LTRA executive director Kale Hayes with therapeutic horse, Silver (Image Credit: Dave Lueneberg | Lethbridge News Now)

By Dave Lueneberg

Group prepares for next half-century

LTRA celebrates golden anniversary Saturday with community open house

Jul 11, 2026 | 4:34 AM

Call it a birthday…an anniversary…a celebration, but regardless, the Lethbridge Therapeutic Riding Association is commemorating a 50-year milestone Saturday and it’s inviting the entire community out.

“This day belongs to every rider, family, volunteer, donor, board member, and horse that has been part of the LTRA story since 1976,” says a proud executive director, Kale Hayes.

“Fifty years of impact deserves more than a party — it deserves a promise. Our new strategic plan and this solar project are that promise.”

Hayes adds, “the association will be here, stronger and more sustainable, for the next generation.”

The event, which goes from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m., features riding demonstrations, an indoor horse show, a free barbecue, face painting, and a family fun zone.

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At noon, the non-profit organization has said it will make two major announcements as it looks to its next 50 years, one of those will involve the large farm being powered by solar technology, which Hayes eluded to in his comment above.

The Lethbridge Therapeutic Riding Association facility is located at 205015 Highway 512 in Lethbridge County, east of, and on the same road as the Lethbridge Correctional Centre. (Na’took’kyoo’soo’koo-koo’kaan)

Admission to the celebration is free.

Below is the full schedule of the day’s events:

Therapeutic Riding Demonstrations — 11:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. and 1:00–1:30 p.m.
Main Presentation — 12:00–1:00 p.m. (strategic plan release, solar unveiling, awards and special recognitions)
Indoor Horse Show — open to the public all day, featuring LTRA’s own clients
Meet the Herd — meet the program horses and the people who work with them
Learning Centre — 50 years of archival photos and history, with key figures from LTRA’s past on hand.
Free BBQ and refreshments, face painting, and family fun zone

by Dave Lueneberg

LTRA celebrates golden anniversary Saturday with community open house

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