Founded in 1980, the Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association (CanTRA) is a registered charity that aims to promote challenge, achievement, and empowerment for individuals with disabilities through horse-assisted activities. CanTRA also focuses on education and instructor certification. With over 80 member centres across Canada, CanTRA is the recognised governing body for therapeutic riding in the country. These centres offer a range of programs, including physical therapy, socialisation, recreation, and life skills training.
Definition and Practice of Hippotherapy
Hippotherapy, derived from the Greek words 'hippos' (horse) and 'therapy' (care), involves using horses for therapeutic purposes rather than equestrian skills. It focuses on motor skill acquisition and uses the horse’s multidimensional movements to stimulate the rider’s postural and muscular reactions. The therapy targets various objectives, including cognitive and behavioural improvements, based on assessments by trained therapists.
CanTRA's Goals and Services
CanTRA aims to promote therapeutic riding, establish and maintain standards in collaboration with the medical profession, provide competitive sport opportunities, maintain high standards for instructors, develop program excellence, promote research, and offer mentoring and educational programs. Member services include a national insurance policy, awards program, wellness programs, instructor certification, support services, accreditation programs, and informational resources through newsletters, conferences, workshops, and seminars.
Patronage and Royal Support
In 1986, Princess Anne, The Princess Royal, became the Patron of CanTRA. She also holds similar roles in the UK and Australia. Her Royal Highness combines her interests in children’s welfare and equestrianism to support therapeutic riding, having visited many such programs worldwide. CanTRA is honoured to have her patronage.
The Creston Valley Society for Therapeutic Horsemanship
The Creston Valley Society for Therapeutic Horsemanship is dedicated to enhancing health by offering both mounted and unmounted equine-assisted therapeutic activities. These activities are tailored for individuals diagnosed with various physical and mental health conditions, including autism, ADHD, sensory processing disorder, and learning disabilities. Their mission includes all necessary and supportive actions to achieve this charitable purpose.
Accredited and Comprehensive Sessions
Accredited by the Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association (CanTRA), the Creston Valley Society for Therapeutic Horsemanship provides therapeutic riding lessons to individuals of all ages and abilities. These lessons are available during an eight-week spring session, two separate four-week summer sessions, and an eight-week fall session.
Facilities and Environment
Situated at 851 Erickson St., the facility features a small enclosed riding ring designed for safe lessons, a larger 100 x 200 fenced riding arena, a covered area for tacking up, fenced paddocks for the horses, and access to trail riding through orchards and the Spectrum Farms property.
Therapeutic Benefits and Programs
Therapeutic riding at the Creston Valley Society is a distinctive program that leverages horses for their therapeutic benefits. Participants, who may have mental, emotional, or physical disabilities, gain a multitude of benefits while learning riding and horsemanship skills. The reasons for participation vary, including rehabilitation, skill development, enjoyment, recreation, and even competition.
Hippotherapy and Its Historical Context
Hippotherapy, a specialised form of therapeutic riding, utilises the movement of horses to provide rehabilitation. The concept gained recognition when Liz Hartel of Denmark, who had polio, won a silver medal in dressage at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics. In 1987, a group of Canadian and American therapists, including CanTRA Committee chair Pippa Hodge, travelled to Germany to learn hippotherapy. This led to the foundation of the American Hippotherapy Association in 1992. Ms. Hodge is a notable figure in this field, being the only trainer authorised by AHA to teach both levels of hippotherapy in Canada and the sole Canadian-certified Hippotherapy Clinical Specialist (HPCS).