Front Line Heroes

Welcome to Valley Therapeutic Equestrian Association!

We are excited to have you here and want to take this opportunity to give you an idea of what to expect.

When you arrive please park in the designated rider parking area located directly in front of the doors to the arena. We will greet you at your car, go over the COVID-19 screening questions, show you to the handwashing station, and provide you with your PPE; if you have your own mask feel free to bring it. Masks must be worn at all times. Gloves are optional as we are emphasizing handwashing and hand sanitizing.

Once we have gone over all of the safety protocols, your experience begins. The instructor will go over the basics of grooming and discuss what you would like to do for the rest of the hour. If you would like to ride your horse, with the help of the instructor you will tack up and head to the arena for the next part of your experience. In the arena you will have a leader (in addition to the instructor) to help with your horse.

There may also be the option (weather dependent) to go for a ride in our beautiful nature trails. If you prefer not to ride, there are many other things that you can do! While grooming is a great way to get to know your horse, groundwork is a way of solidifying that bond. Our instructor can show you some liberty work exercises in the arena. If at any point there is something that you are not comfortable with, please let the instructor know; we want this to be a great experience for you.

At the end of the session, there will be a place for your mask (if it is one that we have supplied). Please put it in the labeled bin, and your helmet beside it. We hope that you enjoy your time with us and would appreciate any feedback that you may have. If you would like to do that via e-mail, you can send it to info@vtea.ca. Let us know if you would like any pictures with your horse, we are happy to do it!