Harnessing Hope: Help Us Launch Our Adaptive Cart Program!

Hello from the Lethbridge Therapeutic Riding Association (LTRA)! We’re a registered charity & nonprofit that has been dedicated to harnessing the healing power of horses for people of all ages and abilities since 1977. Every day, we see how equine connections transform lives—building confidence, independence, and a sense of belonging.

Our upcoming Adaptive Cart Program will allow seniors and individuals with mobility or health conditions, who can’t ride a horse traditionally, to still benefit from equine-assisted activities. Imagine the thrill of learning to drive a horse-drawn cart or simply feeling the calming presence of our gentle giants—all from the safety and support of an innovative custom adaptive vehicle.

To make this dream a reality, we’ve teamed up with Alberta Carriage Supply to create a custom cart that meets diverse physical needs. We have already raised $7,550, but we need your help to meet our goal of $20,000 required for the:

• Acquisition of This Highly Specialized Adaptive Cart & Equipment - In the event that we are fortunate enough to exceed our target, supplemental funds will be allocated towards the following areas: specialized training for the cart horses, training for staff & volunteers who will be running the intended programming, & facility upgrades to further increase accessibility & safe use of the cart)

Exciting News! Matching Funds Opportunity: The Government of Alberta will Match Donations up to a total of $5,000, increasing the impact of your contribution! (terms apply).

What Makes This Cart So Special?

This custom-designed vehicle is built to accommodate individuals using wheelchairs, scooters, and a wide range of mobility aids. Its 4-wheel construction with independent suspension provides stability while also being nimble enough to operate in LTRA's indoor arena and outside. The low platform & attached ramp provides easy access onto the cart, while secure anchor points keep each chair safely in place. This allows participants to have a secure driving experience while still benefiting from their own chair’s personal support systems (such as neck supports) without the need for additional adaptations.

For those who don’t use mobility devices, an interchangeable bench seat can be swapped in, making this prospective cart an incredibly versatile tool for years to come. With a tested prototype (the one shown in the pictures) already reviewed by several health professionals to ensure wide applicability, we’re excited to incorporate their recommendations into the final design—expanding our reach and making the joy of equine-assisted wellness available to even more people!

How You Can Help: With your support, we can turn this dream & prototype into a reality, empowering more people to experience the joy and therapeutic benefits of working with horses. Even a small donation can make a huge difference in someone’s life. And thanks to the Government of Alberta's Matching Fund, your eligible donation can go even further far!

Will you help us Harness Hope, One Cart Ride at a Time? Please DONATE or SHARE our story today!

For more information or to donate to this initiative, please visit our Crowdfunding Campaign page through the link below:

As a registered charity, Lethbridge Therapeutic Riding Association (LTRA) is able to issue official tax receipts for donations of $20 or more.

Tax receipts will be issued directly by our organization at the end of this crowdfunding campaign.

If you have any questions or would like more information about this campaign or our fundraising efforts, please do not hesitate to contact our main office. We appreciate your generosity and support in making this adaptive cart a reality!

📞 Phone: (403) 328-2165
📧 Email: [email protected]