Adaptive Horsemanship
IMPORTANT NOTE
All VTRA programs are currently full, and our team is actively working with individuals on our waitlist. At this time, we are unable to accept new requests. We encourage you to check our website regularly for updates as space becomes available. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
What is Adaptive Horsemanship?
The Adaptive Horsemanship programs are unmounted programs designed to teach those of diverse abilities about horse care, horsemanship, and safety in a barn setting. The VTRA Adaptive Horsemanship Programs take place in the barn and teach a variety of skills, from gaining confidence around horses, to learning to groom or maintain tack.
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.
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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:
Adaptive Horsemanship classes are $42/lesson (45 minutes group lesson). Participants sign up for a term of lessons (between 6 and 10 weeks), so fees are generally between $252 and $420 per term. Payment is due prior to the start of the riding term.
A variety of funding sources including Autism Funding Unit, KidSport, and school funding can be applied to VTRA Programs.
2026/2027 Term Dates:
VTRA programs run September to June. There are no classes on Stat holidays.
Term 1: September 15 – November 2 (7 weeks, no classes on Monday September 14, Wednesday September 30 and October 12)
Term 2: November 9 – December 18 (6 weeks, no classes on Wednesday November 11)
Term 3: January 11 – March 12 (9 weeks, no classes on Monday February 15)
Term 4: April 5 – June 11 (10 weeks, no classes on Monday May 24)