BCTRA Leading the Way Conference
From October 17–19, members of the Southlands Therapeutic Riding Society had the privilege of attending the British Columbia Therapeutic Riding Association (BCTRA) Conference at Southlands Riding Club — a weekend filled with connection, learning, and inspiration.
Representing STaRS were our dedicated instructors Madeleine Davey, Kae Whittles, Gail Blanchette, and Charlotte Nobles, Program Coordinator Paige Kempo, board member Liz Clarke, and wonderful volunteers Laura, Susanne, and Kelly.
The conference brought together representatives from therapeutic riding centres, equine-assisted learning practitioners, and CanTRA members from across British Columbia, from Port Hardy to Creston, for an engaging mix of arena demonstrations, workshops, and keynote sessions.
Throughout the weekend, several themes stood out. There is a clear and growing demand for equine-assisted services, both mounted and unmounted, and with it, an urgent need for more certified therapeutic riding instructors. We also heard thoughtful discussions on equine welfare and scope of practice, reminding us of the importance of maintaining ethical and professional standards in our work.
Friday evening’s networking session set a collaborative tone for the weekend, giving attendees the chance to share ideas and challenges from their respective centres. The screening of Rescued Hearts: Part 1 was especially moving and a powerful reminder of the healing that takes place between horses and humans.
Saturday and Sunday featured an outstanding lineup of speakers and demonstrations. Dr. Emily Keison’s keynote on learning from wild horses was particularly inspiring, exploring how observing herd dynamics in natural settings can deepen our understanding of human–horse relationships. Karen Tanchuk shared insights on volunteer retention and the importance of fostering connection between horse leaders and their equine partners, while Sandra Popperanq demonstrated the use of clicker training to support horse welfare in therapeutic programs. Patty Kirk and Heigl Sangrey led an engaging session on effective communication strategies when working with participants with neurodiverse or physical challenges, emphasizing positivity, clarity, and mindfulness.
The weekend concluded with a forward-looking panel discussion on the future of equine-assisted services in BC, highlighting the growing mental health needs post-pandemic and the importance of collaboration between centres to meet rising demand.
Our team left the conference energized and inspired, bringing home new knowledge, ideas, and connections to strengthen the work we do every day at STaRS. We’re deeply grateful to the volunteer-run BCTRA Board for organizing such a thoughtful and enriching event.
In Memory of Megan
This week, STARS lost a friend, talented horse trainer and much loved instructor. Megan McDonald was an integral part of the STARS program for many years and brought with her a wealth of knowledge and skill as a therapeutic riding instructor. Megan was responsible for teaching many of our STaRS ponies how to be perfect therapeutic riding horses, how to stand still at the wheelchair ramp, how to tolerate side-walkers and horse-leaders and most importantly, how to carry our precious riders calmly and safely around Southlands. Her kindness, patience and calm leadership instilled confidence in all the horses and in all her students.
For those of us who assisted with Megan’s lessons, she was as much a source of guidance and inspiration to her volunteers as she was to her students. Megan had a rare empathy with animals and was always willing to share her knowledge and experience with those of us who knew so much less than she did! Megan’s horse Niña and her dogs Emily and later, Sadie and Ivy, could be seen regularly at Pony Meadows and around Southlands, where they delighted her students with the tricks Megan had taught them. Sadie could often be seen “riding” Teddy around the yard under Megan’s expert tutelage.
Megan was a very private person who seldom spoke of her own accomplishments. Few people knew that in addition to her teaching skills, Megan was a talented musician and a skilled, competitive equestrian. She was a witty, intelligent and compassionate person who faced her illness with courage and humour.
Megan’s passing came far too soon. The Board of Directors would like to acknowledge her immense contribution to our program. We will miss her.
Job Openings
Southlands Therapeutic Riding Society is a small but thriving therapeutic horse-riding program, operating in the beautiful surroundings of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
We are in search of a qualified therapeutic riding instructor to join our program. We offer flexible working hours, very competitive pay and the opportunity to work in a unique community environment. Applicants must be certified with CanTRA, PATH or equivalent governing organization. Primary duties include conducting intake assessments, lesson planning, providing instruction, writing up lesson notes and overall supervision of our therapeutic ponies during lessons. We have a number of dedicated volunteers to assist with grooming and tacking up.
Please submit a resume and covering letter to: stars@ponies.ca