Victoria Therapeutic Riding Association
Saanichton, British Columbia
The Victoria Therapeutic Riding Association (VTRA) is a nonprofit charity in Saanichton, British Columbia, founded in 1982. It offers adaptive therapeutic riding, adaptive carriage driving, unmounted horsemanship lessons and seasonal camps. It serves more than 200 children and adults of diverse abilities across Greater Victoria.
- Adaptive/therapeutic riding (group and semi-private lessons)
- Adaptive carriage driving, including from a wheelchair
- Adaptive horsemanship (unmounted horse care and barn skills)
- Spring break and summer camps for kids and teens
- Adults' workshop
- Volunteer program
- Children and adults with diverse abilities
- Autism spectrum disorder
- ADHD
- Cerebral palsy
- Brain injury
- Anxiety and depression
- Down syndrome
- Wheelchair users (carriage driving)
More about this center
About the Program
Adaptive riding lessons focus on building riding skills, with horse handlers, side walkers and a certified instructor helping as needed. Lessons are 45-minute groups or 30-minute semi-private sessions, and riders must be at least 4 years old and weigh no more than 150 lbs.
Adaptive carriage driving is for participants aged 10 and up, including people who cannot ride because of weight, balance, fatigue, allergies, asthma or fear of heights. Participants learn harnessing, horse handling and driving a one-horse carriage, and can drive from the carriage seat or from their own wheelchair in a modified carriage. Lessons are 30-minute private sessions on Thursday mornings.
Adaptive horsemanship is an unmounted program in the barn, taught as 45-minute group lessons. It covers horse care, grooming, tack maintenance and barn safety.
Getting Started
Programs run September to June in terms of 6 to 10 weeks, with no classes on statutory holidays. Enrollment starts with an inquiry, followed by an intake package with a medical history and physician consult forms. Participants need to be seizure-free for 6 months if on seizure medication or 1 year if not, and have no contraindications to riding or driving. Camp participants go through the same intake process.
Riding and horsemanship lessons are $43 each, and driving lessons are $53 each, paid before the term starts. Camp fees are $394 for the half-day Kids' Camp (ages 6 to 12), $683 for the full-day Teen Camp (ages 13 and up) and $236.40 for the half-day Adults' Workshop (ages 18 and up). VTRA says Autism Funding Unit, KidSport and school funding can be applied to its programs.
The Staff and Volunteers
VTRA has a staff team of six, a volunteer board and more than 275 volunteers. It lists membership in the Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association, the BC Therapeutic Riding Association and the Horse Council of British Columbia.
Volunteers must be at least 16. No horse experience is needed to start as a side walker, while horse handler and groom roles require prior experience. VTRA holds volunteer orientation sessions that include a barn tour.
Location
VTRA is at 6917 Veyaness Rd, Saanichton, BC V8M 1W1, and serves Greater Victoria. Its mailing address is PO Box 412, Brentwood Bay, BC V8M 1R3.
From public records, not yet reviewed by the center · Last updated Oct 2026 Suggest an edit
Common Questions
Answered from the center’s own website and public records.
How do I sign up?
Start with an inquiry to admin@vtra.ca or 778-426-0506; VTRA then sends an intake package with medical forms. Programs fill up and VTRA keeps a waitlist.
What are the age and weight requirements?
Riding is for ages 4 and up, with a 150 lb weight limit. Carriage driving is for ages 10 and up and suits people who cannot ride.
How much do lessons cost?
Riding and horsemanship lessons are $43 and driving lessons are $53, paid by term. Autism Funding Unit, KidSport and school funding can be applied.
Can I volunteer?
Yes. Volunteers must be 16 or older, and side walkers need no horse experience. Contact volunteer@vtra.ca.
Location
Saanichton, British Columbia V8M 1W1
Questions to Ask When You Call
The center is the best source for these answers.
- Are you running now, and taking new riders?Start here. We couldn’t confirm a current schedule.
- Which ages and needs do you work with?Ask about experience with your rider’s specific condition.
- Is a licensed PT, OT or speech therapist involved?Therapist-led hippotherapy is usually the only kind insurance may cover.
- What does a session cost, and are there scholarships?Many nonprofit programs offer sliding scales or sponsored spots.
- Do you have a mounting ramp or lift?Important for riders who use a wheelchair or need help mounting.