Southlands Therapeutic Riding Society

The Southlands Therapeutic Riding Society (STaRS) is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to providing therapeutic horseback riding programs for children and adults with special needs. Registered under the business number 848982740RR0001, STaRS operates as a charitable society focused on enhancing the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development of individuals living with disabilities through equine-assisted therapy.

History and Mission

Founded in the early 2000s by a committed group of volunteers, STaRS was established to offer alternative therapeutic options for people with physical, developmental, cognitive, and mental challenges. The organization’s mission centers on inspiring confidence, self-esteem, and a sense of purpose in its riders by leveraging the unique benefits of interaction with horses, which provide natural movements difficult to replicate through traditional therapy or machinery.

Programs and Services

STaRS is a Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association (CanTRA) certified facility. It delivers specialized therapeutic riding lessons tailored to meet the needs of individuals with diverse abilities. The horseback riding sessions help riders develop important skills such as planning, safety awareness, and emotional regulation, which contribute positively to their overall well-being. The therapeutic benefits of this program are noted by participants and their families through improvements in behavior, confidence, and social interaction.

The Society offers various lesson formats, including individual and group sessions, with structured fee schedules. These evaluations and lessons are designed to facilitate progress toward physical and behavioral goals through interaction with equines in a supportive environment.

Community and Support

As a nonprofit organization, STaRS relies heavily on donations, grants, and volunteer contributions to sustain its programs. Recognizing the financial challenges faced by families of individuals with special needs, the Society provides bursaries to make therapy more accessible. Donations not only fund the continuation of quality therapeutic services but also help foster lifelong skills and increased self-worth among riders.

Recognition and Impact

STaRS is recognized by the Canada Revenue Agency as a registered charity and complies with national standards for nonprofit operations. Its role in the Vancouver community and beyond is widely acknowledged for providing inclusive therapeutic opportunities that empower individuals to overcome challenges and thrive.

Southlands Therapeutic Riding Society embodies a unique blend of community involvement, volunteerism, and specialized programming to support people with disabilities through the healing power of horses, making a significant impact on the lives of many across Canada[1][2][4][5].