Frequently Asked Questions

Clients

What equipment do we need to bring with us for the ride?

All riding equipment (helmets, boots, safety devices) is provided by LTRA.

Do you offer lessons that are not therapeutic?

Yes, we offer lessons that run with more independence. Riders will be required to do tasks and ride the horse without the assistance of a volunteer. Contact us for when this is available, and to see what might suit the needs of the rider best.

Do you rent horses for public riding?

No, we do not rent horses for public riding.

Is there a dress code for riding or spending time with the horses?

Yes, you must be appropriately dressed to ride and interact with the horses. This includes:

Long pants, even in summer months
Similarly to a good helmet, adequate footwear is very important
No sandals or open-toed shoes are allowed
The best footwear provides good ankle support with a small heel to keep your feet from sliding through the stirrups

Our arena is not heated to balmy temperatures during colder months so please dress accordingly.

Do you ride during the winter?

We run sessions during all 12 months of the year. However, if the weather is colder than -15 degrees or the road conditions are hazardous we will cancel the lesson.

Is there a weight limit for therapeutic clients?

For the physical well-being and safety of the rider, horses, volunteers, and instructors, we have the following client weight limits:

a rider that is not balance compromised must not exceed 79 kg (175 lbs)
a rider that is balance compromised must not exceed 75 kg (165 lbs)

Why is an Atlanto-Axial X-ray verification required for riders with Down's Syndrome?

Underlying neck instability is more common in people who have Down’s Syndrome than in the general population. This causes concern because although significant damage caused by neck instability is rare, and most people have mild early warning signs, it can be devastating.

Equestrian therapy involves movement on a horse. This brings a lot of benefits for all riders but can be detrimental for clients that have underlying neck instability, and who can be at increased risk of neck dislocation.

Follow this link for more detailed information.

Medical Clearance Form

Must be signed by a doctor.

Is a client required to be accompanied?

Every client must have an aide/parent with them for safety reasons. If a client comes without a one-on-one aide they will not be allowed to ride.

What is the dog policy?

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”):

Back to FAQ categories