Words Stephanie Staples
Photos Sarah Hartley Photography
When I moved to the Island after being very involved in community service in Winnipeg, I was on a search to find a volunteer opportunity that I could wrap my head and heart around. I poked here and prodded there and talked to a lot of people who were volunteering in the community, but few were so excited about the “work” that they did than the volunteers at the Victoria Therapeutic Riding Association (VTRA).
So, I had to go see for myself.
Established in 1982, VTRA has been delivering transformative programs for children and adults with diverse abilities ranging from social/emotional (aka invisible disabilities) to physical disabilities. Under the leadership of passionate advocate and Executive Director, Liz Gagel, for the past 15 years, they seem to be living up to her hope to literally have “something for everyone” and their collective vision “Learning, connection, and joy through the power of horses.”
Equine therapy dates back to ancient Greek times and present-day benefits cannot be denied: the instructors, the volunteers, the clients (and their caregivers) and even the horses seem happy!
One of VTRA’s clients is Ashley (top right). On my visit, her mom Nancy told me her daughter went seven years without leaving the house before she started coming here, and that the therapy has literally been life-changing for her. Testimonial after moving testimonial tells similar stories from clients ranging in age from four to 80.
Participants gain physical strength, improve emotional well-being, and foster meaningful connections with the horses and the volunteers – all while enjoying this world-class indoor and outdoor facility right here on the Peninsula.
Not everyone can (or wants to) get on a horse, but fear not – as Liz says: “we have something for everyone!” Programming includes: carriage driving, day camps, equine-assisted learning and stable management. They have 12 horses, 200 clients and an equal number of volunteers. They need 100 volunteers a week to run the program, which goes from Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The horses (and volunteers) get well-earned school-year-like breaks.
I learned that horses are prey and herd animals, they can hear your heart rate and breathing and they want to regulate with the herd. Ahhh, is that the reason we feel calm in their presence?
While client plans are individualized based on their health and wellness goals that may include physical, social, emotional and cognitive improvements, the goals for the volunteers are equally customized.
Generally, they ask for a minimum one-hour-a-week commitment, although they do have an online scheduling system where you can see if there are last-minute openings to volunteer. This is super helpful for those who are still working or have commitments that don’t allow them a regular date/time to volunteer.
Every volunteer I spoke with – every one – said some variation of “showing up here is therapy for me” or “they do as much for me as I do for them” or “I get more out of being there than I give.” Even Liz said: “Where else would you want to go to work than a place where people want to be there?”
To be a volunteer you only need to be over 16 and have the desire to be there. You don’t even need experience with horses – they will train you in whatever area of interest you have.
The tough news is that horses are expensive, and despite the number of dedicated volunteers, the programs are costly to run. The VTRA is a Non-Profit Charity and with costs rising year after year, they are always in need of donations. If you have more money than time, you may want to consider this very unique cause on your giving list.
As I learned from my visit, the VTRA is much more than a place to go for a pony ride – it’s a place where magic happens. They got me hooked and you can see this special place for yourself by booking a visit at www.vtra.ca or contacting Liz directly at Liz.Gagel@VTRA.ca.
Meanwhile, I’ll be in volunteer training – hope to see you there!
