got questions?Special Announcement
Job Posting:
Part-time, Temporary Therapeutic Riding Instructor
Powell River Therapeutic Riding is seeking a
temporary, part-time riding instructor.
Must have strong horse experience and excellent interpersonal skills. Coaching certification is preferred.
Wage is commensurate with experience.
Please send resume and cover letter to
prtra.admin@shawbiz.ca or
PRTRA, 4356 Myrtle Road, Powell River, BC V8A 0T2.
Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Thank you for your interest.
feature rider
My name is Darlene, I am 58 years old and have Cerebral Palsy. I started riding with the PR Therapeutic Riding Association in October of 2010. When I had my first ride my body was a very willing but stiff passenger on my horse Sitka. I say passenger because my muscles were more just there and letting the horse do all the work. I would bounce along with a smile so wide that you could not help but notice my joy. We have one place on our trail ride where we have the option to do the “dip” or not. The first time I thought that I would never be able to get the leaning right, to lean back on the horses’ rear when you are going down into the hole and then leaning forward when you are going up the other side.
I have met and worked with the most fantastic volunteers. I have a leader who guided the horse through the trail. I have two side walkers that kept my feet in position walking alongside my horse each step of the way.
Ride by ride every muscle in my body, from my neck to my feet, were being gently manipulated by the natural movement of my horse. Without really noticing at first when I got on my horse my muscles sort of knew what I was expecting them to do. It was by no means easy but I could see improvement in my posture, my hand coordination and my movement of my hips.
My session is ending for the summer. When I got on Sitka this last week I noticed quite a few things that startled me. First off I realized that for the first time (that I really noticed) I was no longer just a passenger along for the ride.
Through patience and guidance by my side walkers and my instructor I was controlling my horse and making her do what I wanted. I used the reigns and made her walk where I wanted her to go. My body did not bounce, it moved with the horse. My hips would move with the rhythm of the horse’s movement, one hip rising when the horse took a step, and the other hip falling in natural progression.
When it came time to do the “dip” I didn’t even give it a second thought. My posture and leaning at the appropriate time was “graceful” so I was told. Not a phrase that I have heard about myself. It is such a special gift that was given me. Through all you care and encouragement you have given me a new self worth that will last a lifetime.
I started out to tell you what has happened to my body in the last year but at the end of it all I think what I am really trying to say is Thank You. All of the participants cannot tell you how much it means but I hope in some way I could put into words, for them and myself, how much all your hard work and dedication means to us.
Darlene
Darlene is one of our Adult Riders and continues to participate in our Tuesday classes. She and Sitka are continuing their partnership in our program.
ADOPTION ANNOUNCEMENT
OUR LIAM HAS TOUCHED THE HEARTS OF MANY
Liam’s ability to connect with his riders has created some very special bonds and we are proud to announce that he is the first horse in the stable to be adopted!
From the moment our instructors first saw him, they knew he was special. He had good confirmation, he was big enough for sturdier riders, and he was gentle, kind, and proud. We just knew that he was the horse for us and would be a tremendous benefit to our adults and children in the program.
Since Liam came to us from Salt Spring Therapeutic Riding, he has touched the hearts of many people, not only riders, but their families as well.
We want to thank Liam’s supporter for Adopting-A-Pony, with a generous contribution of $4500. The success of our Adopt-A-Pony program is so important because the horses are the key to this unique form of therapy. Horses are expensive to care for, but the payback is exponential because of what each encounter with them provides for the children and adults at PRTRA.
Thank you to Liam’s angel!
Thank you PR Living for the great photo!
our history and purpose
The Powell River Therapeutic Riding Association was founded as a non-profit society in 1992. Our primary objective is to provide therapy on horseback to children and adults with physical, mental, psychological, social and learning disabilities.
mission statement
To provide therapeutic rehabilitation under medical advisement, for persons with disabilities through the use of the horse; and to become a major contributor to the mental and physical well-being of persons with disabilities in our community.
can I participate?
Potential participants must have a physical assessment by our physiotherapist and a physician’s referral before they can be considered for the riding program. Clients are selected on a needs basis, but those with physical disabilities have top priority. Disabilities range from Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, Spina Bifida, Downs Syndrome, Multiple Sclerosis and Brain and Spinal Cord injuries. We have an average of 75 riders participating in our program each week, ranging from pre-school to senior.
requirements of riding
We have separate classes for pre-school and school-aged children, as well as adults. If you think Therapeutic Riding is for you, or someone you know, please call us at 604.485.0177.
Please note that at present there is a waiting list of people who meet the criteria to participate in the program. When a space becomes available it will be filled by an individual who has been assessed as having the greatest need, or who we believe would best fit the particular class that has a vacancy.
Class times:
- Monday - 12:00 to 2:15 (Preschool)
- Tuesday – 9:39 to 1:45 (Adults)
- Wednesday – 11:00 to 4:00 (School Children)
- Thursday – 11:00 to 4:00 (School Children)
- Friday – additional semi private instruction for independent program riders
Our program operates from mid to late September and ends in mid-June. We follow the public school schedule, and there are no regular classes on holidays, professional development days, parent/teacher or during the summers and spring break.
Criteria for participation in the School-Aged Children's Program:
- Open to all Kindergarten to Grade 12 students with an identified disability - physical, sensory, emotional, behavioural or learning
- Open to students from the school district, private schools or students who are home schooled
- Referrals can come from school staff, physicians, parents, preschool physiotherapist and occupational therapist
- All students must have a signed physician’s form and parent release agreement prior to participation in the program
- School-aged program physiotherapist assesses students for suitability in the program and scheduling into an appropriate class in consultation with riding instructor/s
- For safety reasons, students must weigh less that 180 lb to participate in the program
why therapeutic riding?
The goal of our therapeutic program is to relax and stretch tight muscles, to develop strength and endurance in weakened areas; improve posture, balance, coordination, concentration and attention. This all leads to better social skills, communication and confidence which helps the riders to be better prepared for school and to participate more fully in all aspects of daily living.
The motion that occurs in the pelvis and hips when riding is similar to that of walking, so it provides the rider with the “movement experience” of what it feels like to walk. For some children, this will actually aid in the development of walking. Riding also provides sensory experience, through touch, sight, sound, smell and movement. For individuals with sensory dysfunction, the contact with the horse and the motion of riding help to calm, regulate and integrate the sensory system.
Our secondary objective is to enable our Volunteers and Staff to become knowledgeable regarding safe, appropriate procedures for the delivery of the program. We do this by offering “in-house” workshops on: Basic Horse Handling and Side Walking, and Advanced Horse Handling including Grooming & Tacking; disabilities and people “at risk”; and Emergency 1st aid training for horse-related accidents.
how can I help?
Our Association relies heavily on volunteers. Each rider in the program requires a minimum of two volunteers; one person to handle the horse and one person to walk beside the rider, ensuring their safety by helping with balance and exercises and giving encouragement. We are pleased that we have three adult riders who have for the past three years, progressed to the level of being able to ride independently.
Our 75+ volunteers range from high school age to senior citizens. The direct involvement in the riding program not only gives the volunteers a sense of connection and contribution towards the special needs of the participants but also provides an opportunity for activity and physical fitness at the same time. Other positions include; fundraising, participating at special events, grounds work, telephoning, and board positions.
We offer work experience placements to high school students including those with disabilities, which gives those interested in the field of special needs or vet or animal care an opportunity for hands on experience. In addition to participating as a side walker or horse handler, we offer training in stable management. At the end of the training, students can earn a certificate of completion. We provide annual placements for Canada World Youth and clients of our local Mental Health Agency.
about our sponsors and supporters
Local and Regional health care delivery resources have supported the Powell River Therapeutic Riding Association through referrals and financial support. These supporters include Doctors, Therapists, both Acute Care and Public Health, Mental Health Services, and other local organizations that provide support to Persons with Disabilities.
an important message to our supporters
The Powell River Therapeutic Riding Association places a high value on our relationship with you, our donors. Without your support we would not be able to achieve our mission to provide therapeutic rehabilitation to individuals with disabilities through the use of the horse. We thank you for your commitment to us.
We believe that transparency and accountability are essential to our success. With this in mind, we have recently joined Imagine Canada’s Ethical Code Program.
The Ethical Fundraising and Financial Accountability Code lays out a set of standards for charitable organizations to manage and report their financial affairs responsibly. By adhering to these standards, we are complying with generally accepted practices for soliciting and managing donor dollars. This is important because you, our supporters, are entitled to transparency and the greatest impact possible for your investment in us.
If you have any questions about our adherence to the Ethical Code, please feel free to contact Joyce Lennox to request a copy of our financial statements. You can also download the Ethical Code itself by going to www.imaginecanada.ca.
a final word
The motivating belief is that therapy through horseback riding is one of the more progressive forms of therapy, offering empowerment and inspiring self-confidence, a sense of responsibility and teamwork.
Most importantly, riding is a FUN way to receive therapy!