Boarders

We do regular analysis on the hay that we use. The following articles outline how to interpret the hay analysis for the use of equestrian feed: 

• https://madbarn.ca/how-to-take-a-hay-sample/

• https://extension.umn.edu/horse-nutrition/understanding-your-hay-analysis

• https://swiftsureequine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/How-to-Read-a-Hay-Analysis.pdf

• https://extension.psu.edu/understanding-a-hay-analysis

• Understanding Your CVAS Forage Laboratory Report

At this time we only offer haul-in services to guests of current boarders through the purchase of an annual riding pass. Haul-in guests are required to have a current riding pass, a signed haul-in agreement & completed waiver prior to attending LTRA.

• Note: Those wishing to bring their own horse for participation as a paying customer in our Adaptive Riding Lessons are permitted to due only if the horse and rider are assessed and pre-approved by the Riding Lesson Coach.

More information on haul-in services can be found at: https://ltra.ca/horse-boarding#haul-in-services

More information on current haul-in fees can be found at: https://ltra.ca/payments-donations under the 'Payments for a Program or Service' option.

No, we do not rent our horses for public riding.

YES. All participants, clients, boarders, volunteers, and guests on LTRA property who ride, engage in horse-related activities, and/or enter the arena sand MUST complete a waiver form. Waivers can only be signed by individuals 18 years or older. For those under 18, a legal guardian must complete and submit the waiver on their behalf.

Additionally, waivers may be required for individuals participating in off-site events facilitated by LTRA, depending on the activity and circumstances.

Waivers may be submitted digitally using the following link: Waiver Form

Yes. Outside riding coaches are permitted to provide training exclusively to active boarders during open riding times or during times the boarder(s) have booked the arena for this purpose. However, in accordance with the boarding agreement, each external coach MUST provide the office with both of the following BEFORE engaging in any form of coaching service on LTRA property or entering the arena sand:

• Proof of Insurance

• Completed Waiver

Failure to submit either of these requirements will result in the suspension of coaching privileges at LTRA.

All horses in the Therapeutic Riding, Equine Wellness Programs & Summer Camp are owned by LTRA and outside horses are not permitted. Each of our therapeutic horses receive specialized training to safely aid our clients and are kept together in a herd (so are familiar with each other both inside and outside of the arena).

The only program outside horses would be considered is our Riding Lessons and only if pre-approved by the riding lesson coach (following an assessment of both the rider and the intended horse by the coach).

Horse care and treatment can be a controversial topic, often with many differing opinions. We refer our horse care standards to the Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Equines that the National Farm Animal Care Council provides. We will reference this standard along with the recommendations of equestrian veterinarians regarding horse care.

The code of practice is available through the link below:

• Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Equines

• National Farm Animal Care Council

Because of our obligation to the well-being of the horses under our care, owners consent to any medical treatment deemed advisable in an emergency if you or your veterinarian cannot be contacted.

To ensure the safety and integrity of the therapeutic programs and other facility users, all animals while at LTRA must be vetted through appropriate organizations to be classified as a therapeutic animal. For example:

• Horses, ponies and donkeys must complete the LTRA Intake process.

• Service dogs must comply with the Service Dogs Act and Service Dogs Qualifications Regulations of Alberta and LTRA must be provided with their Service dog ID card.

• Emotional support animals (“ESA”) provide support or comfort to someone with a physical, medical, emotional or psychological impairment or disability. LTRA must be provided with an ESA letter from a qualified mental health professional.

• All other animals must be vetted by LTRA as meeting the criteria for therapeutic services.

Animals not meeting the above criteria must not be brought to LTRA. All approved Therapeutic animals brought to LTRA must be managed appropriately when on-site and include the following:

• Horses, ponies and donkeys must have a halter and lead shank when not in a paddock or pen and must not be left unattended for extended periods of time.

• Dogs and other animals must be on a short leash and not left unattended.

Additional websites that deal with Service Dogs and Emotional Service Animals (“ESA”):

• Service Dogs in Alberta

• Emotional Support Animal Canada Laws: What You Must Know

To ensure the health and safety of all horses at the Lethbridge Therapeutic Riding Association (LTRA), horses must be up to date on the standard ‘4-Way’ vaccine as a minimum requirement to board or attend. New horses boarding at LTRA will also be required to deworm upon arrival. Owners and attendees may be asked to provide proof of vaccination for the following diseases:

4-Way Vaccine

The 4-Way vaccine, also known as the “EEE/WEE/Tetanus/West Nile” vaccine, provides protection against the following diseases:

• Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis (EEE)

• Western Equine Encephalomyelitis (WEE)

• Tetanus

• West Nile Virus (WNV): Transmitted by mosquitoes, West Nile Virus can cause neurological symptoms in horses. Due to the prevalence of mosquitoes in certain regions of Canada during summer months, this vaccine is considered essential.

Encouraged Additional Vaccinations

While the 4-Way vaccine is the minimum requirement at LTRA, owners and attendees are encouraged to consult with their veterinarian to determine if additional vaccines are appropriate based on their horse’s individual risk factors. These may include:

5-Way Vaccine

The 5-Way vaccine, also known as the “EEE/WEE/Tetanus/West Nile/Rabies” vaccine, includes all the protection of the 4-Way vaccine with the added benefit of Rabies protection.

• Rabies: A viral disease that affects the central nervous system and is almost always fatal once clinical signs appear. Symptoms in horses can range from mild (e.g., colic or choke) to severe (e.g., seizures). Rabies is transmissible to humans, making vaccination a critical public health measure. This vaccine must be administered by a licensed veterinarian.

Additional Optional Vaccines

• Equine Influenza and Equine Herpesvirus Vaccines: These vaccines are recommended for horses with higher exposure risks, such as those that travel frequently or attend events. These diseases can spread rapidly in horse populations, causing respiratory and systemic symptoms.

• Strangles Vaccine: Strangles is a highly contagious bacterial infection that affects the upper respiratory tract, causing swelling, discomfort, and potential complications. Vaccination may be necessary in environments where horses are in close contact, such as boarding facilities or show grounds.

By staying current on vaccinations, horse owners help protect their animals, other horses, and the broader community from preventable diseases.

LTRA is a no-smoking facility. The only leeway that will be allowed is that smoking can be done in a personal vehicle, provided that all smoking residue (ashes and butts) is kept in the vehicle's ashtray and not out the window. Because of workplace safety and health considerations for other employees, this allowance does not include company-owned vehicles.

The non-smoking rule cannot be overstated considering the amount of flammable material on site, and the consequences of a facility fire. This is a policy that will be strictly enforced.

The Lethbridge Therapeutic Riding Association (LTRA) is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of health and well-being for all equines attending or residing at the facility. This includes our therapy horses and those boarded at LTRA. As part of our commitment, we have established a rigorous deworming protocol to prevent and manage parasitic infections among the equines attending or residing at LTRA.

All boarders agree to adhere to the deworming policy as part of their Boarding Agreements. More detailed information and the policy in it's entirety can be accessed using the link below. In summary:

• Bi-Annual Protocol: Owners choosing to board their horses at the LTRA facility understand and agree to deworm their horses with a LTRA-approved deworming agent within a 24-hour timeframe each spring and fall. The dewormer can be provided at-cost by LTRA or purchased directly by the owner(s). Self-purchased dewormer MUST contain the same active dewormer agent as that administered to the rest of the site.

• New Arrivals: All new horses arriving to the site for the purpose of boarding must either undergo deworming upon their arrival or provide evidence of recent deworming within the past 48-hours.