Therapeutic riding is an equine-assisted activity for the purpose of contributing positively to the cognitive, physical, emotional, and social well-being of individuals with special needs. Therapeutic riding lessons are offered morning, afternoons and evenings, 6 days a week.  All our instructors are nationally certified and our horses were chosen for their temperament and suitability to therapeutic work.  Riding has many benefits including (but not limited to):

• development and improvement of balance and coordination
• mobilization of trunk & pelvis
• improvement of muscle tone and strength
• prevention of contractures
• increased concentration, motivation, and patience
• improved learning skills
• improvement of social integration
• access to recreation, sport and/or competition
• riders often experience a sense of control they might not otherwise feel in their everyday life

This program is suitable for you if you:

• love animals (especially horses!)
• want to increase your confidence, self-esteem, and have fun!
• want to learn a new activity
• want to make new friends
• want to improve your fitness
• seek independence

This program is not suitable for you if you:

• weigh over 170 lbs (we do offer unmounted grooming programs in this instance)
• have experienced a grand mal seizure within the last 6 months while taking medication, or within the last 12 months not taking medication
• have scoliosis greater than 30 degrees
• have significant behaviour issues that could be a contraindication for riding (this would be determined by our OT & the instructor who conducts your assessment)

Ratios: to be determined by the instructor who completes your assessment.  At least one instructor is always present for lessons, and the number of volunteers assisting depend on the needs of our individual riders.  If you need extra support or assistance, we have many wonderful volunteers who are there to help you.

Languages supported in the program: English

Program Hours: We offer a variety of lessons Monday through Saturday, from 9am to 7pm.

Dates: We offer lessons in sessions varying in length from 8 weeks to 12 weeks, depending on the season.  For specific session dates, please follow our social media or reach out to troton@tead.on.ca to subscribe to our mailing list.

How to become a rider in our program:

• All riders MUST have a completed medical form (signed by the rider’s physician) submitted to us (pages 5 & 6 are not required if not applicable). Please scan and email completed forms to troton@tead.on.ca
• If you require the medical form package, it can be found on our website, or email troton@tead.on.ca
• Once received, the forms are faxed to our OT at the Ron Joyce Children’s Hospital for approval.
• If approval is granted, a half hour, $45 unmounted assessment will be scheduled to determine which supports you’d require for your lessons.
• We have a weight restriction of 170lbs which is being strictly adhered to and forms part of our insurance policy.
• Riders with uncontrolled seizures need to be seizure free for 6 months on medication OR for one year without medication
• Masks are currently mandatory for all riders while the pandemic is ongoing, unless medically exempt. COVID rules may change as provincial guidelines are updated.
• Riders that require side walkers who are over 12 years of age must provide proof of full vaccination before they can begin their lessons, unless medically exempt. Please see our full vaccination policy here.

What else do I need to know?

• Approved riding helmets are provided until such time as you wish to purchase your own
• Riders are asked to wear a closed toed shoe or boot with a low heel (half inch)
• We provide specialized adaptive equipment as needed and special stirrups for riders who cannot wear boots.
• Coats should have a working zipper and gloves are recommended
• In cold weather, dress in layers as riders may get warm – it’s a workout!
• Long pants are essential (even in the summer) to prevent bruising/pinching from stirrup leathers
• Please avoid wearing slippery rain pants or pants/jeans that are too tight!

Your Support Staff

• All T.E.A.D. Instructors are Nationally certified and regularly update their qualifications
• All T.E.A.D. Instructors are certified in First Aid and CPR
• All our volunteers are trained in leading & side walking and have a criminal reference check.
• Leader: leads/controls the horse until the rider has learned how to do so themselves.
• Side walker: 1 or 2 trained volunteers who walk on either side of the rider giving either physical or emotional support as directed by the instructor.

Lesson Costs:

Private Lessons:

• $53 per lesson
• 30 minutes in length
• a single rider

Semi-Private Lessons:

• $49 per lesson
• 30 minutes in length
• two riders max.

Group Lessons:

• $47 per lesson
• one hour in length
• four riders max.

Organization: TEAD Equestrian Association for the Disabled, registered charity #889874970 RR 0001

Program Contact: Rachel Harper, Program Assistant. 905-679-8323 ext 226, or troton@tead.on.ca