If you know someone who meets the criteria below please;

1. Download and review the Rider Handbook
2. Complete the Registration Form
3. Forward the Registration Form to program@shininghorizons.ca

Rider eligibility:  

• Must have a need, a disability, either physical or cognitive or mental illness;
• For mounted program, must be able to stay on the horse for the entire lesson;
• Parent/caregiver must be able to stay for the entire lesson;  
• Must have permission from attending physician;  
• Must have specific goals that will improve physical, cognitive and/or psychosocial impairments;  
• Must not display inappropriate behaviours that could lead to placing self or others at risk; and
• Must be able to tolerate all approved safety equipment for the entire lesson.We invite you to learn more about our program by reading or download our Rider’s Handbook

Description of SHTRA programs

All programs offered are facilitated by certified Canadian Therapeutic Riding or Equestrian Canada instructors or coaches.

Unmounted Programs

Horse Friends

This fun unmounted program  focuses on each individual’s abilities and desired learning outcomes. Participants receive a Horse Friend Certificate at the end of the session.

• Participants: 5 years and older, can follow verbal instructions, open to participants with special needs
• Equipment: 3-layer facemask, shoes or boots, long pants, riding helmet (provided)
• Activities: approaching and greeting horses; petting and grooming; colors and markings; parts of a horse; feeding and barn care
• Objectives:
  • to have fun while interacting safely with horses
  • to improve gross and fine motor skills
  • to improve self-confidence and concentration
  • to build targeted communication skills
  • to improve vocabulary and follow verbal instructions
• Schedule: 45 minutes/week for 7 -12 weeks, offered year-round

Pony Pals

This fun interactive unmounted program for small groups (max. 4 ) teaches children how to enjoy horses safely.  Participants receive a Pony Pals Certificate at end of session.

• Participants: 8-10 years old, can follow verbal instructions, open to children with and without special needs
• Equipment: 3-layer facemask, shoes or boots, long pants, riding helmet (provided)
• Activities: Horse grooming & handling; understanding horse body language, identifying breeds; telling age, size, colors and markings. Beginner gymnastic on a barrel, unmounted group games in the arena.
• Objectives:
  • to have fun while learning how to interact safely with horses
  • to improve gross and fine motor skills
  • to improve self-esteem, confidence, focus, and concentration
  • to build social and communication skills
  • to follow instructions individually and in small groups
• Schedule: 1 hour/week for 7 weeks, offered year-round

Therapeutic Riding *Physician consent required

These private or small group (max. 3) lessons focus on basic riding skills. A trained team of 2 to 3 people accompanies each rider to provide physical, cognitive and emotional support.

• Participants: all ages with a minimum physical and cognitive function at 4-year-old level; maximum 72 kg (160 lb) weight; able to follow simple verbal instructions
• Equipment: 3-layer facemask, shoes or boots, long pants, riding helmet (provided)
• Activities: riding a live horse and/or the computerized Simulator horse; grooming and horse handling as appropriate
• Objectives:
  • to increase physical coordination and muscle tone
  • to decrease anxiety and encourage relaxation
  • to improve focus, communication and cooperation
  • to foster self-confidence and independence
  • to provide a sense of achievement

• Skills practiced:

• Basic riding
• Following instructions
• Sequencing, color identification, number identification, basic addition, alphabet recognition and use

• Schedule: 45 minutes/week, offered year-round

Simulator Riding *Maximum weight 113 kg (250 lbs)

Our state-of-the-art computerized horse is suitable for all riding levels from complete beginners to experienced dressage riders.

• Participants: beginning to advanced riders; motorized lift available for wheelchair users

• Equipment: 3-layer facemask, shoes or boots, long pants, riding helmet (can be provided)
• Activities: Dressage, pleasure or therapeutic riding; assessment and coaching available
• Simulator Advantages:
  • safe and 100% focused on the rider
  • 2 speeds of walk, trot and canter
  • a choice of interactive landscapes with ability to collect points
  • rider position and weight distribution sensors
  • accurate response to rein and leg aids
  • choice of feedback displayed on screen
  • specialized dressage software
  • coaching available for all levels
• Schedule: 45 minutes/week or customized schedule, offered year-round

Therapeutic Simulator Riding *Physician consent required; maximum weight 113 kg (250 lbs)

Anyone able to follow basic instructions and sit without back support can enjoy the simulator. Even participants not ready to learn riding skills benefit from the movement of the horse. The interactive virtual landscape appeals to computer users and gamers. Points can be collected and a Certificate of Achievement printed after each ride.

• Participants: all ages; minimum physical and cognitive function at 4-year-old level; motorized lift available for non-weight-bearing participants
• Equipment: 3-layer facemask, shoes or boots, long pants, riding helmet (provided)
• Activities: riding the life-sized computerized Simulator horse; choosing a virtual landscape and collecting points; receiving a certificate showing riding time, route and points collected
• Objectives:
  • increase physical coordination and muscle tone
  • improve focus and concentration
  • use fine motor skills
  • enhance self-esteem and confidence
  • decrease anxiety and encourage relaxation
  • provide a sense of achievement

• Skills practiced:

• Basic riding
• Following instructions
• Sequencing, color identification, number identification, basic addition, alphabet recognition and use

• Schedule: 45 minutes/week or customized schedule, offered year-round