TTRA Miniature Horse Program

Educational Component

This program, funded by the Ministry of Health Promotion and Sport, is developed for schools and youth organizations. Its purpose is to introduce the student to the miniature horse and various aspects of its health, grooming, and handling.
The students gain tremendous benefits working with the horse such as physical exercise, emotional wellness, self-expression, and the opportunity for personal development by learning something new and unique.
With the more in-depth programs offered, the youths learn how to develop effective communication skills, and build leadership and creative problem solving skills. The horse’s ability to read emotions, environmental cues, and subtle body language helps kids focus their attention, improve their concentration, and maintain self-awareness while practicing being consistent. This culminates in the students learning how to develop a healthy relationship.
We tailor our program to the needs of the school or group. The program is offered both on-site or at the user’s facility depending upon the type and length of program activities requested.

Learning Components:
- Safety, Orientation and Introduction to the Miniature Horse
- Health and Grooming
- Handling and Horsemanship
- Leading and Obstacles
- Harnessing and Ground Driving
- Introduction to Driving

minature horses at Timmins Therapeutic Riding Association

school children and minature horses at Timmins Therapeutic Riding Association

school children walking miniature horse at Timmins Therapeutic Riding Association

April 27, 2012: Throughout a 6-week period, fifteen students from École catholique Sacré-Coeur participated in a special program, Éducation expérientielle. This is a program that reaches out to all of students through non-traditional teaching methods helping to increase motivation and production while encouraging a student’s sense of community and self-worth thus increasing personal learning. In partnership with the Timmins Therapeutic Riding Association’s Miniature Horse Program, developed last year for people of all ages, with or without a disability, the educational component of the Minis Program allows students to gain tremendous benefits working with the horse. These benefits include physical exercise, emotional wellness, self-expression, and the opportunity for personal development by learning something new and unique. For more information and to see more photos please visit: Minature Horse Program 2012 During this 6-week workshop, students experienced a unique opportunity to work with the miniature horses from the Therapeutic Riding Association.

MINIATURE HELPING HOOVES PROGRAM

In addition to their farm duties, our miniature horses will be traveling about the community visiting our seniors, schools and agencies fostering physical, emotional, mental and spiritual wellness. They will assist our association in advancing the knowledge and appreciation of horses as integral partners in the healing process, and will promote the human/animal bond.

Respectful Horsemanship: Teaching about horse behaviour, the psychology of the horse and herd dynamics during task oriented activities. An individual may develop self-awareness, personal responsibility, relationship and communication skills, self-discipline and trust. These experiences can be very empowering and can be the foundation for lasting change and personal growth.

Cart Driving: An educational and recreational program, enabling participants who cannot sit astride a horse, the opportunity to learn equestrian skills, while still experiencing many of the physical, social and emotional benefits of an interactive equine assisted activity.

Therapeutic: Participants are actively involved with brushing, bathing, leading the horses and riding in one of our specialized carts. Through these human-horse bonding activities, we are able to offer people motivation for physiotherapy and emotional wellness.

Recreational: We make our activities accessible by delivering programs to the user's facility or they may visit our program site which has an outdoor arena, barn work area and nature trails. We tailor programs to meet various needs and promote inclusion to a unique form of safe, fun recreation.

Educational: We design lessons with educators for students to learn about the history of horses, taking care of horses, veterinary care, how to lead a horse through an obstacle course, songs, stories, writing and drawing. These activities cover lessons in history, science, mathematics, English and the arts.

Help support our riding/driving programs and sponsor a horse!Current list of Sponsors and Sponsor Forms

Our program, now in its 25th year, is only possible through the generous support of the business community and community organizations. No donation is too small and all are greatly appreciated! Thank you!