Windsor-Essex Therapeutic Riding Association
Essex, Ontario
The Windsor-Essex Therapeutic Riding Association (WETRA) is a registered Canadian charity on a 73-acre farm in Essex, Ontario. It offers therapeutic riding, an unmounted program for youth, an equine-assisted therapy program for first responders, and camps. About 80% of riders are children with developmental, emotional or physical disabilities.
- Therapeutic riding (45-minute weekly lessons)
- Therapeutic driving
- HOOF unmounted program (Horses Offering Outstanding Futures)
- Equine-Assisted Cognitive Processing Therapy (EACPT) for first responders
- March Break and summer camps
- Group farm visits and team-building
- Volunteer program
- Children with developmental, emotional or physical disabilities
- Adults with disabilities
- Youth facing barriers in life
- People who cannot or prefer not to ride
- First responders with operational stress injuries
More about this center
About the Program
Riding lessons are taught by instructors certified through CanTRA, PATH Intl. and/or Ontario Equestrian. Lessons build riding skills and include mounted games.
HOOF is a non-riding program for youth facing barriers in life, and an alternative for people who cannot or do not wish to ride. Individual and group activities with the horses focus on cooperation and problem-solving and aim to build self-esteem and belonging.
EACPT delivers Cognitive Processing Therapy in an equine-assisted format for first responders working through operational stress injuries. WETRA staff run it with a supervising psychologist from Frontline Resilience. Contact the office for the next intake period.
Getting Started
Applicants submit the online application, a physician's referral form and a signed liability waiver, then join a wait list that can mean a few months before an intake appointment. The $80 assessment takes about 45 minutes and includes a 15 to 20 minute mounted assessment.
Riders must be at least 2 years old. Applicants over 50 are considered case by case. The rider weight limit is 170 lbs, and some medical conditions rule out riding, though alternative programming is offered where it fits. Lessons are 45 minutes, weekly, at $55 each, paid up front for seasonal sessions of 8 to 12 weeks. Families who need help with the cost can ask WETRA about assistance (see equine therapy costs).
Facility and Staff
WETRA moved to its current center in March 2011. It has indoor and outdoor arenas, including a 28,880 sq ft riding arena, a stable for up to 30 horses, a classroom, a walking trail and a hydraulic lift that helps instructors mount riders. Becky Mills is the executive director and a CanTRA CTRII and PATH Intl. certified instructor. Paige Shepley, CanTRA CTRII, is the program director.
History
The organization began in September 1971 as the Windsor Association of Riding for the Handicapped, formed at a meeting chaired by Windsor radiologist and equestrian Dr. Elmer Butt. WETRA says it was the first association of its kind in Canada. It was incorporated in 1973 and took the WETRA name in 1995.
Location
WETRA is at 3323 North Malden Rd, RR#2, Essex, Ontario N8M 2X6, near McGregor along the Chrysler Canada Greenway trail.
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 for therapeutic riding at WETRA?
Submit the online application, physician's referral and signed waiver. WETRA calls from the wait list when a spot opens.
How much do lessons cost?
Lessons are $55 each, paid up front per 8 to 12 week session, plus an $80 intake assessment.
Does WETRA have camps?
Yes. Week-long March Break and summer camps run 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for ages 4 to 9 and 10 to 14 The fee is $375 per week including taxes.
Can I volunteer?
Volunteers must be 14 or older, have a current Vulnerable Sector Screening and attend an orientation. Call 519-726-7682 to book one.
Location
Essex, Ontario N8M 2X6
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.