Cowichan Therapeutic Riding Association

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Duncan, BC
Cowichan Therapeutic Riding Association

The Cowichan TRA (CTRA) exists as a place where the human-equine relationship creates opportunities

We have several program streams that are designed to meet the abilities, needs, and goals of individual participants. These program streams include: therapeutic riding (the physical therapy end of the spectrum), therapeutic horsemanship (therapy and skill-building through horsemanship “on the ground”), and equine assisted learning (team building and learning how to communicate effectively with bot

h people and horses). Our program streams utilize the power of the human-equine bond to improve the lives of persons with varying needs who live within our community. A shared appreciation for this special human-equine relationship brings individuals and their families into our organization, where they experience inclusiveness and are given the opportunity to work collaboratively with everybody on their team. Although our program serves persons with disabilities, it has positively impacted the lives of countless individuals of all abilities. Our program serves as a hub of community action where members of our community give back through participation and volunteerism, with a culture of inclusion.

05/05/2026

Did you know you can support CTRA just by recycling your bottles? 💛

We collect bottles in our Return-It bin at the front of the barn year-round, and every donation helps fund our programs.

But this month, your bottles can go even further.

Throughout May, we’re part of the Return-It Contest, where every bottle donated gives us more entries into:

A $1,000 monthly prize draw
A $10,000 grand prize draw

The more bottles we collect, the more chances we have to win — and bring even more support back to our riders and horses. 🐴

If you’ve been saving bottles, now’s a great time to drop them off!

05/01/2026

Mending Fences is back! 💛

Now in its third year, this special evening has become an important part of how we support and sustain our program—and in 2026, it feels even more meaningful as we celebrate CTRA’s 40th Anniversary.

Join us for a memorable night of music, community, and connection at Providence Farm.

Join us for:
🎶 Live performances
🛍️ Silent auction
💃 Dancing & good company
🐴 Supporting a program that changes lives

Every ticket helps us continue providing meaningful, confidence-building experiences for our riders, and care for the incredible horses that make it all possible.

📅 May 30, 2026
📍 Providence Farm

🎟️ Tickets are available now at www.ctra.ca
(or scan the QR code below!)

We’d love to celebrate with you. Don’t miss it! ✨

04/30/2026

Can you guess which of our horses this adorable nose belongs to? 🐴

Drop your guesses in the comments below. 👇
(We’ll reveal the answer tomorrow!)

Hint: Little legs, big job… Any guesses yet? 👀

04/29/2026

This summer, we’re excited to offer Intro to Riding sessions for both adults and children. ☀️

Designed for beginners, these sessions are a fun and welcoming way to learn the basics, build confidence, and spend time at the barn.

Led by CanTRA Certified Instructors and supported by our calm, experienced therapy horses, safety is always our top priority, while still keeping things light, engaging, and enjoyable for every rider.

Each session focuses on:
✨ Building confidence around horses
✨ Learning foundational riding skills
✨ Hands-on experience in a supportive environment

Whether you’re trying something new or finally checking “learn to ride” off your list, this is a great place to start. 💛

Spots will be limited. Stay tuned for registration details!

Want to be first to know when registration opens? Contact us at info@ctra.ca or 250-746-1028 and we’ll add you to the list!

04/28/2026

Some days start a little unsettled.

Recently, one of our riders arrived feeling overstimulated. But in a quiet moment before their lesson, something small, and unexpected, made all the difference.

While this rider waited in the Riders Room, our barn cat, Miss Kitty, jumped into their lap, settled in, and offered a few gentle purrs and nuzzles.

Almost instantly, everything shifted. Calm replaced tension. Shoulders softened. Breathing slowed.

By the time the rider entered the arena, they were relaxed, calm, and went on to have a great ride.

It’s a beautiful reminder that the impact of our program goes beyond the arena - and sometimes, it’s the smallest connections that make the biggest difference. 🐾

04/27/2026

Myth vs Fact

Myth: “It’s just riding.”
Fact: It’s confidence. It’s strength. It’s connection.

What might look like a simple ride is actually a powerful combination of physical, emotional, and social growth.

It’s a rider sitting taller than they did last week.
It’s a moment of calm where there used to be anxiety.
It’s trust - in themselves, and in their horse.

That’s the magic of therapeutic riding. 💛

04/24/2026

Volunteer of the Year – Ray 💛

We are so proud to recognize Ray as our Volunteer of the Year!

For over 12 years, Ray has been a steady and trusted presence in our program. Week after week, he shows up with consistency you can count on. Always early, always ready to help, and always bringing a positive attitude.

Over the past few years, Ray has worked closely with the same riders, building strong relationships and providing thoughtful, intuitive support that helps each rider feel safe, confident, and celebrated.

He’s patient, capable, and incredibly in tune, not only with his riders, but with the horses he works alongside each week.

And just as importantly, Ray brings joy.

Whether it’s showing up in festive outfits or fully embracing themed rides, he reminds us that this program is about more than just riding. It’s about connection, laughter, and community.

As one instructor shared, “What a ‘Ray’ of sunshine he is for all of us.”

Ray, you don’t just show up, you show up wholeheartedly.

Congratulations on being the recipient of our 2026 Volunteer of the Year Award, and thank you for everything you bring to CTRA!

04/23/2026

Did You Know?

Every therapeutic riding lesson is powered by more than just a horse and rider.

Behind the scenes, it takes a team - often including sidewalkers, horse handlers, and instructors - all working together to create a safe, supportive, and confidence-building experience.

Our volunteers are the steady hands, encouraging voices, and quiet champions who make each lesson possible. Their presence allows riders to focus, grow, and succeed in ways that go far beyond the arena.

This week is Volunteer Appreciation Week, and we’re celebrating the incredible people who give their time, energy, and heart to our program. 💛

And it’s because of this amazing community that events like our Mending Fences fundraiser are so special. It’s a chance to come together, celebrate, and support the riders, horses, and volunteers who make it all happen.

If you’d like to be part of it, we’d love to see you there.

🎟️ Tickets available at www.CTRA.ca

04/22/2026

Volunteer Spotlight Series

Today, we’re celebrating two incredible people who help make our weekly lessons so special — Leo and Peggy!

Both Leo and Peggy are familiar faces in our program, showing up each week ready to support our riders and horses.

Leo always arrives happy to be there. He is eager to help, brings a positive attitude to every lesson, and is a wonderful mentor for our participants. His friendly smile and encouragement never go unnoticed.

Peggy is a calm, welcoming presence in the ring. She brings a positive energy and an infectious laugh that lifts everyone around her, making each lesson feel just a little bit brighter.

Together, they help create a supportive, encouraging environment where both riders and horses can thrive - and they are truly appreciated by everyone in our program.

Thank you, Leo and Peggy, for everything you bring to our community. We are so grateful to have you both as part of our team! 🐴

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Don't forget our Annual General Meeting is happening this evening at 6:30 pm at CTRA.

Come connect, learn more about what we do, and be part of the community that makes it all possible. 💛

04/21/2026

Volunteer Spotlight Series

This week, we’re celebrating the incredible people behind our program, and today we’re shining the spotlight on Maggie!

Maggie has been volunteering with us for several years and is often found horse handling and supporting riders in the arena.

She brings with her a wealth of horse knowledge, along with a friendly and cheerful personality that makes everyone feel welcome.

Maggie is truly loved by the many students she supports, and her calm, steady presence makes a meaningful impact in every lesson.

Thank you, Maggie, for your kindness, dedication, and the care you bring to our program. We’re so grateful to have you as part of our community! 🐴

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We love bringing our community together — and our upcoming CTRA Annual General Meeting is a great chance to do just that 💛

📅 April 22, 2026
⏰ 6:30 pm
📍 Providence Farm

Join us to learn more about our programs, connect with our team, and see the impact of what we do.

More info at www.CTRA.ca

04/20/2026

It’s Volunteer Appreciation Week, and we’re taking a moment to recognize the incredible people who make our program possible.

From early mornings at the barn to steady hands in the arena, our volunteers bring patience, kindness, and unwavering support to every lesson.

You are the friendly faces, the quiet encouragers, and the heart behind everything we do.

Because of you, our riders grow in confidence.
Because of you, our horses are cared for.
Because of you, this community thrives.

We truly couldn’t do this without you.

Thank you for everything you give.

If you see one of our volunteers this week, take a moment to say thank you - they truly make the magic happen. 💛

04/12/2026

Get your tickets now. May 30th is fast approaching. 💕🐎💕

Address

1843 Tzouhalem Road
Duncan, BC
V9L5L6

Website

http://www.ctra.ca/

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