Therapeutic riding has been proven to provide many benefits to riders (physical, mental, emotional). It truly is a therapy. The horse naturally acts as both a psychologist and a physiotherapist. Despite the many benefits being identical from those received by licensed therapists, we are not considered therapy. Therefore, due to covid, centres across Quebec are being forced to close if they’re in a red zone. With so many activities being shut down due to covid, for some riders this was their only therapeutic activity left. Riders and their families are upset as they know any amount of time without riding will set back their progress. 

To make matters worse, therapeutic riding in Quebec is underfunded and many centres struggle to get by as it is. Closing for weeks if not months could end in the permanent close of some centres. As we are few and far between, riders may not have another Center near by to turn to. 

Ask any rider from a therapeutic Center, their family, or anyone whose ever worked at one and I can guarantee they could talk for hours about the progress they see each week from riders. 

We’re asking the Quebec Government to recognize therapeutic riding centres as an essential health service similar to physio, social workers, psychologists, etc. This way we can continue to operate throughout covid (following all the necessary precautions of course) and whatever may come in the future. We too help people with various disabilities improve their daily lifestyle, and help others recover from strokes or deal with mental illnesses. What makes our clients less entitled to receive the services they need?