Equine Assisted Programs & Services
At Équi-Libre, we offer a variety of therapeutic, recreational, sport, and learning programs and services. Our horseback riding and horsemanship programs are taught by instructors certified by the Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association (CanTRA) and/or Equestrian Canada (EC). Click on the links below to learn more about each program or view our Participant Registration Process to sign up.
Our center offers equine-assisted occupational therapy (hippotherapy) to help clients achieve functional goals. For more information, click the link or view our client intake process.
Summer Camp
Équi-Libre is proud to offer an inclusive and adapted summer day camp!
Our day camp allows children with varying abilities to participate in daily/weekly riding lessons, arts and crafts, games and activities that are adapted so that everyone is included. We focus on horsemanship skills, where campers will learn how to care for their horse and the stable it lives in.
Our camp also provides integration support. Upon request, your child can benefit from one-on-one support opportunities for campers requiring additional assistance within the camp setting—9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with early drop-off and late pick-up upon request.
Reserve your spot by completing and sending a registration form to camp@eltrc.org and sending a 50% deposit to comptes@eltrc.org
Participant Registration Process
Therapeutic Riding | Equine Assisted Learning | Para-Dressage | Riding Lessons
The registration process outlined below is for participants interested in our equine-assisted recreation, sport and learning programs. See the client intake process in the next section if you are interested in equine-assisted occupational therapy. If you're unsure which program is right for you, please get in touch with us directly.
Benefits of adaptive riding program
The main objectives of equine-assisted recreation, sport and learning programs are to learn horse-related abilities such as riding, horsemanship, and general equestrian skills. See below for some auxiliary benefits to equine-assisted programs at our centre:
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Development of muscle strength and flexibility
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Improvement of balance and coordination
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Mobilization of trunk and pelvis
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Improved learning skills and concentration
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Access to social integration
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A sense of achievement and independence
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Increased self-esteem and self-confidence
Registration procedure
**Registration for the Fall 2023 session is open**
The following forms must be completed and submitted to Équi-Libre Therapeutic Riding Centre by mail, email or dropped off at the centre in person:
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Email address: info@eltrc.org
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Mailing address: 4200 chemin Ste-Angélique, St-Lazare QC J7T 2N5
Please note: For the physical well-being and safety of the rider, horses, volunteers, instructors and therapists, the maximum weight of any rider must not exceed 180 pounds. Additionally, riders who have had a recent seizure will not be able to participate in mounted activities unless they have been seizure free for one year (without medication) or six months (with medication).
Center Policy to be reviewed before filling out the forms:
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Center Policy (become familiar with our policies and procedures before program entry)
Forms to be downloaded and returned to Équi-Libre:
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Spring 2023 registration form *CLOSED* (preferred program, day & time for program participation)
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Client Identification & Liability Release form (outlines the risks inherent to this activity)
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Medical Release form (written consent from a physician or health professional stating that riding is an appropriate activity)
Once the forms are fully completed and returned to Équi-Libre, we will contact you to set up an initial visit at our centre to ensure the program's suitability for each individual. The needs of the prospective rider will determine which consultant is present at the assessment. The assessment takes approximately 1 hour and involves a discussion regarding goals, history, abilities and needs, followed by a 15-20 minute mounted or unmounted assessment (based on program selection) for the participant. The cost is 65$, payable at the time of the appointment.
Using the assessment information and the rider's availability, we will confirm a recurrent riding time for the session.
Lesson Schedule
Équi-Libre Therapeutic Riding Centre offers four sessions per year: Spring (April to June), Summer (July & August), Fall (September to December) and Winter (January to March). Lessons are taken on a weekly or bi-weekly basis and are 1 hour in length (90 minutes for EAL). There are scheduled break weeks throughout the year during which time there are no lessons.
Client Intake Process
Equine Assisted Occupational Therapy (Hippotherapy)
The following process is for clients who are interested in equine assisted occupational therapy in order to achieve functional goals in a therapeutic setting. If you're interested in a program aimed toward sport or leisure, see the participant registration process above.
Objectives in equine assisted occupational therapy
In equine assisted occupational therapy the objectives for each client are set on an individual basis. An evaluation of the functioning of each individual provides the opportunity to set specific goals that will be worked on during the appointments. Below are some examples of objectives that we might target in equine assisted occupational therapy:
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Acquire / improve the walk pattern
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Maintain the sitting position
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Increase postural control and tone
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Improve sensory and emotional self-regulation
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Improve daily autonomy
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Improve functioning at school
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Improve social skills
Intake procedure
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The following forms must be completed and submitted to Équi-Libre Therapeutic Riding Centre by mail, e-mail or dropped off at the centre in person:
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Email address: info@eltrc.org
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Mailing address: 4200 chemin Ste-Angélique, St-Lazare QC J7T 2N5
Please note: For the physical well-being and safety of the rider, horses, volunteers, instructors and therapists, the maximum weight of any rider must not exceed 180 pounds. Additionally, riders who have had a recent seizure will not be able to participate in mounted activities unless they have been seizure free for one year (without medication) or six months (with medication).
Centre Policy to be reviewed prior to filling out the forms:
-
Centre Policy (become familiar with our policies and procedures prior to program entry)
Forms to be downloaded and returned to Équi-Libre:
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Client Identification & Liability Release form (outlines the risks inherent to this activity)
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Medical Release form (written consent from a physician or health professional stating that riding is an appropriate activity)
A recent evaluation is required in order to begin treatment in equine assisted occupational therapy (EAOT). If you have an evaluation in occupational therapy that is less than one year old, please send it along with your completed forms. If you do not have a recent evaluation please download the questionnaire below and send it along with your forms to begin the evaluation process:
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Pre-evaluation Questionnaire (occupational therapy questionnaire)
Once the forms are fully completed and returned to Équi-Libre, we will contact you to set up an initial assessment / evaluation depending on your needs. Using the information from the initial assessment / evaluation, and the client availability, we will do our best to provide an appointment time that is suitable.