Who we are
Southlands Therapeutic Riding Society (STaRS) is a registered, non-profit charity that provides therapeutic equestrian opportunities for individuals living with physical, developmental, cognitive and/or mental health challenges. STaRS is a proud member of the British Columbia Association of Therapeutic Riding (BCTRA) and an accredited member of the Canadian National Therapeutic Riding Association (CanTRA).
Therapeutic equestrian opportunities include horseback riding, horsemanship and equine facilitated therapy. At STaRS, we believe that facilitated partnership with horses and nature can uncover strengths, inspire possibilities and nurture empowerment.
STaRS operates at Southlands Heritage Farm, an urban farm consisting of a 17 stall horse barn, a heritage orchard, market garden, duck pond, sheep, goats, chickens and honeybees. The atmosphere is soothing and serene, an ideal setting to grow and flourish.
Our riding, horsemanship and equine facilitated therapy programs operate alongside a typical horseback riding school and agricultural education program, creating unique opportunities for integrated programming and modelling inclusiveness.
STaRS depends on donations, grants and volunteer time. We exist both for the community, and because of the community. Our donors and volunteers are crucial to our success.
Our Services
Therapeutic Riding
Therapeutic Riding is an alternative form of therapy working with horses to help persons with various disabilities. Activities involving the horse can be used to assist people with disabilities in achieving physical and mental health, and cognitive, behavioural, social and communication goals. In this context, a team approach involving therapeutic riding instructors, health professionals, volunteers and riders with disabilities, is used in designing and implementing the riding sessions. The special relationship that often develops between humans and horses helps students to exert the extra effort required to accept the challenge to perform therapies on horseback.
Equine Assisted Learning
Equine-facilitated wellness (EFW) is a broad term used to describe therapeutic, educational and personal growth activities that bring horses and people together. Terms which are currently used under EFW include equine facilitated counselling, equine assisted learning and equine assisted personal growth. The goals of EFW include therapeutic healing, increased self awareness and personal growth.
Our experienced team is excited to offer counselling, coaching and group sessions.