Curious about volunteering with us? Join our Volunteer Orientation event on June 4th at 5:30pm! This session includes a 1-hour informative discussion on volunteer position opportunities, followed by an exciting barn tour. Don't miss this chance to learn about our volunteer roles and explore our facility firsthand! The Volunteer Orientation event is NOT mandatory to apply as a volunteer and attend one of our training session in the future. Free session - Save your spot HERE. F

As part of the Gage Gallery charity exhibition Wild Art for the Big of Heart, join the Victoria Therapeutic Riding Association (VTRA) for a fun and creative afternoon. Drop in to paint your own real horseshoe, try our MiraColt, Western Canada’s first mechanical horse, and learn how VTRA supports individuals and families through therapeutic riding programs and other equine‑assisted services. This hands‑on, family‑friendly event is perfect for all ages. While your horseshoe dri

You may notice that instructors often tell riders what to do rather than what not to do, and there’s a good reason for that! Positive instructions are clearer, easier to process, and help riders feel more confident. As volunteers, we can help reinforce this by echoing the instructor’s words in a positive way. For example, instead of saying: “Don’t lean forward,” try “Sit tall” or “Shoulders back.” “Don’t kick,” try “Gentle legs” or “Quiet legs. “Don’t lean into the turn.” try

When handling the lead rope, it’s essential to hold it correctly for safety and effective communication with the horse. Here’s how to hold the rope: Two Hands on the Lead Line: Always use both hands for a stable and controlled grip on the rope. No Loop Around Your Hand: Never loop the rope around your hand to avoid injury if the horse pulls. Leave an Arm’s Length from the Buckle: Keep about an arm’s length of slack from the buckle to provide the horse with freedom of movement

Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a neurological condition caused by damage to the developing brain, often before or during birth. It primarily affects movement, muscle tone, and posture, but the way it shows up can vary significantly from one person to another. Key Types of CP You Might See at VTRA: Spastic CP (most common): Muscles are stiff or tight, making movements jerky or difficult. May affect one side of the body or all four limbs. Ataxic CP: Affects balance and coordination.

It’s that time of year when our horses are shedding their winter coats , and we all end up wearing a little extra horse hair on our clothes! When grooming, you’ll notice quite a bit of loose hair left behind on the stall mats . For the horses’ wellbeing, please take a moment to pick up all loose hair and dispose of it in the bin by the tack rooms . Removing hair from the ground is important because it: Prevents horses from eating or inhaling it Helps keep stalls clean