Therapeutic Riding

Southlands Therapeutic Riding Society (STaRS) is a registered, non-profit charity that provides therapeutic equestrian opportunities for individuals living with physical, developmental, cognitive and/or mental health disabilities. STaRS is a proud member of the British Columbia Association of Therapeutic Riding (BCTRA) and an accredited member of the Canadian National Therapeutic Riding Association (CanTRA).

STaRS began as a dream in the early 2000s, becoming a reality through the dedicated efforts of a core group of volunteers. We are a Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association (CanTRA) certified facility that offers a therapeutic horseback riding program to children and adults with special needs who require alternative therapies to aid in their physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development.

Our aim is to inspire confidence and purpose within our riders, while helping them reach their behavioural, emotional, or physical goals. For our students, riding is much more than a recreational activity. Horses have 110 natural movements that are difficult to replicate by machine or the human body. Additionally, the bond created between horse and rider fosters a trusting relationship that the rider may not experience elsewhere in his or her life. This allows for increased self-esteem and confidence, which the rider can then take into their daily life.

Therapeutic Riding Costs

Intake session: $105
30-minute session: $80
45-minute session: $115
30-minute semi-private session: $65
45-minute semi-private session: $100
45-minute group lesson: $80

We require a minimum of 24 hours’ notice to cancel lessons. Lessons cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice will be charged the full lesson fee.

Notice must be received via email to stars@ponies.ca and to your instructor via email or phone.

Riding allows individuals to practice planning, safety, and awareness, among many other skills. Our riders and their families have noticed significant improvements in their skills, confidence, and sense of self-worth since starting the program.

Therapeutic equestrian opportunities include Therapeutic Horseback Riding and Equine Assisted Learning or Therapy. At STaRS, we believe that facilitated partnerships with horses and nature can uncover strengths, inspire possibilities, and nurture empowerment.

STaRS operates primarily at Shannon Stables, Thistle Stables, and Southlands Heritage Farm, an urban farm consisting of a 17-stall horse barn, a heritage orchard, market garden, duck pond, goats, and chickens. The atmosphere is soothing and serene, an ideal setting to grow and flourish.

Our riding and horsemanship programs operate alongside typical horseback riding lessons and education programs, creating unique opportunities for integrated programming and modelling inclusiveness.

STaRS depends on donations, grants and volunteer time. We exist both for the community, and because of the community. Our donors and volunteers are crucial to our success.