When leading a horse, always look ahead to where you want to go. Turning around to check on the horse can confuse them, as they’re masters at reading body language. If you face them while trying to move forward, you’re sending mixed signals. Horses, as four-legged animals, naturally move in a horizontal alignment, while humans, being two-legged, move vertically. Imagine an invisible line extending from your belly button and, similarly, from a horse’s chest. This line represen

This week we’re continuing our Safety and Emergency Series with two important items: the AED and First Aid Kits . AED (Automated External Defibrillator): You’ll find it at the entrance of the barn , mounted on the wall to the left , just before the chalkboard. First Aid Kits, t here are two locations : In the office kitchen , on the shelf next to the fridge. In the arena , in the first door of the kick boards to the right. Next time you’re on site, take a moment to locate the

We’re kicking off our Safety and Emergency Series with an important question: Where is the muster point? In the event of a fire, earthquake, or any emergency where everyone on site needs to gather, the muster point is located behind the big blue garbage bin in the parking lot. Next time you come for your shift, take a moment to find it so you’ll be prepared if an emergency ever happens. Knowing where to go keeps everyone safe and organized!

Horses communicate with us and each other through their body language, including specific areas called the 15 Buttons of Horse Speak®. These interactive zones on their body each have a unique emotional and physical meaning. By learning to recognize and respond to these buttons, we can better understand their intentions—whether they're expressing emotions, seeking support, or resolving conflict. Using this shared language at VTRA creates consistency in how we communicate with

Whether you’re giving a direction, relaying information from the instructor, or helping adapt a movement or behavior, it’s essential to...

As we head into fall, here’s an important reminder for all horse handlers and grooms: please walk horses on the designated track and...

Horses, like people, have personal space that we need to respect. Each horse has an invisible “bubble” around them that acts as their...

You know that feeling when you walk into a room and everything is just where it’s supposed to be? It’s peaceful, it’s efficient, and it...

Prompting is when we help a participant respond—whether it’s verbal or nonverbal—but it’s important to remember that when things are done...

14% VTRA participants have Down Syndrome, a genetic condition caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21 (also known as Trisomy 21). It is...

27% of our participants at VTRA live with ADHD – Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Understanding what this means can help you...

36% of our participants at VTRA are on the Autism Spectrum. Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how people communicate,...

When you're working with participants—especially those with sensory sensitivities, processing delays, or attention challenges—it's...

A bit of a techy tip today — bear with me, haha! If you're part of our Volunteers of Victoria Therapeutic Riding Association private...

When grooming the horses, always be mindful of how you move around them to ensure both your safety and the horse’s comfort. Go Around the...

A friendly reminder to all Grooms, Horse Handlers, and AIs: after each lesson, please take a moment to untwist the stirrup leathers  (if...

We all love our VTRA horses — their strength, their gentleness, their unique personalities — and it’s natural to want to show our...

Team Talk #1: Who Communicates with the Rider? This is the first post in our  "Teamwork Talk: Who Does What? "  series, where we’ll...

Stick to the Basics When Grooming When grooming the horses, it’s important to focus on specific areas and avoid overgrooming, as multiple...

Watch where you're going! When leading a horse, always look ahead to where you want to go. Turning around to check on the horse can...