Welcome to Victoria Therapeutic Riding Association
Our Mission: To provide a therapeutic horseback riding program for children and adults with disabilities that promotes and enriches their physical, psychological and social well-being
Steeple Chase is BACK!This fun and interactive event awards prizes to the individual AND the team who raises the most money for the VTRA programs and horses. You can contribute to your Steeplechase team by: collecting cash donations, selling raffle tickets, or asking donors to donate online on your horse’s CanadaHelps page.
Here’s how it works:
Everyone registered to participate is divided into teams based on the horse they ride/rode during their term(s). For example, if a student rides/rode Danny during their lessons, they will be on Team Danny. Buttons will be handed out during the first week of the steeplechase for riders to wear as they fundraise for their horse.
The Steeplechase track in the clubhouse will be updated once a week so riders can track their team’s progress. We will also post updates once a week on Instagram and Facebook.
The LAST DAY of the Term 3 Steeplechase is MARCH 13TH, 2020. All donations MUST be in by that day.
On March 7th, Liesl will focus on authentic partnerships with horses by bringing together the subjects discussed over the past three clinics (authentic communication, intentions, and corrections). Through discussion and demonstrations, she will show us authentic horsemanship and what it can achieve. Clinic begins at 12pm and goes until around 5pm. This is a lecture and practical demonstration open to both participants and auditors of all levels and experience. Please bring a chair to sit on and a blanket. This course is held in a covered arena but it can get cold. Call or Email liz.gagel@vtra.ca to register as a participant ****$80 limited space available****, Auditing $25. Click HERE to register
This clinic is recommended to people of all walks of life, from no horse experience to experienced horse people. ** Please bring a chair to sit on and a blanket. This course is held in a covered arena but it can get cold. **
Working Equitation and Schooling Show
with Laura Foxgord and Melanie Houston
Clinic with Laura Foxgord held April 18th and 19th will be split up into 4 groups of 6 riders max on each day. Beginner groups in the morning. Lunch break at noon with a presentation about what Working Equitation is, the history, what judges are looking for, and how to make it successful for you and the horse. Start time 9am till 12 pm. After lunch group will start at 1pm and finish at 5pm. The schooling show will be held on May 23th and will have a dressage component, judged by Melanie Houston, and an ease of handling component, judged by Laura Foxgord. The cost of the clinic is $200, which is also a entry fee for the schooling show. To audit the clinic, it is $20 each day payable at the door. Laura Foxgord from Silvanus Farm has 40 years of experience riding many different disciplines, training, coaching, and judging. Using a variety of techniques, Laura coaches riders and horses in such a way that both feel successful in the Ease of Handing obstacle course. Participants may be mounted or in hand, and all disciplines are welcome to join. Click HERE to register as a rider.
Volunteer Spotlight– Glenn
Q&A with Glenn!
Who’s your favourite horse?
I try not to play favourites because I work with them all, but if you asked Moose he’d probably say it was him…
What brought you to VTRA?
I’ve volunteered all my life for one organization or another. It’s just such a great way to immerse yourself in the local community and help out where help is needed most.
What is your favourite part of volunteering with VTRA?
Well to start with, it’s much cheaper working with someone else’s horses than spending money on your own! That said, it’s a fantastic program, with great people. Puts a smile on my face every time I come in.
What are your hobbies/what do you like to do outside of VTRA?
Sailing, fishing, diving, hiking, soccer. I prefer to be outside, whatever the weather. Just as well with all those paddocks to pick…
We have a brand new fundraiser that promises to be great! Flipgive is a Canadian company that has partnered with many retailers and manufacturers to offer non-profit and charitable organizations a way to earn cash back when their team members shop online. We have tested it and it is fantastic. So to check it out, look for our poster and brochures in the club house or click here!
Our Horses
VTRAs team of horses assist
riders of all physical, emotional and mental abilities. Learn More»
Our Riders
Find out more about the riders and their unique experience & connection with the horses that provides them with self-development and motivation. Learn More»
Sponsorships
VTRA is striving to create stable, long-term funding although we do not receive any core funding. To help us in our mission please donate! Give Now»
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