What is Stable Management?
The Stable Management programs are unmounted programs designed to teach those of diverse abilities about horse care, horsemanship, and safety in a barn setting. The VTRA Stable Management Programs take place in the barn and teach a variety of skills, from gaining confidence around horses, to learning to groom or maintain tack.
To serve our community better, we offer 4 distinct programs under the Stable Management umbrella, each designed to offer specific outcomes to participants: Beginner/Intermediate Stable Management, Stable Mates, Barn Buddies, and Vocational Stable Management.
Although criteria for participation is program-specific, we require participants to be seizure- free for the past 12 months if unmedicated or for 6 months if currently on medication, and to be free of any contraindications to equine-assisted activities.
Beginner/Intermediate Stable Management
The Beginner/Intermediate Stable Management program is designed to teach participants of all abilities about horse care, horsemanship, and safety around horses. Participants often learn about topics such as catching, grooming, leading, equine anatomy, barn maintenance, and herd dynamics, progressing their skill and knowledge base. Classes are generally organized into Beginner and Intermediate levels.
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We serve individuals with a variety of diagnosis or conditions, including but not limited to ASD, ADHD, Cerebral Palsy, Brain Injury, Anxiety, Depression, Down Syndrome, etc. -
Ages: 6 and up -
Seizure-free for the past 6 months if on medication or 1 year if unmedicated -
Free of contraindications to equine-assisted activities or safety concerns
Stable Mates
Stable Mates is a specialized Stable Management program that is set at a leisurely pace and designed for those with diverse physical or cognitive abilities. Participants learn basic aspects of horse care and interaction and get therapeutic cuddle time with our horses.
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This program is designed specifically for individuals with physical or cognitive challenges making riding inadvisable. -
Ages: 6 and up -
Seizure-free for the past 6 months if on medication or 1 year if unmedicated -
Free of contraindications to equineassisted activities or safety concerns
Barn Buddies
Barn Buddies is a specialized Stable Management program designed for young children working on social skill development and interested in learning the basics of horse care and safety around horses
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This program is designed specifically for children between the ages of 4 and 6 years old -
Seizure-free for the past 6 months if on medication or 1 year if unmedicated -
Free of contraindications to equineassisted activities or safety concerns
Vocational Stable Management
Vocational Stable Management is a specialized Stable Management program designed to gradually prepare participants for paid or unpaid work in a barn setting. Participants will learn and develop skills relevant to working in a barn, including but not limited to rules of feeding, basic equine health care, cleaning stalls, and maintenance of a barn.
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Ages: 16 and up -
Must have prior horse experience through completion of VTRA Stable Management classes or another approved horse-related course -
Seizure-free for the past 6 months if on medication or 1 year if unmedicated -
Free of contraindications to equineassisted activities 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 equine 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:
Stable Management classes are $22.50/lesson. Participants sign up for a term of riding (between 6 and 9 weeks), so fees are generally between $135 and $202.50 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.
2020 - 2021 Session Dates:
VTRA programs run from September to June. There are no lessons on Stat holidays.
The 2020 - 2021 year is divided into 4 terms as follows:
Term 1: Week of September 21st-November 6th (7 weeks)
Term 2: Week of November 9th-December 18th (6 weeks)
Term 3: Week of January 11th-March 12th (9 weeks)
Term 4: Week of April 6th-June 4th (9 weeks)