About Us

What We're All About

Shining Horizons Therapeutic Riding Association (SHTRA) was established in 1996, and was born out of the need of a mother in Saint John, who was looking for an activity to enhance the life of her young child, who was born with cerebral palsy, for whom therapeutic riding was discovered to be the best activity.

We offer a horseback riding program (equine therapy) to youth from St. Stephen to Sussex with, but not limited to, autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome and neuromuscular disorder as a source of enjoyment, therapeutic exercise, and recreational sport.

Our lessons are taught by qualified instructors who are certified by the Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association (CanTRA); and our horses are specifically trained for therapeutic riding.

Our Mission

Create experiences for persons with disabilities to enhance their physical, social and emotional well being.

Shining Horizons and the volunteers who support our program, believe that all children, regardless of their abilities, deserve the opportunity to develop personally, physically and socially to their fullest potential. Equine therapeutic riding offers this opportunity.

We are a volunteer-based, registered charity (registration number 827716044RR0001).

We are affiliated with both the Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association (CanTRA) and Equine Canada.

We Value

- inclusion and equality

- community engagement and participation

- recreation and active living as key to wellbeing