Across the Lower Mainland, therapeutic riding and equine-assisted programs are helping children, youth, and adults build confidence, improve mobility, strengthen communication skills, and develop greater independence.
For many families living with autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, acquired brain injuries, and other physical or developmental disabilities, horses provide a unique therapeutic environment that complements traditional rehabilitation and recreation.
One of the biggest advantages for families in British Columbia is that certified riding centres are approved under BC Autism Funding's Specialized Therapeutic Activities program.
This allows eligible families to use their BC Autism Funding to help cover the cost of therapeutic riding lessons while receiving instruction from CanTRA-certified organizations.
If you live in Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, the North Shore, or surrounding communities, these five CanTRA-certified organizations provide professionally supervised therapeutic riding programs supported by dedicated volunteers and experienced instructors.
Pacific Riding for Developing Abilities (PRDA)
Pacific Riding for Developing Abilities provides individualized, inclusive adaptive riding programs for individuals with a wide range of cognitive and physical disabilities. Programs are available for children as young as three years old, as well as youth and adults.
PRDA Location & Community
Pacific Riding for Developing Abilities (PRDA), a registered charity that has been serving the community for more than 50 years, is located on 208 Street in South Langley, one of British Columbia's best-known equestrian communities.
Nestled near Campbell Valley Regional Park, the facility sits in the heart of Langley's horse country and is easily accessible via the 32 Avenue corridor, making it convenient for families travelling from Surrey, White Rock, Cloverdale, Abbotsford, and throughout the Fraser Valley.
Its peaceful rural setting offers an ideal environment for therapeutic riding while remaining easily accessible from Highway 99, Highway 10, and other major transportation routes throughout the Lower Mainland.
Address: 1088 208 Street, Langley, BC V2Z 1T4
PRDA Price and Fees for Therapeutic Riding
Lessons are offered during Fall, Winter, and Spring terms and are billed in four-week increments.
Fees vary depending on whether a participant receives third-party funding. Current lesson rates are:
30-minute lessons: $48–$54 per lesson
Families are encouraged to review PRDA's 2026 Riding Fee Schedule for the most up-to-date pricing information.
Age Limits & Rider Requirements
Adaptive riding programs are available for children and youth ages 3 to 18, as well as adults.
Rider eligibility is assessed individually based on physical ability, medical history, behavioural considerations, and the suitability of the horse and equipment. In accordance with CanTRA standards, PRDA has a maximum rider weight limit of 180 pounds, including riding gear and horse tack. This generally translates to a maximum rider body weight of approximately 155 to 165 pounds, depending on equipment.
Final eligibility is determined by the Head Riding Instructor, who also considers each rider's physical needs and the weight-bearing capacity of the assigned horse. Certain medical conditions, including significant spinal curvature or poor trunk and neck control, may affect riding eligibility. Behaviours that pose a safety risk are not permitted, and lessons may be ended early if safety concerns arise.
Richmond Therapeutic Riding Association (RTRA)
Richmond Therapeutic Riding Association (RTRA) is a registered charity that has been serving the community since 1995. Its mission is to provide high-quality therapeutic horseback riding programs for children and youth with disabilities, supporting their physical, social, and emotional well-being.
RTRA carefully selects its therapy horses for their calm temperament, gentle disposition, sound training, and ability to meet the diverse needs of riders. Each horse is chosen for the unique qualities it brings to the program, helping create a safe, supportive, and positive therapeutic riding experience.
RTRA Location & Community
Richmond Therapeutic Riding Association operates within the quiet agricultural landscape of East Richmond, near the South Arm area. The facility is easily reached from Steveston Highway, Highway 99, and surrounding municipalities including Vancouver, Delta, and New Westminster. Located close to Richmond's scenic Fraser River dyke trail system, the organization offers a peaceful rural setting despite being only minutes from urban neighbourhoods.
Address: 13671 Number 3 Rd, Richmond, BC V7A 1X7
RTRA Price and Fees for Therapeutic Riding
Programs are billed in seasonal lesson blocks based on:
$55 per lesson
Example: 10-week session = $550
$40 annual membership fee
Age Limits & Rider Requirements
In accordance with CanTRA standards, PRDA has a maximum rider weight limit of 180 pounds, including riding gear and horse tack.
Valley Therapeutic Equestrian Association (VTEA)
Valley Therapeutic Equestrian Association (VTEA) is a registered Canadian charity that has been providing medically supported therapeutic riding and hippotherapy programs for children and adults with diverse abilities since 1983.
Through the partnership between skilled instructors and specially selected therapy horses, the organization helps participants improve their physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being while building confidence and independence.
Located on a 27-acre property in Aldergrove, VTEA features an indoor riding arena, forested trails, and sensory-rich outdoor spaces designed to enhance the therapeutic experience.
The organization's programs are supported by dedicated volunteers and carefully chosen horses known for their calm temperament and suitability for therapeutic work.
VTEA Location & Community
Valley Therapeutic Equestrian Association serves families throughout the Fraser Valley from its rural Langley/Aldergrove location. Situated south of Fraser Highway, the facility is surrounded by farmland and is located near Aldergrove Regional Park and the Canada–United States border crossing.
Its central location makes it accessible for participants travelling from Abbotsford, Langley, Surrey, Chilliwack, and neighbouring Fraser Valley communities.
Address: 3330 256 St, Langley Twp, BC V4W 1Y4
VTEA Price and Fees for Therapeutic Riding
VTEA keeps its therapeutic riding programs as affordable as possible through community donations, fundraising initiatives, and the support of dedicated volunteers. Lesson fees are heavily subsidized to help reduce financial barriers for children and adults who can benefit from equine therapy.
Program fees may vary depending on whether participants receive government funding, including BC Autism Funding and the At Home Program administered by the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD). Families are encouraged to contact VTEA directly to discuss current rates and funding options.
VTEA Age Limits & Rider Requirements
Individual assessments determine whether riders can safely participate based on their physical abilities, medical considerations, and overall suitability for therapeutic riding. In accordance with CanTRA standards, PRDA has a maximum rider weight limit of 180 pounds, including riding gear and horse tack.
North Fraser Therapeutic Riding Association (NFTRA)
North Fraser Therapeutic Riding Association (NFTRA) is a registered charity and CanTRA-certified therapeutic riding centre that has been serving the Lower Mainland since its incorporation in 2003. In 2025, the organization relocated to a 17-acre facility in the heart of Maple Ridge, featuring a covered riding arena and dedicated horse barn designed to support year-round programming.
Each week, NFTRA provides therapeutic riding programs for more than 70 children and adults living with physical, cognitive, emotional, and social challenges. Through professionally guided equine programs, participants build confidence, improve coordination, and develop meaningful connections with both horses and the supportive community around them.
NFTRA Location & Community
North Fraser Therapeutic Riding Association serves families in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows, providing therapeutic riding north of the Fraser River with the Golden Ears Mountains forming a dramatic backdrop.
The facility is easily accessed from the Lougheed Highway, Golden Ears Bridge, and surrounding communities including Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Mission, and Langley.
Address: 12591 209 St, Maple Ridge, BC V2X 4N2
NFTRA Price and Fees for Therapeutic Riding
Current subsidized rates include:
$45 per half-hour lesson
$90 per one-hour lesson
$30 annual association membership
NFTRA Age Limits & Rider Requirements
NFTRA assesses every participant individually to ensure safe rider-horse matching and appropriate lesson planning. In accordance with CanTRA standards, PRDA has a maximum rider weight limit of 180 pounds, including riding gear and horse tack.
Southlands Therapeutic Riding Society (STaRS)
Southlands Therapeutic Riding Society (STaRS) is a registered Canadian charity that provides therapeutic riding, horsemanship, and equine-assisted learning opportunities for children, youth, and adults living with physical, developmental, cognitive, and mental health challenges. As an accredited member of the Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association (CanTRA) and the British Columbia Therapeutic Riding Association (BCTRA), STaRS delivers programs that foster confidence, independence, and personal growth through meaningful interactions with horses.
STaRS Location & Community
Southlands Therapeutic Riding Society (STaRS) operates from Southlands Heritage Farm in Vancouver's historic Southlands equestrian neighbourhood near the Fraser River.
Located at Southlands Heritage Farm, the facility sits near McCleery Golf Course and Southwest Marine Drive in Vancouver's historic Southlands neighbourhood, one of the city's last remaining agricultural and equestrian corridors. Despite its tranquil surroundings, the facility remains easily accessible from central Vancouver, Richmond, UBC, and surrounding communities via major roadways and local transit.
Address: 6767 Balaclava St, Vancouver, BC V6N 1R7
STaRS Price and Fees for Therapeutic Riding
Intake session: $105
30 min private lesson: $75
30 min semi-private lesson: $60
45 min semi-private lesson: $90
45 min group lesson: $80
STaRS is committed to making its programs as accessible as possible. In addition to offering a limited bursary program for eligible participants without other financial assistance, the organization encourages families to explore available funding options, including BC Autism Funding and other community grants. Bursaries are awarded based on available funding and eligibility, so assistance cannot be guaranteed each year.
STaRS Age Limits & Rider Requirements
STaRS assesses each participant individually to determine suitability for riding based on medical information, physical abilities, and rider safety. In accordance with CanTRA standards, PRDA has a maximum rider weight limit of 180 pounds, including riding gear and horse tack.
Waitlists & Registration for Therapeutic Riding in Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley
Whether you live in Vancouver, Richmond, Langley, Maple Ridge, or elsewhere in the Fraser Valley, therapeutic riding offers children and adults an opportunity to improve confidence, mobility, communication, and independence. Because many of these programs operate with limited spaces, families should contact organizations early to discuss eligibility, funding options, and upcoming registration periods.
Most therapeutic riding organizations in Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley operate on seasonal program terms rather than offering drop-in lessons. Because lesson availability depends on trained volunteers, certified instructors, and suitable therapy horses, waitlists are common throughout the year.
Before participating, families are typically required to complete an intake process that includes medical information and an assessment to determine whether therapeutic riding is appropriate for the rider. Most CanTRA-certified organizations also require a completed Physician Referral Form before a participant can begin lessons.
While each organization has its own registration process, most require an intake assessment to determine rider suitability before lessons begin. Families should contact the organization directly for current availability and registration dates.
If you are interested in a specific program, it is recommended that you contact the organization several months before your preferred start date. Early registration gives families the best opportunity to secure a place, discuss funding options such as BC Autism Funding, and complete any required assessments before the next seasonal intake.
How to Choose a Therapeutic Riding Program in Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley
Each of the organizations featured in this guide is a registered charity and CanTRA-certified, ensuring they meet nationally recognized standards for therapeutic riding instruction, participant safety, horse welfare, and program quality. They also accept BC Autism Funding under the Specialized Therapeutic Activities program for eligible families.
When choosing a therapeutic riding program, consider factors such as location, travel time, seasonal availability, lesson fees, and the individual needs of the rider. As demand is often high and spaces are limited, joining a waitlist early is recommended.
Supporting Therapeutic Riding Charities in Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley
These also rely heavily on community support to keep their programs accessible. Funding from donations, grants, and fundraising helps subsidize lesson costs for many participants, while dedicated volunteers, including horse leaders, side-walkers, barn assistants, and administrative helpers, play a vital role in delivering safe, supportive riding experiences. Their contributions enable these organizations to serve hundreds of children and adults across Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley each year.
Are you a registered charity providing therapeutic riding, equine-assisted services, or hippotherapy in Canada? Create your free CharityAxess profile to help us include your organization in future articles, guides, and charity listings.
Photo Credit: Pexels by Jana Malenová
