Little Bits Therapeutic Riding Association
Edmonton, Alberta
Little Bits Therapeutic Riding Association (LBTRA) is a non-profit charity in Edmonton, Alberta that has offered recreational riding with therapeutic benefits since 1975. Riders with physical, cognitive or emotional challenges take weekly lessons with certified instructors and volunteers at the Whitemud Equine Learning Centre.
- Weekly therapeutic riding lessons
- One-hour classes in 10-week winter, spring and fall sessions
- Summer riding week
- Itty Bits program for preschool children
- Little Bits program for children and teens
- Volunteer training before the winter and fall sessions
- Preschool children
- Children and teens
- Adults (new adult applications closed)
- Riders with physical, cognitive or emotional challenges
- Autism, cerebral palsy, hypotonia and global developmental delays
More about this center
About the Program
Little Bits runs recreational riding programs with therapeutic benefits for children and adults with disabilities across the Capital Region. Its programs are Itty Bits for preschool children, Little Bits for children aged five and a half to 18, and Big Bits for adults. Little Bits says up to 195 riders take part each year.
Classes are one hour long and run back to back, mainly on Sundays through Wednesdays. Lessons focus on riding skills, independence and confidence. Instructors are certified in the principles of therapeutic riding recognized by CanTRA, the Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association. All safety equipment is provided, and riders who bring their own helmet need an SEI-certified one.
The Horses and Staff
The herd has 20 horses, a mix of Quarter Horses, Welsh cobs and crosses, Arabians, Connemaras, a Morgan, a Haflinger cross and others, several of them after earlier careers in 4-H, eventing, jumping and ranch work. Staff include a riding program administrator, a program coordinator, a barn manager, volunteer coordinators and six instructors.
Volunteering
Lessons rely on volunteers, who must be at least 14 years old and are trained before each winter and fall session. Rider families also complete volunteer service hours each session, backed by a post-dated cheque that is returned once the hours are done. Hours worked at LBTRA fundraising events count. Volunteers can apply online or email volunteers@littlebits.ca.
Location
Lessons take place at the Whitemud Equine Learning Centre riding arena, 12510 Fox Drive NW, Edmonton, AB T6G 2L6. The climate-controlled indoor arena, built in 2017 by the City of Edmonton and the Whitemud Equine Learning Centre Association (WELCA), lets the program run all year, and the site is reachable by DATS and ETS. Little Bits shares the building with WELCA, a separate partner organization that handles facility rentals and public lessons. The mailing address is Box 29016 Pleasantview P.O., Edmonton, AB T6H 5Z6.
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 we sign up?
Complete the Rider Application form on the Little Bits website. The program says the wait for children is about 12 to 18 months, and the winter session is generally reserved for new riders.
How much does it cost?
Riding fees are $350 for each 10-week session plus a $15 yearly membership. Families also give a post-dated service-hour cheque ($160 for five hours in winter, $320 for ten hours in spring and fall) that is returned when the hours are done. See our guide to equine therapy costs.
Are adults accepted?
The program has a Big Bits class for adults, but it says it is not accepting new adult rider applications.
How do I contact Little Bits?
Call 780-476-1233 (limited hours) or email the riding administrator at info@littlebits.ca.
Location
Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2L6
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.