Windsor-Essex Therapeutic Riding Association 4.11

Therapeutic riding is a form of therapy using 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, behavioral, social and communication goals. In this context, a team approach involving therapeutic riding Instructors, health professionals and people who have disabilities, is used in designing and implementing the equine guided sessions.

Some of the benefits include:
• Improvement of balance
• Development of coordination
• Mobilization of trunk and pelvis
• Strengthening of muscles
• Normalization of muscle tone
• Prevention of contractures
• Increased confidence and self-esteem
• Improvement of attention span
• Promotion of independence
• Improvement of social integration
• Access to recreation, sport and/or competition
• Increased concentration, motivation and patience

Riders often experience a sense of control they might not otherwise feel in their everyday life.

WETRA is located 20 minutes outside the city of Windsor along the Chrysler Canada Greenway Trail. There is a lane-way around the 72 acre farm, which passes by the 2 acre pond. The stable can house up to 30 horses. The barn is complete with 2 wash bays, his/hers accessible washrooms, feed rooms, shavings storage, a classroom, and a very large tack room.