If you’ve dreamed of combining your love for horses with a meaningful career, Horse Therapy of Centre Canada (HTCC) offers the perfect opportunity to make that dream a reality. With over 15 years of experience, HTCC leads the field of equine assisted psychotherapy and education in Canada, offering certification programs that blend hands-on experience with theoretical knowledge to set participants up for success in this unique and rewarding profession.

The 21st Century Rider - Many Canadian riders are throwing their leg over horses well beyond the age when others are pursuing more sedentary activities. For example, about 19 percent of Alberta Equestrian Federation members were over the age of 56 from 2015 to 2018. In British Columbia, approximately 19 percent of active Horse Council BC members were over age 60 in 2018. Meanwhile, in Quebec last year, about 12 percent of Cheval Quebec members were age 60 and over. Nationally, approximately 22 percent of Equestrian Canada sport licence holders were older than 50 in 2018, and 10 percent were older than 60.

The gap between amateur and professional competitors is common in Canadian sports. Weekend skiers have significantly less skills than athletes on Canada’s ski team. Amateur hockey players don’t make Canada’s Olympic team. It’s the same in horse sports. Tiers of riders have developed as equestrian sports have become more technical. Upper-level horse sports are primarily the purview of professional and elite riders while amateurs play at lower levels.

Equestrians often encounter fear for two primary reasons. One stems from the risk of getting hurt, while the other comes from threats that aren’t physical at all. These non-tangible fears involve emotional vulnerability—such as the dread of failing, feeling embarrassed, or letting others down.