Fredericton Therapeutic Riding Association
Fredericton, New Brunswick
The Fredericton Therapeutic Riding Association (FTRA) is a nonprofit and registered charity founded in 1980 that offers horse-centred programs for people with physical, intellectual and mental health disabilities. Lessons take place at Silverwood Arabians in Fredericton, New Brunswick. Its programs centre on therapeutic riding, with pony groundwork, mechanical-horse lessons and a veterans program.
- Therapeutic riding (small groups)
- Mighty Minis groundwork with miniature ponies
- Equicizer lessons on a mechanical horse
- Equine therapy for veterans
- Children and adults with physical disabilities
- People with intellectual disabilities
- People with mental health conditions
- Military veterans with an awarded mental health condition or VAC approval for treatment
More about this center
About the Program
FTRA says it is certified through the Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association (CanTRA) and is one of two certified therapeutic riding centres in New Brunswick. It is also a member of the New Brunswick Equestrian Association. Riders work on goals such as strength, balance, muscle tone, coordination, self-esteem, confidence and independence.
Therapeutic riding groups have three or four riders grouped by ability, and at least one volunteer stays with each rider. Lessons include stretching, balancing and pattern work. Sessions run five weeks with one 45-minute ride per week, generally two sessions in spring and one in fall; sessions run on Monday and Wednesday evenings. Mighty Minis pairs each participant one-on-one with a miniature pony for weekly 45-minute lessons of grooming and groundwork. Lessons on Sonny, a non-motorized Equicizer, usually run in winter and help riders build strength and confidence before joining therapeutic riding.
Veterans Program
The equine therapy for veterans program is not a riding program. It is individualized groundwork used alongside traditional therapy, for veterans dealing with PTSD and related conditions who have an awarded mental health condition or approval for mental health treatment through Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC). Each veteran works with an assigned horse, an equine facilitator and a registered occupational therapist, and has access to support from a psychiatrist. The program runs six months with a one-hour session every two weeks.
The Horses and Staff
The horses are owned and trained by Silverwood Arabians. The herd includes five riding horses, three miniature ponies and two young horses in training. Kim Taylor is the certified CanTRA coach, and Riley Taylor is president.
Volunteering
Volunteers work as horse leaders and side walkers or help with fundraising, events and administration. They must be at least 14, attend a training session (held two to four times a year) and, if over 18, complete a Vulnerable Sector Check. Email volunteersftra@gmail.com with the subject "Volunteering".
Location
FTRA's programs take place at Silverwood Arabians, 2575 Woodstock Road, Fredericton, NB E3C 1R1. Coming from Fredericton, it is the first right after the Bucket Club and Hartt Island RV Resort.
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 new riders get started?
New participants attend a free 15-minute trial ride so the coach can recommend a program. Pre-register with the online Rider Form, then email the Release Form and Physician Sign Off to ftrariders@gmail.com; trial rides are held two to four times a year.
Is a doctor's form required?
Yes, before joining any program. If it isn't ready by the trial ride, email ftrariders@gmail.com for a form that lets the rider do the trial ride while waiting.
How much do lessons cost?
A five-week session costs $360 for therapeutic riding, $325 for Mighty Minis and $300 for the Equicizer, and the trial ride is free. The James McKay Memorial Fund helps participants who need help with the cost of joining.
Location
Fredericton, New Brunswick E3C 1R1
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.