In 1986 the BC Therapeutic Riding Association was formed for groups who wanted to provide horseback riding as therapy for people with disabilities. Today, more than ever, we realize the powerful impact that partnering with horses can have and their ability to change the lives of anyone with special needs. Therapeutic riding, equine-based therapeutic services, and para-equestrian development are the pillars of our association as we strive to educate, support, and network with groups and individuals across the province.
BCTRA Mission: Through networking, educational programming, and outreach activities we promote therapeutic riding, equine-based therapeutic services, and para-equestrian activities throughout the province.
BCTRA Vision: We envision a community of support where all British Columbians can partner with horses to reach their ultimate potential.
BCTRA VALUES: Respect. Integrity. Trust. Professionalism.
BCTRA GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
- To promote and foster the use of the horse for therapy, sport and recreation for people with disabilities in British Columbia.
- To encourage regional co-operative development and communications.
- To provide a framework for those interested in the promotion, research and development of the therapeutic horse related activities.
- To promote and plan workshops and other educational programs on a continuing basis.
BCTRA CONSTITUTION
The purposes of the Society are:
1. To promote partnering with the horse to provide therapeutic riding and equine based therapeutic services that support the health and well-being of people with disabilities and special needs including physical, mental and emotional challenges.
2. To support the self-sufficiency, program development and capacity building efforts of therapeutic riding centers in the province of British Columbia.
3. To support the development of instructors, coaches and practitioners seeking accreditation through provincial, national and international associations.
4. To provide support for individuals participating in therapeutic, recreational, and competitive settings.
5. To endorse and support standards of safety from provincial, national and international associations that partner with the horse in a therapeutic environment.
6. To encourage the growth of new modalities, organizations, and individuals working within horse-related therapeutic activities.
7. To encourage regional development and communication throughout the province to raise awareness, conduct research, and build networks.
In 2017 BCTRA conducted a small survey of 24 past membership and were surprised to learn that there was a wide range of activities happening as organizations and individuals partnered with horses for the benefit of others. We counted 155 certified professionals working in therapeutic riding centres around the province and more than 750 volunteers supporting that work. We learned that just over 1,100 riders were receiving the benefits of working with 126 horses in therapeutic, para-equestrian and equine facilitated wellness (EAL/EAP) programs. Because of our findings, our Board of Directors has defined three pillars on which to base our future activities: Therapeutic Riding and Hippotherapy, Para-Equestrian Development, Equine Facilitated Wellness (EAAT, EAL, EAP).
Therapeutic Riding & Hippotherapy
Para-Equestrian & ParaSport
Equine-Assisted Activities and Therapies
For our members we support the certification process for all instructors, coaches and practitioners involved in all horse-partnered professions as standards to aspire to for the safe delivery of services for all riders and other clientele. In addition, we support and join with other organizations in the development of these pillars. These include:
Therapeutic Riding, Adaptive Riding and Hippotherapy
Para Equestrian Development & Para Sport
Equine Facilitated Wellness (EFW-Can, EAAT, EAL, EAP)
If you are working in one of the fields above and would like to be learn more about BCTRA or have more organizations we can network with please contact us>> BCTRA is a also a member of The Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association, The Horse Council of British Columbia and Vancouver Community Network.
Our Team
Our team consists of a BOARD OF DIRECTORS, a COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR, and MEMBERS from across all of British Columbia, CANADA. We encourage all those offering equine programming to join our provincial organization so that we can serve everyone’s needs across the province. View our current members who are active Equine Assisted Service providers: BCTRA Members Directory>>
Board of Directors 2023/2024:
- Ashley Sudds, Director
- Karen Leigh Tanchak, Treasurer
- Lisa Mander, Director
- Mike Waters, Director
- Monica Copeland, Secretary
- Sharolyn Wandzura, Chair
- Simone Bourassa, Director
Communications & Marketing Coordinator:
- Kelly Lee Parry
Virtual Admin
- Sharolyn Wandzura