The Antigonish Therapeutic Riding Association (AnTRA) was established in 1986 as a pilot project with the physiotherapy department at St. Martha’s Regional Hospital, originally designed as an alternative therapy for children with physical and developmental disabilities.

Today, AnTRA operates primarily out of Friendly Breezes Stables in Ohio (Antigonish County, Nova Scotia), with summer sessions also held at Glen Meadow Farm.

The organization offers weekly therapeutic horseback riding programs in spring, fall, and summer, led by certified instructors and supported by volunteers. Their programs include:

• Therapeutic riding lessons focused on skill development, recreation, and confidence-building
• Hippotherapy (physiotherapy using horses) to improve mobility, muscle control, and motor skills
• Adaptive activities and exercises such as balance training, coordination tasks, and interactive games