Southlands Therapeutic Riding Society

✨STaRS- Southlands Therapeutic Riding Society is a registered, non-profit charity that provides therapeutic equestrian opportunities for individuals living with physical, developmental, cognitive and/or mental health challenges.

STaRS is a proud member of the British Columbia Association of Therapeutic Riding (BCTRA) and an accredited member of the Canadian National Therapeutic Riding Association (CanTRA).

Therapeutic equestrian opportunities include horseback riding and horsemanship. At STaRS, we believe that facilitated partnership with horses and nature can uncover strengths, inspire possibilities and nurture empowerment.

Therapeutic horseback riding offers significant physical, emotional, and cognitive benefits for individuals with disabilities by improving balance, core strength, and coordination through the horse’s rhythmic movement. It enhances mental health by fostering confidence, patience, and reduced stress, while also promoting social skills, communication, and independence.

STaRS depends on donations, grants and volunteer time. We exist both for the community, and because of the community. Our donors and volunteers are crucial to our success.

If you are looking to join our team of instructors, volunteers or students please email [email protected]

Be part of the magic!

Highlights from yesterdays lessons! ✨💛

🐴 1. Student E & therapy horse Louis saying goodbye after a successful rider

🐴 2. Volunteer Martin & therapy horse Dyna having a post lesson break

🐴 3. Student G, Volunteer Mary & therapy horse shadow practicing counter bend through cones

🐴 4. Therapy horse Louis 🥰

We’re just one day away from — a global celebration of kindness and community.
At STaRS, your support ensures riders of all ages and abilities can continue to grow in strength, confidence, and joy.
We hope you’ll join us tomorrow. 💙

DONATE: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/pages/givingtuesday-for-stars/

Austin is starting to get in the holiday spirit! 🎄

✨ What’s on your horses wish list this year?! Tell us in the comments 📩

STaRS at the 2025 BCTRA Conference 🌿

From October 17–19, our STaRS team gathered with equine-assisted service professionals from across BC for the BCTRA Conference at Southlands Riding Club — a weekend full of learning, connection, and inspiration.

Representing STaRS were our instructors Madee, Kae, Gail, and Charlotte, program coordinator Paige, board member Liz, and volunteers Laura, Susanne, and Kelly — such an amazing group to share the experience with!

Throughout the weekend, we heard from passionate speakers, watched incredible horse demonstrations, and reflected on some big themes: the growing demand for equine-assisted services, the importance of instructor certification, and the vital role of equine welfare in every program.

Highlights included Dr. Emily Keison’s powerful keynote on learning from wild horses, a moving screening of Rescued Hearts, and thoughtful sessions on volunteer connection, clicker training, and mindful communication with riders of all abilities.

We left the conference inspired and grateful — ready to bring new ideas and renewed energy back to our herd, our riders, and our community. 💛

Thank you to Kelly for the beautiful photos!

Become a Therapeutic Riding Instructor at STaRS - Where Horses Change Lives!

We’re looking for instructors to join our compassionate, dedicated team at Southlands Therapeutic Riding Society (STaRS). As a certified therapeutic riding instructor, you’ll guide riders of all abilities; many with autism spectrum disorder, down syndrome, cerebral palsy, or other developmental challenges, as they discover independence, strength, and trust through our incredible therapy horses.

Why teach at STaRS?

- You’ll work in the beautiful community of Southlands, Vancouver.
- You’ll work alongside our calm and gentle therapy horses and knowledgable volunteers.
- You’ll be part of a supportive, tight-knit community of instructors, staff, and families who believe in inclusion, kindness, and the transformative power of horses.
- You’ll end every lesson knowing you made a difference.

If you’ve ever dreamed of combining your love of horses with meaningful, life-changing work, this is your place!

Applicants must be CANTRA or Path Int. certified.

Join us at STaRS

Location: Southlands, Vancouver BC
Email: [email protected]