Southlands Therapeutic Riding Society
Vancouver, British Columbia
Southlands Therapeutic Riding Society (STaRS) is a registered non-profit charity in Vancouver, British Columbia. It offers therapeutic riding and equine assisted learning for children and adults with physical, developmental, cognitive and mental health disabilities. STaRS says it is an accredited member of CanTRA and a member of the British Columbia Association of Therapeutic Riding (BCTRA).
- Therapeutic riding (private, semi-private and group lessons)
- Equine assisted learning with a counsellor
- Intake sessions to set rider goals
- Bursary program
- Volunteer training
- Children and adults with physical disabilities
- People with developmental disabilities
- People with cognitive disabilities
- People with mental health disabilities
More about this center
About the Program
At STaRS, riding skills are used to work toward therapeutic goals, and those goals take priority over learning to ride. Sessions are designed and run by a team of instructors, health professionals, volunteers and riders, and lists benefits such as balance, coordination, attention span, muscle strength, independence and social integration.
Equine assisted learning sessions last 50 minutes and pair a client with a counsellor and one of the society's ponies or horses. The counsellor uses a person-centred approach drawing on strength-based cognitive behavioural therapy and applied behaviour analysis. Activities include horse care, brushing, leading, communicating with horses, reading body language, and managing emotions and stress. No horse or riding experience is needed.
The Horses and Staff
The therapy horses include Shadow, Dyna, Austin, Lexi, Echo, Leo, Louis, Cleo, Cosi and Sprite, and each rider is matched with a horse suited to their goals. Jennifer Maynard is the founder and Gordon Bohlmann is president. Instructors include Kae Whittles (CTRBI) and Gail Blanchette (CTRSI). STaRS also says its instructors completed CHA IRD certification through a six-day program the society hosted at Southlands Heritage Farm.
Getting Started
Riding starts with a physician's referral confirming that therapeutic riding is safe and suitable. Once the forms are approved, the rider joins the waitlist, which the society says is about one year. When a spot opens, the rider and family or support team attend an intake session to set goals, support needs and lesson length and frequency.
Rates: intake session $105; private lessons $80 (30 minutes) or $115 (45 minutes); semi-private lessons $65 (30 minutes) or $100 (45 minutes); 45-minute group lessons $80; equine assisted learning $155 per 50-minute session, tax included. Lessons cancelled with less than 24 hours' notice are charged in full. A limited bursary program is available, and families who need help with the cost can apply through the Program Coordinator. See our guide to equine therapy costs.
Volunteering
STaRS recruits horse leaders and side walkers for weekday and weekend sessions. Volunteers must be 16 or older, and no experience is needed because training is provided.
Location
STaRS is at 6767 Balaclava St, Vancouver, BC V6N 0A7. Programs run mainly at Shannon Stables, Thistle Stables and Southlands Heritage Farm, an urban farm with a 17-stall horse barn, heritage orchard, market garden, duck pond, goats and chickens.
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 STaRS?
Start with a physician's referral and the intake forms. Approved riders join a waitlist of about one year, then begin with an intake session.
How much do lessons cost?
Rates range from $65 for a 30-minute semi-private lesson to $115 for a 45-minute private lesson. A limited bursary program is available, and families who need help with the cost can apply.
Do I need riding experience for equine assisted learning?
No. No horse or riding experience is required.
How do I contact STaRS?
Call 604-837-2042 or email stars@ponies.ca.
Location
Vancouver, British Columbia V6N 0A7
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.