Director Application

1976-Present

• We have been in the "business of caring" for 6 decades. 

• The Lethbridge Therapeutic Riding Association or LTRA began in 1976 when a handful of individuals began to offer instruction in riding and horse care to individuals with disabilities. Over the past 48 years, through the tireless and dedicated efforts of volunteers and staff, the LTRA's programs and services have continued to develop and evolve. In 2023, our services included:

  • More than 380 therapeutic riding classes each, with up to 4 participants per class. 

  • 7 weeks of summer camp sessions including a week dedicated to newly landed Ukrainians. 

  • 329 participants supported through the ‘Horses in the Window’ outreach program.  

• Riding lessons, boarding services, and a plethora of community special events are also offered throughout the year. 

• In 2023, a total of 126 individuals volunteered their time in support of the LTRA's programs and services. 

ORGANIZATION 

• As a registered charitable organization circa 2024, the LTRA operates under the direction of a volunteer Board of Directors, with an Executive Director and several staff. 

• Our vision is to "Be a Center for Excellence for Equine Facilitated Wellness in Southern Alberta." 

• Our mission is to be "a sustainable, charitable organization that is dedicated to the discovery, inclusion, and learning by building relationships with and through horses in collaboration with our community."  

• We currently have 13 program horses and 36 boarder horses onsite. 

• Our strategic plan (2022-2025) lists a series of priorities that are built on the values of respect, learning, inclusion, compassion, confidence, hope, and safety. 

• The annual operating budget relies primarily on four sources of funding: Horse boarding fees, competitive grant awards, fundraising events, and private donations. Our general finances, current and projected, are balanced and in good standing.  

• The LTRA holds 3 annual, major fundraising events: 

  • The ‘Denim, Diamond, & Derby’ gala each spring.

  • The ‘Drive for Dreams’ golf tournament each summer. 

  • The ‘Ride for Dreams’ trail ride and gala each fall. We celebrated the 40th anniversary of this event this past November. 

• The LTRA is at a critical point in its growth within southern Alberta. It is an exciting time as the organization considers a series of initiatives including expanding our programming offerings, boarding services, and facilities. 

BOARD MEMBERSHIP 

The primary role of an LTRA Board Member is to guide the strategic direction and management of the association. Collectively, the Board shapes the strategic plan and policy framework for the LTRA, ensuring that the association's activities align with its vision, mission, and values. The Board also monitors the organization's overall effectiveness in managing financial and human resources to achieve the LTRA's strategic priorities. The Executive Director is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the LTRA and reports to the Board. 

• We are currently looking for several new Board Members, beginning in April of 2024. At present, we have 10 Directors with several vacancies expected in the spring. Our recruitment target is a full complement of 12 LTRA Board Members. 

• An LTRA Director is expected to bring a balanced, competency profile along with an active leadership approach to the role.  

• The volunteer commitment is typically a 3-year term.

• The Board of Directors meets monthly.  

• At times, Directors serve on selected Committees or Taskforces (e.g., farm, finance, governance, outreach & engagement).

• Our goal is to be a diverse board that is reflective of the populations we serve. 

• Must be at least 18 years of age and a resident of Alberta; preferably living in the South region of the province.

• New board members will be voted in at the AGM.