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Halifax Area Leisure and
Therapeutic Riding
1690 Bell Road
Halifax, Nova Scotia
B3H 2Z3
(902) 860 0697
HALTR@bengallancers.com
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Our History
| The Halifax Junior Bengal Lancers has been home to a therapeutic riding program since the late 1960's when Dr. Crosby and Dr. Grant initiated a riding program for children from the Children's Hospital and the School for the Blind. In 1994 the name Halifax Area Leisure and Therapeutic Riding was adopted and the association became registered as a charity under the Income Tax Act. Today HALTR provides safe riding and driving programs for people with special needs. HALTR is a member of the Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association (CanTRA) and as such we have access to accreditation standards, competition, education, insurance coverage, liaisons with Sport Canada, with Equine Canada (we link in with their coaching certification) with the Federation of Riding for the Disabled International and with the Paralympic Equestrian Committee. The HALTR program is run entirely by volunteers, including the CanTRA certified instructors. Each year, HALTR typically logs up 290 rider and driver hours. |
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Our Members
Our members are mostly children and young adults, with disabilities such as Spina Bifida, Downs Syndrome, Stroke Victim, Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis, Traumatic Brain Injury, Hearing and Visually Impaired, Attention Deficit Disorder, Neurological Disorder and Learning Disabilities.
Our Horses
Our horses are carefully selected from the barn of Halifax Junior Bengal Lancer horses and ponies, based on their temperament and conformation. They are then given additional training to familiarize them with special circumstances that may arise and special equipment that are necessary in a therapeutic riding program.
The Benefits
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Therapeutic riding can help to improve physical, mental, emotional and the social well being of most people with disabilities. Riding for these special needs riders is challenging, an invigorating form of exercise and recreation and gives the rider a sense of accomplishment and increased self-esteem. For individuals who have disabilities that affect mobility, the horse provides freedom of movement and independence from assistive devices such as wheelchairs, crutches and canes. The physical benefits include, improvements in balance and coordination, an increase in agility (mobilization of stiff joints and development of weak muscles), prevention of contractures and relaxation of spasticity.
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Services We Provide:
- Safe riding and driving programs under the supervision of CanTRA certified instructors.
- Recreational and competitive opportunities through the CanTRA Achievement Awards and Horse Shows.
- Volunteer training.
- Mentorship for volunteers wishing to become CanTRA certified assistant instructors.
- Examinations for CanTRA certification.
- Protective riding helmets.
- Other special equipment beneficial to various disabilities.
How We Operate:
HALTR operate a spring (April – June) and a fall (September – November) session each year with a series of summer camps in between (July/August). The spring and fall sessions are group lessons with up to 4 riders to 1 instructor. The summer camps are individual lessons with 1 rider to 1 instructor. Each rider typically requires 1 volunteer to lead the horse and 2 volunteers to sidewalk.
Spring & Fall Sessions: (Payable in Advance)
- 10-12 Weeks
- Riding 1 hr/wk - Classes: Friday PM & Sunday AM
- Cost: $180.00
Summer camps:
- 2 or 3 Weeks
- Riding 1 hr/day - Classes: Weekdays PM
- Cost: $18.00/hr
NOTE: No rider is ever refused because they are unable to pay the fees.
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How does one join HALTR?
If you know of a challenged person whom you think would benefit from joining HALTR, please contact Lisa Burd (HALTR President) at haltr@bengallancers.com or (902) 860 0697. You will be asked a number of questions regarding the potential rider. Please try to be accurate and honest with your answers. Horseback riding is a dangerous sport; there is a risk of severe injury. The questions you will be asked will help HALTR to assess whether this person would be a suitable candidate for riding/driving. CanTRA (Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association) issue a number of contra-indications to horseback riding to which HALTR adheres.
It is most likely that the potential rider would be placed on the "wait list". When a horse becomes available in the HALTR program, the HALTR physiotherapist (PT), and instructors will choose a potential rider from the "wait list" who would a) suit the horse that has become available and b) suit the class in which the horse has become available.
HALTR will then call the chosen potential rider to come in for a short assessment. This assessment will be conducted in the barn and possibly mounted upon the horse. The assessment is for the benefit of both HALTR and the potential rider to a) ascertain whether the horse/rider/volunteer combination is a good one, b) to work out the most suitable method of mounting and dismounting the potential rider and c) to see how the rider will react to the barn environment. During the assessment one of the instructors or the PT may make notes.
Upon a successful assessment you will be given a number of forms to fill in. Of these is the Physicians Referral Form, which the potential riders physician should fill out. He/she may charge you for doing so.
Please Note: Progression through the above process does not necessarily indicate acceptance into the HALTR program. The final decision is down to the instructor and the rider may be taken on a trial basis first.
How can someone help the HALTR program?
There are two ways you can assist the HALTR program:
- Become a Volunteer - HALTR will train you to help with our program. No horse experience is necessary, but it does help.
- Provide Financial Support by:
- Sponsoring a child to ride
- Providing upkeep for a horse/pony
- Organize a fundraising event
- Donating to the general operating costs.
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