- 4839 Headquarters Rd, Courtenay
- cvtrs@telus.net
- 250-338-1968
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˜For centuries horses have assisted humans by being workers, transporters, companions, teachers and therapists˜
The Comox Valley Therapeutic Riding Society began in 1986, with just 3 children. Today it has grown to one of the largest therapeutic riding centers in BC, with up to 60 clients and 50 volunteers each week!
Our riders have varying abilities and unique challenges and our program is designed to enhance physical and cognitive abilities as well as quality of life for each participant.
Our therapy horses have a special affinity for people and a gentle, responsive disposition. They undergo a comprehensive training program that includes ground training, ridden training and orientation to all the equipment used in the program. i.e., mounting block, barrels, cones, toys, etc. Horses are creatures of habit and learn by repetition, therefore it is necessary that they are all trained and handled with consistency.
Our Instructors are certified through the Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association, the Canadian governing body for therapeutic riding, and maintain regular certification updating, including First Aid.
Our Volunteers are the lifeblood of our organization and fulfill a number of tasks. The largest number of volunteers are horse handlers and side walkers, and they work directly with our horses and riders in the arena and on the trails. Volunteers are incredibly valuable to the safety and success of our riders. Each volunteer undergoes an orientation and ongoing training sessions to become familiar and skilled in working within a team environment. Some volunteers go on to become instructors; others may fulfill duties within the barn such as grooming and tacking up/un-tacking.
