About Little Bits

Little Bits Therapeutic Riding Association (LBTRA) is a non-profit organization that offers recreational riding programs with therapeutic benefits for children and adults with disabilities. Each year, more than 135 riders benefit from our services. Established in 1975, the organization is governed by a volunteer board of directors and funded through donations and fundraising activities.

Little Bits on Cowboy Country TV!

Below is a short documentary clip about Little Bits Therapeutic Riding from Cowboy Country TV.

Basic Bits

We are members of the Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association (CANTRA) and Alberta Equestrian Federation. We provide recreational riding programs for persons with disabilities with emphasis on development of independence, physical well being, ability, confidence and riding techniques. Currently, the program is held in the river valley at the Whitemud Equine Centre (Keillor Road and Fox Drive) in the southwest portion of Edmonton. Whitemud Equine Centre is serviced by the DATS system, and is on an E.T.S. route.

Class schedules consist of a 12-week spring session and a 10-week fall session.

Classes are run on Tuesday mornings for adults, Monday morning, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings for children and all day Sunday with classes for both adults and children. Classes are one hour in length, and run back-to-back on the hour.

All safety equipment is provided although many of our riders prefer to bring their own helmets. All helmets must be SEI Certified. All instructors are qualified - understanding the principles of therapeutic riding recognized by CanTRA, the Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association, and Cheff Center in Augusta, Michigan.

Volunteers assist the riders by either leading or sidewalking in the classes, as well as helping in the barn.

Riders must purchase a yearly membership which at the present time is $15.00. Riding fees are currently $420.00 for the 12-week session, and $335.00 for the 10-week session. A volunteer commitment of 10 hours per session (spring and fall only) is also required. This is accomplished by having the members submit a post-dated cheque for $320.00 which covers these hours and is returned when the volunteer hours are completed. LBTRA hosts a number of fund-raising events throughout the year at which the volunteer hours can be satisfied.

LBTRA is run by a volunteer Board of Directors. These dedicated individuals meet the first Tuesday of each month at Prince of Wales Armouries Heritage Centre (Downtown Edmonton, 10440 - 108 Avenue) at 7:00 pm.

For more information contact us.