What Is Little Bits Therapeutic Riding Association and How Can You Get Involved?

Updated

Little Bits Therapeutic Riding Association is a non-profit, charitable organization based in Edmonton, Alberta, that provides recreational horseback riding with therapeutic benefits to children and adults with disabilities. If you are a rider, a parent, or a prospective volunteer in the Capital Region, you can get involved by joining one of its seasonal riding sessions or by contacting the volunteer team at [email protected]. The information below applies to anyone exploring the organization's programs, session schedule, or ways to support it.

Who Little Bits Serves

The association serves people with physical, cognitive, or emotional challenges across the Capital Region. According to the organization, up to 195 riders benefit each year from its winter, spring, and fall sessions plus a summer riding week.

Programs are divided by age group:

Program Who it is for
Itty Bits Pre-school aged children
Little Bits Children aged five and a half to eighteen
Big Bits Adults

How the Riding Sessions Work

Riders attend once a week and receive riding instruction from certified and experienced instructors, assisted by a core of volunteers. The stated focus is on skill development, enjoyment, and the unique therapeutic aspects of horseback riding.

Sessions run across four periods each year: winter, spring, and fall sessions, plus a summer riding week.

How to Get Involved as a Volunteer

If you are interested in volunteering, the organization asks you to contact [email protected] with any questions or to learn more. You can also reach the volunteer line by phone at 780-476-1233, though the organization notes limited hours.

The published fall riding session volunteer schedule gives a sense of the time commitment:

  • Sundays (13 September – 22 November, excluding 11 October): 9:30am – 6:30pm
  • Mondays (14 September – 23 November, excluding 12 October): 9:30am – 2:30pm
  • Tuesdays AM (15 September – 17 November): 8:30am – 1:30pm
  • Tuesdays PM (15 September – 17 November): 3:30pm – 9:30pm
  • Wednesdays (16 September – 18 November): 2:30pm – 9:30pm

A Volunteer Training Day is listed for 3 September. Prospective volunteers should confirm current dates and details directly with the organization, since schedules are session-specific.

Ways to Support the Organization

Beyond volunteering, there are two published ways to contribute:

  • Donate through the CANADA HELPS website to Little Bits Therapeutic Riding Association.
  • Purchase Little Bits apparel at the association's online shop: https://littlebitstherapeuticridingassociation.entripyshops.com/

Staying Updated

The organization shares pictures and updates through its Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube accounts, and publishes a Little Bits e-Newsletter that you can access from its website. For program details, current session dates, or volunteer openings, contact [email protected] or call 780-476-1233 during limited hours.