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TROTT – Therapeutic Riding Association of Ottawa-Carleton
TROTT - Therapeutic Riding Association of Ottawa-Carleton
Enjoyment. Achievement. Challenge.
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Resources

Here are some resources we feel our riders, their families and our volunteers may be interested in:

The Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association (CanTRA)
https://cantra.ca/en/

Equestrian Canada
https://www.equestrian.ca/

Ontario Equestrian
https://ontarioequestrian.ca

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This weeks Feature Friday is Tracey, one of TROtt' This weeks Feature Friday is Tracey, one of TROtt's amazing instructors and our new Equine Coordinator. Tracey joined TROtt over 13 years ago, and volunteered for a numbered of years, became a CanTRA Intermediate Instructor, and is now in charge of ensuring our herd is fit, well trained and able to provide life changing therapy. Although she’s new to the role, when asked what her favourite part has been, she said, “my favourite part has been getting to know each of the horses better and learn their personalities. As an instructor I didn’t get a lot of hands on and generally worked with only few of the horses in classes. Now, I have been able to handle all of the horses and even had a chance to ride a few of them. This, I think, will help me instructing as I will know each horse better and what works/doesn’t work for the specific horse.” Tracey leaves her riders and volunteers smiling after every lesson. In 2017, a number of Tracey's riders and volunteers nominated her for CanTRA's Instructor of the Year. Although she didn't win (She did in our hearts though), she remains so overwhelmed with the appreciation they all showed by putting in the work to nominate her. When Tracey isn't at TROtt she is riding her Cleveland Bay x TB Franklin. She loves his patient and kind nature. She bought him in 2011, and he is now 20, and she remains absolutely in love with him. "I love quality time with my Franklin, especially when a lesson goes really well." In addition to spending time with Franklin, Tracey loves to travel, in fact she has planned a trip to India this Spring and sadly had to cancel. "I love to travel the world and learn about new cultures and see as much of the wildlife as possible. I have been fortunate to have two big trips a year although this year will sadly be different." Tracey is truly one of kind, and we are happy that she decided to take on this new role. Our herd is in amazing hands!
Happy Autism Awarenss Day from the TROtt herd! Happy Autism Awarenss Day from the TROtt herd!
This weeks Feature Friday is our new Volunteer Coo This weeks Feature Friday is our new Volunteer Coordinator, Anna! Anna has given so much to TROtt for 4 and a half years. During her time here, she has been a sidewalker volunteered in the office, and at special events. We are so excited to welcome her as new Volunteer Coordinator. When asked what she is looking forward to about her role, Anna said, “I'm looking forward to working together with the other staff members and the volunteers to keep TROtt the great place it is.” Before coming to TROtt, Anna drove by TROtt very often and promised herself to volunteer when she could, and we're sure glad she did! Over the past few years she’s given so much, and created so many wonderful lasting memories with her fellow volunteers and riders. When asked what her favourite TROtt memory was, she said, “There is one rider at Trott that I have been working with for a while now, and she is so special. Last December, as a surprise, we decorated Teddy for her, and her face just said it all. I'm grateful to be part of that team, that made it happen.” When Anna isn't at TROtt (Which is very rare), she loves to crochet, read and make new games for TROtt classes. Thank you so much Anna! We are so thankful for all the work you do, and we are so happy you decided to take on this new position!
While everyone is working from home in their comfy While everyone is working from home in their comfy clothes, the TROtt herd is getting gussied up for Spring. Our staff worked hard to help our horses shed their winter coats. We also want to say a huge thank you to everyone who reached out to help us exercise, groom and help take care of the herd, but we are doing our part to flatten the curve and the facility is closed except to a few staff.
As you know, Canada has identified cases of the no As you know, Canada has identified cases of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). This was not unexpected and reflects that our health systems are on alert and taking steps to limit the spread of the disease in Canada. Our priority is the health and safety of staff, volunteers, riders and your families. In alignment with recently announced Ontario public school closures, lessons set to begin on March 23 are cancelled until April 5 in an effort to limit the spread of COVID-19 in our community. While lessons are cancelled out of an abundance of caution, operations must continue at TROtt to care for our special horses. As with many local charities, this uncertain time will be difficult for us. Your generous support is needed— and greatly appreciated— to ensure we can continue to keep our unique programs running. For more information on how to donate to TROtt, please visit: http://ottawatherapeuticriding.ca/give/.
This week's Feature Friday is one of our riders La This week's Feature Friday is one of our riders Lara! Lara always comes to her lesson with a big smile on her face, for us and of course, for Teddy. Lara really lights up when Teddy is decorated with Christmas or Halloween decorations, and Teddy is a real sport when he is costumed with antlers, wreaths, ribbons, bells and lights. She has a great sense of humour and will tease us all, knowingly telling us the opposite of what she knows is the right answer and with a big smile on her face. Lara’s nonverbal expressions, giving high fives, making eye contact and great posture, show us all how happy she is at lessons. Lara rides with a surcingle. Her balance on the horse has improved and she can now, on her own, reposition herself if she slides too much to the left to Debbie or to the right to Maggie. She is able to transition from the walk to a stop, at all the dressage letters, and back to a walk while keeping herself nicely balanced. Additionally, Lara’s core has gotten so much stronger and continues to show eagerness to keep moving. She loves to do a fast walk on the long side and is very successful at urging her favourite mount, Teddy, to “walk on!” And Teddy certainly does, as her volunteers try to keep alongside. Well done Lara! You have improved so much, and we look forward to helping you accomplish so much more As Maggie says, ”Yahoo!”
This week's Feature Friday shaped TROtt into what This week's Feature Friday shaped TROtt into what it is today, and it is with heavy hearts that we wish Paula all the best as she moves out east and starts a new journey with @shininghorizons. For 20 years Paula has propelled TROtt to lead the therapeutic riding industry. Many under her wing as a CanTRA examiner have received their CanTRA credentials so that they can coach classes and change the lives of riders across Canada. Paula first started at TROtt as a volunteer, but we were quick to offer her the role as TROtt's Program Administrator. Although the role had evolved over the years she was always ready to learn and cleared any challenge that came her way. Paula is always working to learn more about therapeutic riding and how new techniques can help our riders. She did this often by travelling to other therapeutic centers and working with leaders across Canada. Paula's legacy here will live on, and we will continue to build on all the amazing work she did. Wishing you all the best Paula on this new adventure, you will truly be missed!
When our horses are on a break from lessons, we in When our horses are on a break from lessons, we introduce them to new items. Although the exercises look a little silly, it really helps the horses brains to be stimulated and desensitizes them to “scary” things.
Happy Valentines Day from Pebbles, Monty and every Happy Valentines Day from Pebbles, Monty and everyone at TROtt. Hope your day is filled making memories with loved ones.
Happy Birthday Belle! Happy Birthday Belle!
This mornings sunrise was beautiful ❤️ . . . 📷: Paula
We're planning our content outline for the new yea We're planning our content outline for the new year, and want your input! What do you want to see? More Feature Fridays? Throwbacks? Day to day from the barn/lessons? Let us know in the comments or DM us what you'd like to see.
What a fantastic year it’s been at TROtt! We’r What a fantastic year it’s been at TROtt! We’re so thankful for all the amazing life changing work our volunteers do and the support we’ve received from the Greely and Ottawa community, as well as from the international community after @sussexroyal chose to follow us in October. Excited to see what 2020 has in store for our program.
Merry Christmas! 🎄 Wishing everyone time with Merry Christmas! 🎄 Wishing everyone time with loved ones.
#TBT to when we gathered a few weeks back to say t #TBT to when we gathered a few weeks back to say thanks to our amazing volunteers for all that they do for TROtt. Whether they did side walking, leading, barn clean up, exercise riding and a variety of other jobs, our volunteers were always ready to complete any task that needed to be done. TROtt truly does have the best volunteers! In addition to celebrating our amazing volunteers, we recognized Fiona for 20 outstanding years of service at TROtt. Her contribution has truly bettered TROtt and has shaped us into the organization we are today. A special shout out to @MrBsOttawa for generously donating our grand prizes, two $50 gift cards.
Today marks the end of our fall session. As days g Today marks the end of our fall session. As days get colder, we’ll be taking a short break, but look forward to resuming lessons in springtime!

Contact Us

  • Email
    trott@ncf.ca
  • Address
    6362-1 Bank St. (Highway 31)
    Greely, Ontario
    K4P 1J4

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