A person in a wheelchair holding a horse's reins.

Therapeutic & Adaptive Riding Programs

Facilitating physical, mental, and emotional healing through guided interaction with gentle therapy horses in Delta, BC, the Pony Pals Therapeutic Riding Association (PPTRA) offers exceptional adaptive riding programs.

Therapeutic & Adaptive Riding at PPTRA is tailored for children, youth, and individuals with physical, cognitive, or emotional diagnoses. By combining mounted riding lessons with equine therapy for disabilities, our certified coaches customize each session to align with the specific physical and developmental goals of every rider.

Why choose PPTRA’s Adaptive Riding Programs?

No Administrative Delays: Our immediate intake assessment model means no more sitting on months-long waiting lists.

1-on-1 & Small Group Support: Experience dedicated instructors and trained Side-Walkers to ensure maximum safety and progress.

Custom Equipment: We provide adapted tack, mounting ramps, and sensory-friendly arena environments to enhance the riding experience.

Measurable Growth: Our focus is on core strength, balance, coordination, spatial awareness, and emotional regulation.

Openings with Non-Waitlisted Service

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Who We Serve & Diagnoses Supported

At Pony Pals Therapeutic Riding Association, our experienced, credentialed equine coaches work with riders facing a wide range of diagnoses and physical or cognitive needs, including:

- Autism Spectrum & Neurodivergent Needs

- Cerebral Palsy & Motor Skill Challenges

- Anxiety, Trauma & Emotional Regulation

- Developmental Delays & Low Muscle Tone

- Sensory Processing & Communication Goals

Our adaptive riding programs utilize therapeutic riding, a widely accepted, medically approved method that focuses on enhancing the physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being of individuals with diverse abilities.

In addition to structured riding lessons in our arena, these programs offer independence from artificial mobility aids like wheelchairs or crutches. Riders experience the joy of movement, recreation, and personal achievement across pastures, dirt tracks, and sensory farm trails.

Benefits include:

- Physical Rehabilitation: Improving balance, developing core muscles, enhancing coordination, mobilizing stiff joints, and relaxing spasticity.

- Cognitive & Mental Growth: Developing concentration, enhancing visual-spatial awareness, stimulating sensory responses, and improving overall learning capacity.

- Emotional Well-being: Boosting self-esteem, fostering independence, reducing anxiety, and promoting relaxation of both the body and mind through the rhythmic movement of the horse.

What Happens in a Session?

Grooming & Tack Prep (Groundwork): In our adaptive riding programs at Pony Pals Therapeutic Riding Association, riders build trust, fine motor skills, and sensory connection by brushing and saddling their assigned therapy pony. Safe Mounting: Riders benefit from our accessible mounting ramp and the support of our trained volunteer team. Mounted Riding Lesson: Participants engage in arena exercises, trotting, steering, balance games, and trail rides tailored to their physical ability, facilitating equine therapy for disabilities. Cool Down & Gratitude: The experience concludes with feeding treats, un-tacking, and practicing both verbal and non-verbal communication with their equine partner.

Funding & Registration Information

Funding Options: Families may be eligible to utilize Autism Intervention Funding (AIF) or other local community funding to subsidize program costs for adaptive riding programs. Please confirm eligibility with your funding manager prior to intake.

Attire Required: Long pants (jeans or leggings) and closed-toe boots/shoes with a small heel are essential. Certified riding helmets are mandatory for participants in equine therapy for disabilities and are available at the barn for borrowing through the Pony Pals Therapeutic Riding Association.

Therapeutic & Adaptive Riding Programs

Openings with Non-Waitlisted Service

Who We Serve & Diagnoses Supported

What Happens in a Session?

Funding & Registration Information

Therapeutic Riding Programs for Physical and Emotional Healing

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