What is Adaptive Driving?
According to Path International, "Carriage Driving is a fast growing sport. It can offer students the rewards of interaction and control of a horse or pony while driving from a carriage seat or in their own wheelchair in a carriage modified to accommodate their wheelchair. Carriage driving gives participants a riding alternative, opening up the world of horses to those who may be unable to ride due to weight, balance, fatigue, allergies, asthma, fear of heights, the inability to sit astride, or other issues. Therapeutic Driving is about imparting knowledge of safety, horses, harnessing, and driving skills to children and adults using teamwork. It takes three to five volunteers to make one driving turn out!"
Parameters for Participation:
-
We serve those with a variety of diverse abilities and diagnoses including but not limited to: ASD, ADHD, Cerebral Palsy, Brain Injury, Anxiety, Depression, Down Syndrome, etc.
-
Ages 10 and up
-
Seizure-free for the past 6 months if on seizure medication or 1 year if unmedicated
-
Free of contraindications to adaptive driving or safety concerns
Important Note:
Before participating, prospective participants must consult with a physician. CanTRA (Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association) and PATH Intl (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International) require participants in a therapeutic/adaptive riding program to present a completed medical history and signed physician’s consult forms. Forms are sent to you in the Intake Package after the initial inquiry process has been completed.
Fees:
Adaptive Driving classes are $40/lesson. Participants sign up for a term of riding (between 6 and 10 weeks), so fees are generally between $240 and $400 per term. Payment is due prior to the start of the riding term.
A variety of funding sources including Autism Funding Unit, Jumpstart, KidSport, and school funding can be applied to VTRA Programs.
Session Dates:
VTRA programs run September to June. There are no classes on Stat holidays.
We are currently not able to run Adaptive Driving programs.