All cross the province people of all ages with physical, mental and emotional challenges are working on horseback to strengthen their bodies, build strong senses of self-confidence and overcome a wide range of physical and developmental difficulties. Hippotherapy is a medically based treatment tool treatment strategy that also uses the movement of the horse to address impairments, functional limitations and disabilities in patients with neuromotor and sensory dysfunction.

Many of BCTRA’s members, centres, instructors and coaches, are involved in helping riders with disabilities sharpen their skills to take part in competitions at local, provincial, national and even international events. Riders enjoy the freedom that comes with riding, the camaraderie of their peers and the recognition that comes with the winning. Provincially many riders transition from therapeutic riding programs to competing at HCBC and Bronze level competitions and on to compete at the BC Summer games.

The sensitive and intuitive spirit of the horse makes them a perfect partner for a wide range of healing modalities in therapeutic, mental health, self awareness, learning and trauma recovery settings. BCTRA supports these growing fields and encourages practitioners to seek accreditation and practice safety and professionalism in their endeavours.

Equine Facilitated Wellness (EFW)
Equine Assisted Learning (EAL)
Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP)