PRTRA will be having its AGM on Wednesday, October 21st, 2020 at 7pm, virtually on Zoom.
For more information, please read more by clicking here. 
 PRTRA has started riding lessons after the long week-end and things are going well. It is a little different as we need to adhere to our Covid Plan (click here for more information) but everyone has been great following the plan. 

​We are delighted to see our riders and volunteers back in the saddle.

The staff at PRTRA
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Why Therapeutic Riding?

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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 Instructors provide safe, engaging and challenging lessons appropriate to the needs of our riders. They encourage our riders towards independence. 
Our Association relies heavily on volunteers, donations and fundraising as well as different grants. Please consider volunteering, donating and supporting our fundraisers. Your financial support helps us to raise approximately two thirds of our annual budget!

Our Therapeutic Riding Centre

Our history & purpose
The Powell River Therapeutic Riding Association was formed in 1991 to provide Therapeutic Horse Back Riding for children and adults with physical, mental, emotional and learning disabilities.
Vision statement
The Powell River Therapeutic Riding Association is a secure organization that works collaboratively within the community to provide unique, accessible therapy to people with disabilities in Powell River.
Mission statement
The Powell River Therapeutic Riding Association will continue to provide therapy with horses, while focussing on increased sustainability and engagement of our community.

About Therapeutic Riding

Can I participate?

Clients are selected on a needs basis, but those with physical disabilities have top priority.
Our goals are to be a major contributor to the mental, physical and emotional well-being of people with disabilities in our community by providing therapeutic rehabilitation and recreation for people through the use of a horse.
We provide therapy to people on a weekly basis ranging in age from preschoolers to seniors. We help people who have autism, anxiety, learning disabilities, behavior and attention deficit disorders, brain injuries, down syndrome, spina bifida, blindness, cerebral palsy and MS.

Requirements of riding

We have group classes for pre-school and school-aged children, as well as adults. We also provide private lessons for advances riders. 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.
Our program operates from late September and ends in early June. We follow the public school schedule, and there are no regular classes on holidays, professional development days, parent/teacher conference days and during the Summer, Christmas and Spring breaks.

Criteria for children

  • Open to all Kindergarten to Grade 12 students with an identified disability - physical, sensory, emotional, behavioural or learning
  • Open to students from the school districts, private schools and students who are home schooled
  • Referrals can come from school staff, physicians, parents, preschool physiotherapist or occupational therapist
  • All students must have a signed physician’s form and parent release agreement prior to participation in the program
  • Pre-School and School-aged program physiotherapists assess students for suitability in the program and for scheduling into an appropriate class in consultation with riding instructor/s
  • Our Instructors conduct assessments for our private clients and adults.
  • For safety reasons, students must weigh less than 180 lbs to participate in the program.
PRTRA gratefully acknowledges financial support of the province of British Columbia.

FINAL WORDS
"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!
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