WETRA

Serving as Canada’s longest running and largest therapeutic riding centre, The Windsor-Essex Therapeutic Riding Association (WETRA) is committed to improving the quality of life of people with diverse needs through equine-assisted services. Located in Essex, Ontario Canada, the state-of-the-art facility sits on a 73-acre parcel in the heart of the county. Each week, WETRA sees over 200 clients, volunteers, and community members, all of whom benefit from the effects of the many uniquely designed and expertly delivered programs. 

About 80% of those who are enrolled in the program are children who have developmental, emotional or physical disabilities, while the remaining 20% are adults with similar challenges. Children and adults with disabilities such as Cerebral Palsy, Spina Bifida, head injuries, post-stroke, learning disabilities and more enjoy the physical and psychological benefits of WETRA programming. 

WETRA offers several unique program opportunities to suit each individual client’s needs. While the majority of clients utilize the mounted lessons, others participate in ground-work programs (like ‘HOOF’ (Horse Offering Outstanding Futures) or EACPT (Equine-Assisted Cognitive Processing Therapy) and March break and summer camps. Activities involving the horse can be used to assist people with disabilities in achieving physical and mental health, cognitive, behavioral, social and communication goals. Participants gain a sense of freedom and independence, learn new skills, interact socially, experience unique accomplishments and create emotional connections with horses and people that offer unconditional acceptance.