Stay informed with the LNN Daily Newsletter

Therapeutic Riding Association Settled into New Facility

Sep 29, 2016 | 12:58 PM

LETHBRIDGE – The Lethbridge Therapeutic Riding Association (LTRA) has been loved and supported in the city for 40 years, and completed a big face lift earlier this year.
 
The organization rebuilt it’s riding arena after the roof on the old building collapsed under the weight of heavy snow in November 2014. Fortunately, no horses or clients were injured in the 47-year old wooden, quonset structure.
 
The new steel building now features a 90 by 210-foot riding area, windows that provide more natural lighting and a viewing area and mezzanine with accessible bathrooms.
 
The LTRA was finally able to re-open the facility this January, after Southwest Design and Construction finished the build in December 2015.
 
“In some ways, it was very difficult. I keep saying it was a lot of short term pain, but the long term gain was well worth it because now we have a really nice facility that will last for a number of years for our clients,” noted Rick Austin, Executive Director. 
 
Austin says it took donations from hundreds of generous community supporters to raise the remaining $400,000 that insurance couldn’t cover for the $1-million project. He took time to thank those donors during a grand opening celebration, and the annual Joanne Perlich Ride for Dreams fundraiser, on September 24.
 
“Again, I can’t say enough to the people and [those] supporting. What a great community we have.”
 
Austin added that it truly takes a village to run this program that gives those in Lethbridge and surrounding area living with a range of disabilities the chance at a unique and memorable therapy opportunity. To learn more about becoming a volunteer, contact the LTRA at info@ltra.com or call 403-328-2165.