Location: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Southlands Therapeutic Riding Society, often called STaRS, is a registered non-profit charity that provides therapeutic equestrian opportunities for children, youth, and adults living with physical, developmental, cognitive, and mental health challenges. The organization describes its program as supporting physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development through therapeutic horseback riding.
STaRS began in the early 2000s, with one charity profile dating its founding to 2006, and has grown from a volunteer-led initiative into an established therapeutic riding program in Vancouver. It offers therapeutic riding in an urban farm setting within the Southlands community, creating a more natural and engaging equestrian environment for riders.
The organization is listed as a member of BC Therapeutic Riding and as an accredited or certified CanTRA facility, and current program information includes private, semi-private, and group lesson formats.
Key Details:
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Services: Therapeutic horseback riding with private, semi-private, and group lesson options
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Who they serve: Children, youth, and adults with physical, developmental, cognitive, and mental health challenges
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Notable programs: Therapeutic riding with intake sessions and multiple lesson formats
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Facility or setting: Urban farm setting in the Southlands area of Vancouver
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Certifications or credentials: BCTRA member; CanTRA accredited or certified facility
Last Verified: March 11, 2026.