Victoria Therapeutic Riding Association

11/21/2025

🎉 Congratulations to all our amazing riders! 🎉

We’re thrilled to share the results of the BCTRA Video Competition. Our riders went head-to-head with other Therapeutic Riding Centers across BC and achieved incredible placements! 🏅

A huge thank you to BCTRA and the judges for organizing this fantastic competition that gives our riders the opportunity to shine and thrive. 💙

We are so proud of the hard work and progress each rider has made this year.
Check out the full results below 🔽

✨ Here’s to celebrating these achievements and looking forward to the 2026 Video Competition!

November 14, 2025 – Para-equestrians from across the province participated in BC Therapeutic Riding Association’s fifth annual video competition, and now the provincial organization is ready to reveal the results.

11/11/2025

A kind reminder that VTRA will be closed on Tuesday, November 11th, in observance of Remembrance Day. Let us take a moment to honor and remember those who served.

11/05/2025

[November’s Charity Sandwich at Red Barn Market is the Big Boy!]

All month long, when you order the Big Boy, 25¢ will be donated to VTRA to support our equine-assisted programs for individuals with diverse abilities.

A huge thank you to Red Barn Market for choosing VTRA as this month’s charity partner — your support helps make a real difference in our community! 💙

Craving something delicious? Swing by your local Red Barn Market and grab the delicious Big Boy Sandwich — it’s not just tasty, it’s making a difference!

11/03/2025

🌸 Remembering Lady – A Gentle Soul Who Touched Us All 🌸

This weekend, we said goodbye to our sweet Lady, who passed peacefully surrounded by her herd and those who loved her. Lady joined VTRA in 2024 and quickly became a cherished part of our community, introducing many to the joy of cart driving and offering quiet comfort to everyone who spent time with her.

Louise, our Cart Driving Instructor and Lady’s closest person, shared:
“Lady had a quiet strength and a willingness to give her all, no matter the task. She taught me the true meaning of patience, how to listen more deeply, and how to be gentle with myself and others. Her presence was a gift, and I will miss her deeply.”

💛 From Nov 10 to Dec 1, Lady’s stall will become a memory wall. You’re invited to stop by during program hours to leave a note, pin a photo or drawing, or share a memory. Her stall will also be part of our Deck the Stalls celebration, keeping her spirit close during the season.

She will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.

10/30/2025

🌟 Step by Step: A Participant's Journey at VTRA 🌟

For the final week of the term, Liz spiced things up with an exciting new challenge: an introduction to turning on the hind. This exercise had riders working hard — engaging their legs and hips to guide their horses into precise turns, while helping the horses stretch through their shoulders. Riders also focused on rotating their chest to face the direction of travel, building coordination and awareness throughout the body.

It was a demanding but rewarding ride, and Pippa had one of her best sessions yet — you can hear the joy and pride in her voice in this week’s video! Her clarity, independence, and kindness in leading Cherry continue to shine, and her progress over the term has been nothing short of inspiring.

💙 A heartfelt thank you to everyone who followed Pippa’s journey with us this term.
To our volunteers — your dedication makes our work possible and meaningful.
To our staff — thank you for creating a safe, educational, and welcoming space.
And to our horses — thank you for your patience, presence, and partnership as we all grow together.

Though this term has come to a close, the inspiration continues. 💫

10/22/2025

🎉 Special Saturday Opening! 🐴

The VTRA Tack Store will be exceptionally open this Saturday, October 25th from 10am to 12pm!

🛍️ Most items are just $5 — a perfect chance to grab great deals while directly supporting our Equine-Assisted Services. Every purchase helps make a difference in the lives of our participants and horses 💙

📍Come visit us and shop with purpose!

10/21/2025

🚨 Join the VTRA Board – Make a Meaningful Impact! 🚨

Are you passionate about community service and ready to take on a leadership role in a dynamic charity?

VTRA is currently seeking experienced and committed individuals to join our Board of Directors. We’re especially looking for candidates with expertise in:
🔹 Risk Management
🔹 Finance
🔹 IT
🔹 Fundraising

This is a volunteer opportunity to help guide and grow an organization making a real difference.

📅 Deadline to apply: October 31, 2025 at 11:00 PM
📋 Submit your expression of interest by going to vtra.ca/post/join-the-vtra-board

💬 Questions? Reach out to us at nominations@vtra.ca

Let’s build something great together!

10/19/2025

The VTRA Team had a blast at the conference this weekend held at the in Vancouver! The weekend was spent connecting with like-minded Equine-Assisted Service organizations, sharing experiences, learning from each others and starting the conversation of shaping the future of our industry.

A huge thank you to BCTRA for working so hard in organizing such a top-notch educational conference.

Already looking forward to the next one!

10/17/2025

[VTRA's Annual Holiday Plant Sale is back!]

Support VTRA this season by bringing home some holiday cheer! We are selling beautiful poinsettias, wreaths, and more—perfect for decorating your space or gifting to loved ones.

🗓️ Order deadline: November 10 at 11:59 PM
🎁 All proceeds support our equine-assisted services.

Place your order today by visiting vtra.growingsmilesfundraising.com and help us grow joy this holiday season.