Therapeutic Riding
Little Bits Therapeutic Riding Association is a non-profit, charitable organization providing recreational horseback riding with therapeutic benefits for children and adults with disabilities. Each year, more than 125 riders benefit from their programs. They have programs for pre-school aged children (Itty Bits), children aged five and a half to 18 (Little Bits) and adults (Big Bits).
Once a week, riders receive riding instruction by certified and experienced instructors assisted by a core of volunteers. The focus in on skill development, enjoyment and the unique therapeutic aspects of horseback riding. Learn more about Little Bits Therapeutic Riding Association.
Little Bits Celebrates 35th Anniversary in 2010
2010 represents a milestone for Little Bits Therapeutic Riding Association (LBTRA). It is our 35th anniversary since inception in 1975. More than a quarter of a century has been spent providing recreational riding with therapeutic benefits for individuals with disabilities.
The idea for the program actually began as far back as 1966, when Edmontonian, Mrs. Willa Lundy, was visiting her daughter in England. Her daughter was working in a similar program and Willa was so impressed by the concept, she began to ponder how something like that might benefit her community back home in Edmonton. In 1972, Willa Lundy approached Mrs. Myrtle Leadlay who, at the time, was working with the Edmonton Parks and Recreation Department . Myrtle, along with Bert Wort (Tudor Tack), Section Head Equestrian Studies at Grant MacEwan Community College and Mrs. Doris Jacobi of the Edmonton Pony Club met to discuss the idea. Enthusiasm grew and before long, a children’s riding program was born. Over the years, the riding program has evolved from 36 child riders to more than 130 riders including adults.
As part of the35th Anniversary celebrations, Little Bits will be hosting the First Annual Little Bits ‘n Bites Breakfast Round-up taking place at 7:30 am, March 23rd, 2010 at Sutton Place Hotel in downtown Edmonton.
We hope 2010 will be the year we build greater awareness of Little Bits Therapeutic Riding Association in the community. Our goal is to develop sustaining donors and sponsors in this generous City. We also hope to raise money to enhance our programs, purchase new specialized equipment and reduce the waiting list of riders wanting to ride in our therapeutic program.
We have helped over 2500 children and adults with disabilities in the Edmonton area in our 35 year history.
The breakfast event will feature Marie Stelmach as patron and guest of honour. We hope to have a short program which will emphasize the benefits of therapeutic riding and how our specialized program has positively impacted lives of those with disabilities.
Please contact Michael Kroll at the Little Bits office (780-235-1504 - cell or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) to purchase tickets to the event. Tickets are $25 or tables of 8 for $200, which includes a delicious hot breakfast at a first class facility. Bring your friends and family, we are confident it will be fun. Your support will ensure it is a success for Little Bits!
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