Kamloops Therapeutic Riding Association

A huge thank you to for being our grain sponsor and always keeping our program horses well-fed and thriving!

Your expertise in equine nutrition means the world to us and to every rider who counts on these incredible animals. We are so grateful for your continued support of KTRA!

Yesterday, we were honoured to partner with Kamloops Hospice for their annual camp for kids who have experienced loss in their families.

The arena was set, the horses were ready, and the magic happened.

There's something truly special about what happens when a child finds peace in the presence of a horse. It's more than riding -- it's healing.

Thank you to the Kamloops Hospice for trusting us with these incredible kids. 💛

We are off to an amazing start!

The 5th Annual KTRA Steeplechase Ride-A-Thon has raised $2,185 so far, and we are just getting started. The horses are moving on the track, and our riders are working hard to reach our $10,000 goal!

Every pledge counts. Share this with your friends and family and help us get there together.

Pledge now at zeffy.com/en-CA/donation-form/5th-annual-ktra-steeplechase-ride-a-thon-fundraiser

A reminder that KTRA will be closed tomorrow, Wednesday September 30th, in observance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. We will be back at it Thursday and look forward to seeing our riders then! 🧡

Why ponies have a special place in therapeutic riding

When we think about therapeutic riding, we often picture a rider sitting on a horse. But for some of our riders, their first important step might actually happen beside a pony.

For children who are nervous around horses, a smaller pony can feel much less intimidating. Being closer to the ground, having a smaller body and being easier to approach can help a child build confidence at their own pace.

Sometimes, the goal isn’t to get straight into the saddle. It’s to first become comfortable standing beside the pony, touching them, grooming them, leading them or simply learning how to move around them safely. These experiences help children learn that horses and ponies can be predictable, safe partners.

Once that confidence starts to grow, getting into the saddle can feel like a much smaller step.

Working with a pony can also provide opportunities to develop skills such as:
🐴 following instructions
🐴 communicating clearly
🐴 building confidence and independence
🐴 developing balance and body awareness
🐴 learning safe boundaries around animals
🐴 experiencing success and building trust

And sometimes, a rider who starts out thinking, “I’m not getting on that horse!” eventually becomes the child proudly saying, “Look at me!” from the saddle.

There is no single right way to begin riding. For some riders, the journey starts in the saddle. For others, it starts with four little hooves standing beside them.

Small pony. Big confidence. Big possibilities.

We are looking for help on weekends with paddock cleaning. If you are interested please reach out to Ashley Sudds or email her at [email protected]