Innovative riding simulator expands access to horseback therapy
With a gift from long-time supporters Murray and Lynda Farmer, a UVic-led innovation is expanding access to the joy and healing of horseback riding for people with disabilities.
Thanks to the Farmers’ vision and generosity, a first-of-its-kind therapeutic riding simulator is changing lives on Vancouver Island. The new technology is the result of a collaboration between UVic’s CanAssist and the Victoria Therapeutic Riding Association (VTRA). It integrates a commercially available horseback riding motion simulator called the MiraColt with a custom-designed software interface (called Motivex) built by CanAssist. Murray and Lynda Farmer, who are both passionate equestrians, funded the project to expand access to equine-assisted therapy.
“We put the challenge out there, committed the funds and then waited to see what would happen. And we were beyond thrilled with the results,” says Lynda, explaining how they became involved in the project. “Experiencing the movement and motion of the horse is a vital component of the therapeutic benefits of riding, both mentally and physically.”
The simulator, which is the size of a large suitcase, mimics the gentle sway and rhythm of horseback motion. With a Bluetooth connection to software originally designed for stationary bikes, riders can navigate through different environments, controlling the pace depending on their comfort level.
To further localize that experience, CanAssist equipped VTRA staff with GoPro cameras to capture video of real Victoria-area routes.
“Where it gets really cool is that now you've got a participant who is benefiting from the therapeutic aspects of the riding simulator—and having an experience in their community, on a trail that maybe their peers have been on, but they haven’t,” says Paul Green, CanAssist’s associate director of operations and technology development.
“What’s most valuable is that the system is flexible. You can load in any video, so the experience can evolve and stay relevant to different users and needs.”
Improving access, increasing impact
Using the simulator paired with the Motivex software helps the therapeutic riding association meet increasing demands for its programs and serve the needs of more people, including those who are unable to work directly with live animals. Riders can use the simulator to practise before riding a horse, or to warm up their muscles and build core strength. It’s also valuable for clients with behavioural challenges who need an outlet to release energy before a session with a horse.
“It has a wide range of uses: as an introduction to riding, as training, as therapy,” says Paul. “It’s a lower-risk option for someone who wouldn’t be safe on a horse. It also allows therapists in the community to access equine-assisted therapy in a way that wouldn’t be possible otherwise, given the limited number of trained professionals and live horses available.”
This simulator marks the third collaboration between CanAssist and VTRA, part of a 15-year relationship that has also produced custom saddle supports for riders with cerebral palsy and innovative access steps for cart-riding programs. Paul attributes the success of this particular project to the strengths and interests of everyone involved.
“This opportunity was a way to help the VTRA address an unmet need in the community by harnessing the Farmers’ support and CanAssist’s ability to build that solution,” he observes.
“CanAssist brought this idea to me and it was just the thing that we had been waiting for,” says Liz Gagel, executive director of VTRA. “We are so grateful that with the donation of this riding simulator, more people, with even more diverse abilities, will be able to access our programs.”
"CanAssist brought this idea to me and it was just the thing that we had been waiting for. We are so grateful that with the donation of this riding simulator, more people, with even more diverse abilities, will be able to access our programs."
—Liz Gagel, executive director of VTRA
Witnessing generosity in action
Beyond their philanthropy, Murray and Lynda have a deep and rich history of supporting the university.
Murray—a UVic alumnus, former member and chair of UVic’s board of governors and former chancellor—has been instrumental in advancing the university’s mission. Lynda, known for her outstanding community leadership and volunteer work, was given honorary alumna status by UVic—reflecting her active support and engagement with the university during her spouse’s two terms as chancellor. Together, they’ve supported multiple initiatives across the university.
“We didn't get into riding until quite a bit later in life,” says Murray. “But we'd always admired horses, and once we did start riding, eventually, we built our own equestrian facility. So we really got the bug.”
Through these experiences, the couple developed a deep appreciation for the horse–human relationship and its therapeutic benefits.
“Clients really connect with the horses,” says Murray. “These animals anticipate—they sense how the client is feeling, whether they’re nervous or happy. There’s a real bond there.”
The Farmers saw their vision come to life during a special unveiling event in May, when a six-year-old boy named Casey became the simulator’s first official user.
“We came away feeling that our action had, in some small way, helped create an experience for more people to connect with horses and share in the therapeutic benefits they can provide.”
—Lynda Farmer
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