About Us

OUR STORY

North Fraser Therapeutic Riding Association (NFTRA) started in a backyard with Tilly Muller’s pony and Betsy Bilodeau’s 2 donkeys, Sunshine and Shadow, in the mid-1970s!

Tilly was a nurse, and Betsy’s son was a physiotherapist who advised on their program. Eventually, the program grew, was part of PRDA (Pacific Riding for Developing Abilities) in 1994, located on the 254th Street property. In the early 2000s, we continued to offer therapeutic riding here until we moved to Park Lane in 2014.

We were incorporated under the BC Societies Act in May 2003. We resided and operated from our Park Lane location from 2014 to 2024, providing therapeutic riding for the BC Lower Mainland. We are a CanTRA (Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association ) centre.

In July 2025, we moved to our new home nestled in the heart of Maple Ridge at the old Hampton Farm. It is a 17-acre facility which features a 1,200 square-meter covered riding arena, with an adjacent 10-stall barn for our horses. We are leasing the property from Honey Bee.

WHAT WE DO

At the North Fraser Therapeutic Riding Association (NFTRA), we believe in the incredible bond between people and horses — and the healing power it holds. NFTRA has been enriching the lives of children and adults who experience physical, mental, emotional, or social challenges through safe and professional therapeutic equine programming.

Each week, over 70 riders from across the Lower Mainland participate in our therapeutic riding sessions. These sessions are more than just a ride — they provide life-changing experiences. Riders gain confidence, improve physical coordination, and develop meaningful relationships with our horses, volunteers, and each other.

Many parents tell us that their child lights up in a way they don’t see anywhere else. For many children, riding becomes a “normalizing” experience — a place where they feel capable, included, and celebrated.

OUR COMMUNITY

Our work is made possible by a dedicated team of part-time staff, over 80 volunteers, and generous community supporters. From helping in the barn to side-walking during lessons, our volunteers are the heart of what we do.

We do not receive government funding, so we rely on grants, donations, and fundraising to keep our program accessible. This allows us to keep lesson fees low and ensure that no child is turned away due to financial barriers.

WHY IT MATTERS

Every day counts for a child with a disability or developmental need. Early, consistent, and joyful experiences can make all the difference — and that’s what we strive to provide at NFTRA.

Whether it’s a parent seeing their child sit tall on a horse for the first time, or a rider gaining the confidence to pursue a new goal, the impact of our work ripples far beyond the arena.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

We’re always looking for new friends — whether you’d like to volunteer, donate, or simply spread the word. Your support helps us keep riders in the saddle and our herd happy and healthy.

Together, we can continue to build a space where people of all abilities feel empowered, encouraged, and at home.