SaltSpring Therapeutic Riding Association
Salt Spring, British Columbia
SaltSpring Therapeutic Riding Association (SSTRA) is a registered Canadian charity on Salt Spring Island, BC. It offers therapeutic riding lessons, non-riding equine-facilitated wellness sessions and summer riding camps. Its riding programs serve children, youth and adults with physical, cognitive, emotional or developmental challenges.
- Therapeutic riding lessons (lead and independent)
- Private or semi-private lessons, two riders maximum
- Equine-facilitated wellness ground sessions
- Summer riding camps for children
- Children, youth and adults, from kindergarten age to retirement
- People with physical or developmental challenges
- People with cognitive or emotional challenges
- Riders with ADHD, autism or learning differences
- People living with anxiety, trauma or PTSD
- Non-riders who want a ground-based horse experience
More about this center
About the Program
Liz and Tony Anderson founded the association on April 25, 2001, after watching their daughter Suzy try therapeutic riding. It began with two riders. The association says it delivers more than 400 lessons a year with the help of more than 30 trained volunteers, and that its programs are led by certified therapeutic riding instructors.
Riding lessons are private or semi-private, with no more than two riders. Lead and independent lessons are offered. Fall and spring sessions run 11 weeks, and the winter session runs 10 weeks. No riding experience is needed.
The equine-facilitated wellness program is for people who prefer not to ride. Activities may include grooming, leading, observing herd behaviour and structured exercises with the horses. The association says it offers these sessions seasonally or as funding and staffing allow. Inquiries go to efw@sstra.ca.
Getting Started
Families start by sending an inquiry through the website's contact page or by email. Space is limited, and spots are filled first come, first served from a priority waitlist. Next comes a consultation about the rider's needs, goals and mobility, then a brief assessment with the team and horses. New riders join the next available seasonal session.
Riders need a medical referral or clearance form. Summer camps welcome riders of varying abilities with no experience required, and include supervised riding and basic horse care. Camp fees help fund the therapeutic riding programs.
Volunteering
Volunteers work as horse leaders, side walkers, barn and stable helpers, event and fundraising helpers, and administrative support. Side walkers do not need horse experience, and horse leaders complete extra safety training. All volunteers complete an orientation and a waiver, and regular lesson volunteers commit to at least one hour a week during sessions. To volunteer, email volunteer@sstra.ca with your availability and any relevant experience.
Location
The association is at 700 Upper Ganges Road on Salt Spring Island, British Columbia.
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 SSTRA?
Send an inquiry through the contact page at sstra.ca or email info@sstra.ca. Spaces fill from a priority waitlist, and new riders have a consultation and assessment before joining the next seasonal session.
Does my child need a doctor's note?
Yes. The association asks for a medical referral or clearance form before riding.
How long are lessons and sessions?
The website lists 45-minute private or semi-private lessons. Fall and spring sessions run 11 weeks, and winter runs 10 weeks. Contact the association to confirm lesson length.
How much do lessons cost?
Email info@sstra.ca or admin@sstra.ca to ask about current lesson and camp rates.
Location
Salt Spring, British Columbia V8K 1R9
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.