Victoria Therapeutic Riding Association

Victoria Therapeutic Riding Association Please visit www.vtra.ca for more information.

VTRA is a registered charity and non-profit organization that provides therapeutic horseback riding and related equine-assisted activities for those with diverse abilities. VTRA has been operating since 1982, when it was started by a small and extremely dedicated group of visionaries who wanted to bring the proven benefits of equine assisted activities to our community. Finding a permanent home was a challenge for the program in the early years; in 2009 VTRA was fortunate to be able to set up long term operations its’ current location. Its history demonstrates growth from a small, volunteer-only organization to a well-structured not-for-profit agency with an employed staff, consisting of highly trained and experienced therapeutic riding professionals. There is a large pool of committed volunteers who provide most of our program services, working as horse handlers, sidewalkers, assistant instructors, grooms, and helpers in the clubhouse. The scope of our activities and the degree of organization have increased over the years, resulting in a substantial enhancement of levels of service and efficacy of our programs.

[PURDYS SPRING TREATS FUNDRAISER]🤣 “Oh, the wild lengths I’d go for a stash of Purdys’ Spring Treats!”Luckily, you don’t...
02/28/2026

[PURDYS SPRING TREATS FUNDRAISER]

🤣 “Oh, the wild lengths I’d go for a stash of Purdys’ Spring Treats!”

Luckily, you don’t have to stretch quite this far!

Order your Purdys Chocolatier favourites and support VTRA’s riders and horses.
Hurry — deadline is March 18th! Choose to be delivered at VTRA (pick up on April 1st) or directly at your home.

👉 https://fundraising.purdys.com/campaign/000027644

🧠Strengthening Focus and Thoughtful SkillsTime spent with horses can boost focus, attention, problem‑solving, and execut...
02/28/2026

🧠Strengthening Focus and Thoughtful Skills

Time spent with horses can boost focus, attention, problem‑solving, and executive functioning.

Whether grooming, leading, riding, or completing equine‑assisted tasks, participants engage their minds in ways that support planning, self‑regulation, and clear thinking.

These benefits are especially supportive for individuals experiencing attention‑related challenges, autism, or the after‑effects of stress or trauma.

At VTRA, horses help create learning moments that strengthen the mind — naturally and meaningfully. 🐴✨

Learn more about our programs at VTRA.CA

[VTRA USED TACK STORE]📣 Special Saturday OpeningThe VTRA Used Tack Store will be exceptionally open this Saturday, Febru...
02/27/2026

[VTRA USED TACK STORE]

📣 Special Saturday Opening

The VTRA Used Tack Store will be exceptionally open this Saturday, February 28 from 10am to 2pm.

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!

🔎Want to have a sneak peak at the items we have in store? Check our online catalog at vtra.ca/tack-store

[PURDYS SPRING TREATS FUNDRAISER]⏰ “Bjor, wake up! It’s time to order our Purdys’ Spring Treats!”Don’t sleep on this fun...
02/26/2026

[PURDYS SPRING TREATS FUNDRAISER]

⏰ “Bjor, wake up! It’s time to order our Purdys’ Spring Treats!”

Don’t sleep on this fundraiser — support VTRA before March 18th! Choose delivery to VTRA (pick up on April 1st) or to your home.

Your order helps people with diverse abilities access life‑changing Equine-Assisted Services. 🐎💙

👉https://fundraising.purdys.com/campaign/000027644

02/25/2026

🌟Step by Step: A Participant Journey at VTRA 🌟

💜Missing Saffy, but Celebrating Her Progress! 💜

Saffy has been unwell for the past two weeks, so she unfortunately hasn’t been able to join Trigger and her volunteer team for her lessons. We’ve missed her bright energy in the arena! 🌼

Today, we wanted to share some sweet moments from recent weeks to celebrate the progress she’s made—from building confidence in the saddle, to connecting with Trigger, to cheering on her friends. 🐴✨

We’re sending Saffy all our best wishes and hope to see her smiling in the barn again very soon. 💛

Get well, Saffy—we can’t wait to welcome you back next week!

🤝Connection and Communication With Equine PartnersHorses are incredible partners in building trust and communication.The...
02/21/2026

🤝Connection and Communication With Equine Partners

Horses are incredible partners in building trust and communication.

They respond honestly and without judgment, making social interaction feel more approachable and supportive.

At VTRA, participants practice teamwork, cooperation, boundary‑setting, and confidence in relationship‑building — all through shared moments with horses and the people around them.

These experiences help create stronger connections, both in and outside the arena. 🐴🤍

⚠️CLOSURE NOTICE⚠️A kind reminder that VTRA will be closed tomorrow, Monday, February 16th, for Family Day. We hope you ...
02/16/2026

⚠️CLOSURE NOTICE⚠️

A kind reminder that VTRA will be closed tomorrow, Monday, February 16th, for Family Day. We hope you have a wonderful day celebrating with your loved ones!

💪Building Strength and Stability in the Arena and BarnWorking with horses naturally supports physical strength, balance,...
02/15/2026

💪Building Strength and Stability in the Arena and Barn

Working with horses naturally supports physical strength, balance, and coordination.

From mounted activities to hands‑on interaction, individuals engage muscles that promote posture, core stability, and overall mobility.
For many, these improvements grow into greater independence and confidence in their daily movement.

At VTRA, each stride offers opportunities for building physical skills in a supportive, encouraging environment. 🌱🐴

Support our herd and riders at VTRA.CA— every contribution makes a difference.

[VTRA TACK STORE]🎉Special Saturday Opening! 💖The VTRA Used Tack Store will be exceptionally open this Saturday, February...
02/14/2026

[VTRA TACK STORE]

🎉Special Saturday Opening! 💖

The VTRA Used Tack Store will be exceptionally open this Saturday, February from 10am to 2pm!

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!

🔎Want to have a sneak peak at the items we have in store?! Check our online Catalog at vtra.ca/tack-store

02/13/2026

[One Hoof at a Time kicks off tomorrow!]

Curious about One Hoof at a Time? Watch to understand what it is, how to sign up, and how to start fundraising.

Visit the link in the comment section and register today!

Small strides lead to great changes.

02/11/2026

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

Some days just aren’t riding days and that’s completely okay. Today, Saffy let us know right away that she didn’t feel like riding. Even with Abby’s gentle encouragement, she made her boundaries clear, and we always honour that. 💛

As an Adaptive Riding program, supporting emotional well‑being is just as important as riding skills. So instead of getting in the saddle, Saffy spent some quiet, meaningful time in the barn bonding with Trigger and her volunteer team. 🐴✨

She also cheered Abby on from the sidelines, watching her laps in the sunshine and soaking up the warm, positive energy. By the end of the session, those early tears had turned into smiles, giggles, and connection, a beautiful reminder that progress looks different every day. 🌈

We’re proud of Saffy for expressing herself, and proud of our team for meeting her exactly where she was. 💜

🌟Finding Emotional Balance Through HorsesHorses have a remarkable way of helping people feel more grounded and centered....
02/07/2026

🌟Finding Emotional Balance Through Horses

Horses have a remarkable way of helping people feel more grounded and centered.

At VTRA, many participants share that spending time with our equine partners helps them lower stress, build confidence, and navigate their emotions with greater ease.

The environment around horses encourages calm attention, gentle awareness, and an authentic sense of connection — all of which support emotional steadiness in everyday life.

Small moments with horses often lead to meaningful shifts in how people feel and relate to the world around them. 🐴💛

Address

6917 Veyaness Road, Central Saanich
Victoria, BC
V8M1W1

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5:30pm
Tuesday 9am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 9am - 5:30pm
Thursday 9am - 5:30pm
Friday 9am - 12pm

Telephone

+17784260506

Website

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