Background
The Society was founded in 1995 through the cooperative effort of a group of Richmond residents and the Richmond Committee On Disability working in partnership with the City of Richmond’s Special Needs Section which had identified the need for a therapeutic horseback riding program in the community.
The Society was incorporated under the B.C. Society’s Act in October of 1995 and as a registered Charitable Society with Revenue Canada in December of that same year. (Reg. No. 89415 0135 RR0001). The Society entered into an agreement with Riverside Equestrian Centre to rent space in the Arena at specific available times three mornings per week. The program could be offered only during these very limited times.
In the Fall of 2002 the Society moved the program to Twin Oaks Farms (Equestrian Centre) on No. 3 Road. Twin Oaks generously constructed a space that allows RTES to conduct the therapeutic riding program. The Society’s program began in May 1996 under the direction of a CanTRA (Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association) Certified Instructor, and is run in accordance with guidelines developed by CanTRA. These guidelines ensure the society provides a safe, appropriate riding program.
Purpose of our Society
To provide a quality therapeutic horseback riding program for children and youth with disabilities in order to promote physical, social and psychological well being.
To provide through the program an environment which will help children and youth with disabilities achieve their full development potential, and encourage their integration with non disabled people where possible.
To educate other societies and the general community about the benefits of therapeutic horseback riding, and enlist their co-operation as well as practical support.
