Our Programs

Welcome to the North Fraser Therapeutic Riding Association and thank you for your interest in our programs. NFTRA is a non-profit charitable organization enriching the lives of children and adults who experience physical, mental, emotional or social challenges by providing safe and professional therapeutic equine programming.

We offer four sessions of approximately 7-13 weeks each year in the winter, spring, summer and fall. There are over 70 riders receiving therapy each week from our equine therapists. Our lessons are conducted by CanTRA certified instructors using the time and talents of over 100 volunteers per week.

Most lessons are 30-60 minutes in duration with group and private lessons. Lessons run Monday through to Friday. The minimum age of a rider is three years old. We offer both mounted and unmounted therapeutic lessons.

Our lessons are billed out at $90 per hour or $45* per half hour.

Requirements and Funding Available 

1. Riders must be assessed and complete a variety of forms that we will provide to you. 
2. Up-to-date medical records and required releases/waivers must be in NFTRA’s possession. We will require you to complete a Physician’s Referral Form; Get to Know Me Form and a Waiver along with your Application.  
3. When there is a change in medication or diagnosis or safety (e.g. seizure) this MUST be communicated in writing to the office.
4. In the mounted program, for the health, welfare & safety of riders as well as our horses and staff (in the event of an emergency dismount), the maximum rider weight limit is 180 pounds (77kg) c. For riders over 180 lbs we offer an unmounted horsemanship program. 
5. All riders are required to have a person accompany them who is able to side walk during their lesson. If there are not enough volunteers and the rider has not brought someone capable of side walking with them, the lesson will be cancelled and no credit will be issued toward the next session. 
6. All riders are required to pay an annual membership fee. This fee is due January 1st each year and not pro-rated. The current membership is $30.

Frequently Asked Questions for Funding 

How much does Therapeutic Riding cost? 

Our therapeutic riding lesson fees are highly subsidized by government funding through BC Gaming and private and corporate donations along with annual fundraising events like our horse show and pub nights. Without the support of the community we would not be able to provide this valuable service. The weekly lesson fee paid by riders reflects 33% of the actual costs of offering these therapeutic services.

Our lessons are billed out at $90 per hour or $45* per half hour.  

Autism Funding

Once the rider is placed into the program NFTRA will provide you with an Estimate which is for you to refer to when submitting your Request to Pay (therapeutic riding is classified under Specialized Therapeutic Activities and is billed out at $90 per hour or $45* per half hour.  The parent is responsible for ensuring their Autism Funding is current & available. Once approved, NFTRA will receive a copy of the authorization letter by mail. 

Other Funding Providers

We work with many different funding providers such at Variety, CKNW Kids’ Fund, Lions, Kiwanis, and various schools and school districts. Once our Program Manager has contacted you, you will receive Rider Application and more information about NFTRA’s Policies and Procedures. 

Riders who are funded must provide a $200 deposit as funding will not cover any missed lessons, so we draw on this and it has to be topped up each Session. The balance is refundable if not continuing in the program.

NB: Please note prices are subject to change in January 2026. For any questions email Programmanager@nftra.ca