Cowichan Therapeutic Riding Association
Duncan, British Columbia
Cowichan Therapeutic Riding Association (CTRA) is a registered charity on Providence Farm in Duncan, British Columbia. It offers therapeutic riding, unmounted therapeutic horsemanship and equine-assisted learning for people of all ages and abilities in the Cowichan Valley. CTRA says it is a CanTRA Accredited Examination and Training Centre.
- Therapeutic riding
- Therapeutic horsemanship (unmounted)
- Equine-assisted learning for groups
- Corporate professional development (Beyond the Bridle)
- Children and adults of all ages and abilities
- Community groups
- Businesses and workplace teams
More about this center
About the Program
In therapeutic riding, participants learn to ride while working on personal health goals such as balance, body alignment, movement control, confidence and communication. CTRA says referrals come from medical professionals. Therapeutic horsemanship is an unmounted program built on handling horses and stable management, with certified instructors building structured lesson plans around each participant's goals. CTRA describes it as either an alternative to riding or a step toward it.
The equine-assisted learning program is ground-based and is offered to groups of 6 to 10 people, with weekly one-hour sessions over terms of 6 to 10 weeks. No horse experience is needed. The fee is $10 per person per session, and facilitators are trained through the Cartier EAL program.
Beyond the Bridle is a professional development workshop for businesses that uses equine-assisted learning to build teamwork, leadership and communication. CTRA says proceeds support its therapeutic equine-assisted learning programs.
The Horses and Staff
CTRA's instructors are certified through Equine Canada, the Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association (CanTRA), BC Therapeutic Riding and other bodies. The program works with a small herd of therapy horses, and the facility has a large covered arena, a stable with stalls for 15 horses, offices, a viewing lounge, bleachers and the Jane James Tack Shop, which sells used tack.
History
CTRA began in 1986 as a small branch of Pacific Riding for the Disabled, holding two classes a week on borrowed horses for students from a local special needs school. It moved to its current home on Providence Farm in 1987-88, starting with a converted dairy barn and a small outdoor ring, and grew into a full-time operation.
Volunteering
Volunteers must be at least 16, and no horse experience is required; CTRA provides training. Roles include side-walking, horse handling, grooming, barn chores, fundraising and events, and committee or board work. Applicants complete an application package and a free criminal record check, then email it to volunteer@ctra.ca or drop it off at the office.
Location
CTRA is at 1843 Tzouhalem Road, Duncan, BC V9L 5L6, on Providence Farm in the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island.
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 or horsemanship?
Contact CTRA through the contact page on its website, by phone at 250-746-1028 or by email at info@ctra.ca. Ask about current openings and rates for riding and horsemanship lessons.
Can a school or group book equine-assisted learning?
Yes. EAL is offered to groups of 6 to 10 participants over 6 to 10 weekly sessions, and the fee is $10 per person per session. Groups can book by calling or emailing CTRA.
Is there an age limit for riders?
CTRA says its riding program serves people of all ages and abilities. Volunteers must be at least 16.
Location
Duncan, British Columbia V9L 5L6
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.