The Comox Valley Therapeutic Riding Society provides equine-related therapy and recreation for children and adults with disabilities. Operating as a fully certified Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association Centre since 1986, they’ve grown from serving just three children to approximately 60 clients weekly. Their programs are designed to enhance physical and cognitive abilities while improving overall quality of life for people with varying disabilities.

The society operates one of the largest therapeutic riding centers in British Columbia from their facility on Headquarters Road in Courtenay. Their therapy horses undergo comprehensive training programs covering ground work, ridden training, and orientation to all equipment used in sessions. Instructors are certified through the Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association and maintain current First Aid certification, ensuring professional, safe programming.

Volunteers are essential to operations and actively recruited for multiple roles: horse handlers and side walkers working directly in the arena and on trails, barn duties like grooming and tacking, and some volunteers advance to become instructors themselves. All volunteers receive orientation and ongoing training. The organization accepts donations to support their “Hay for Horses” annual fundraiser through e-transfer, mail, or online. Memberships are available through their website. Reach them online to learn about volunteering, membership, or accessing their therapeutic riding programs.