By Ann Caine and Rachel Reeve

CanTRA members from across the country came together in May to participate in the CanTRA 45th Anniversary Conference held at Crieff Hills Retreat & Conference Centre and Sunrise Therapeutic Riding & Learning Centre, with the Celebration Banquet at the Delta Hotel, Guelph, Ontario.

There was an exceptional team of presenters including Keynote Speaker Pippa Hodge, Pediatric Physiotherapist and CanTRA Coach/Examiner, who gave a practical demonstration on “Setting Rider Goals to Accomplish Great Outcomes.”

Keynote speaker Pippa Hodge giving a practical demonstration titled Setting Rider Goals to Accomplish Great Outcomes. Photo: CanTRA

Gayle Ecker, Director of Equine Guelph, presented an entertaining, educational, and interactive session on “Journey through the Horse’s Gut.”

L-R: Kelly Russel (ON), Eliane Trempe (QC), and Gayle Ecker, Director, Equine Guelph presenting Journey through the Horse’s Gut. Photo: CanTRA 

Christian Lowe, saddle maker who trained in England and France and host of “The Saddler’s Post” podcast, showed the inner structure of a saddle and demonstrated the importance of the appropriate saddle for the well-being of the horse.

Saddle maker Christian Lowe demonstrating the importance of saddle fit to the horse’s well-being. Photo: CanTRA

Also on the three-day team of educators were Jamie-Ann Goodfellow, Program Coordinator, Para Dressage, Equestrian Canada; Marley Crosby, Para Equestrian, with Thoroughbred gelding Arpeggio (owned by Dr. Steven Mock); Dr. Steven Mock, Professor at the University of Waterloo and avid equestrian; and Ute Busse (Marley Crosby’s coach).

L-R (above): Jamie-Ann Goodfellow, Program Coordinator, Para Dressage EC; Marley Crosby, Para Equestrian; Arpeggio; Dr. Steven Mock, Presenter; and Ute Busse, Marley’s coach. Photo: CanTRA

Plaques were presented to honour six Horses of Distinction from across Canada: Brian (Kamloops Therapeutic Riding Association, BC); Tippy (Prance Therapeutic Equestrian Centre, ON); Gemini (Little Bits Therapeutic Riding Association, AB); Ronan (Community Association for Riders with Disabilities, ON); Charlie (Therapeutic Riding Association of Ottawa-Carleton, ON); and Bobby (Joyriders Therapeutic Riding Association, PEI). Photo: CanTRA

Outstanding 2025 Therapy Horse of the Year

Dr. Alan Manning of Manning Veterinary Services was recognized for sponsoring this award for a total of 13 years. The 2025 winner was Ember of Cowichan Therapeutic Riding Association (CTRA), Duncan, BC. Jane James, founder of CTRA, accepted the plaque and embroidered horse cooler.

Jane James, founder of CTRA, accepting the plaque and embroidered cooler awarded to Ember, the Outstanding 2025 Therapy Horse of the Year. L-R: Daphne Davey (PEI), Jane James (BC), and Ann Caine (ON). Photo: CanTRA

In addition to the Outstanding Therapy Horse award, six horses were recognized as Horses of Distinction: Brian (Kamloops Therapeutic Riding Association, BC); Tippy (Prance Therapeutic Equestrian Centre, ON); Gemini (Little Bits Therapeutic Riding Association, AB); Ronan (Community Association for Riders with Disabilities, ON); Charlie (Therapeutic Riding Association of Ottawa-Carleton, ON); and Bobby (Joyriders Therapeutic Riding Association, PEI).

Alberta’s Little Bits Therapeutic Riding Association with their Horse of Distinction, Gemini. L-R: Linda Rault, Gemini, Jo-Anne Billington, and Ros Schell. Photo: CanTRA

L-R: Kelly Russel (ON), Eliane Trempe (QC), and Gayle Ecker, Director, Equine Guelph presenting Journey through the Horse’s Gut. Photo: CanTRA

For further information on the CanTRA 45th Anniversary Conference, please contact Rachel Reeve, CanTRA Head Office Administrator, at email office@cantra.ca, or phone 226-332-8115.

Main Photo: The 26-year-old Norwegian Fjord mare Ember, named the CanTRA Outstanding 2025 Therapy Horse of the Year, wearing her embroidered cooler. Ember joined the CTRA when she was just six years old. Credit: WildSky Photography, courtesy of CanTRA