ord...
03/14/2026

[PURDYS SPRING TREATS FUNDRAISER]

💦 “I’m convinced someone hid Purdys’ Spring Treats in here…”

Don’t go hunting — just order yours and support VTRA!

Every Purdys Chocolatier chocolate purchase helps fund essential programs and horse care.

Order by March 18th! Delivery at VTRA (pick up on April 1st) or straight to your home!

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

🌟Growing Confidence Through Equine ExperiencesSpending time with horses can positively influence how people see themselv...
03/14/2026

🌟Growing Confidence Through Equine Experiences

Spending time with horses can positively influence how people see themselves.

At VTRA, participants often develop a stronger sense of self‑worth by learning new skills, building trust with their equine partner, and experiencing success in small, steady steps.

Caring for and working with horses invites people to take on responsibility, make decisions, and recognize their own abilities — all of which support confidence and personal growth.

Every interaction becomes an opportunity to discover just how capable they truly are. 🐴✨

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

[VTRA USED TACK STORE]📣 Special Saturday OpeningThe VTRA Used Tack Store will be exceptionally open this Saturday, March...
03/13/2026

[VTRA USED TACK STORE]

📣 Special Saturday Opening

The VTRA Used Tack Store will be exceptionally open this Saturday, March 14 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

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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