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The Lanark County
Therapeutic Riding Program
Tel: (613) 257-7121 * Fax: (613) 257-2675 * Toll-free (800) 667-2617
E-Mail: info@therapeuticriding.ca
Offering a specialized form of horseback-riding to people with physical
and/or developmental disabilities in Lanark County since 1986.
The Benefits of Therapeutic Riding:

The benefits of riding as both physical and developmental therapy are widely accepted in Europe and elsewhere in North America. The physical benefits of riding take place as the movement of the horse is transferred in to the passive body of the rider. The three dimensional swinging gait of the horse causes the riders pelvis, trunk and shoulder girdle to react in ways very similar to those of a natural human walking gait. The gentle movement of the horse stimulates a natural instinct for the riders to balance themselves and maintain good posture. The riders typically go through a series of exercises that help to reduce spasticity, increase strength, coordination, flexibility and muscle control. Imagine the feeling of riding a horse for someone usually confined to a wheelchair.

Cognitively the riders develop their memory, their ability to concentrate, communication skills, the ability to plan and problem solve. As the rider's skills develop their self-esteem and confidence increases and they are encouraged to set higher goals for themselves. They are thrilled when they realize they can manoeuvre their horse through obstacle courses and compete in the games, races and activities during the riding lessons. The riders experience success and accomplishment which transfers into other areas of their lives as they realize they are capable of achieving challenging new goals.

The benefits of this unique holistic therapy include: * increased balance, coordination, flexibility, mobility, circulation and respiration * strengthened muscles and normalization of muscle tone * prevention of contractures * increased attention span and memory * building the rider's confidence, independence and self-esteem * responsibility, caring and love of horses

Who is eligible for lessons?

Therapeutic riding lessons are available to residents of Lanark County and the Ottawa Valley who are physically and/or developmentally handicapped, or at risk for developmental delay. Riders must obtain a doctor's referral and the following disabilities will be considered:

* amputation * arthritis * cerebral palsy * multiple sclerosis * muscular dystrophy * poliomyelitis * spina bifida * spinal cord injury * traumatic brain damage

* visual impairment * autism * developmental delay * Down Syndrome * hearing and speech impairment * hyper-activity * attention-deficit disorder * learning disabilities

When are the lessons offered?

In the Spring (April to June) and Fall (September to November) the lessons are given at various times and days throughout the week. In July and August, lessons are given mornings only, from Monday to Friday.

Where are the lessons held?

Lessons are offered at three locations in Lanark County: Huntingford Polo Farm on Dwyer Hill Road in Almonte, Cedar Rock Farm on Rathwell Road in Perth and Heroncrest Stable on Macpherson Road in Smiths Falls. (see MAP for locations)

How is the program run?

Lessons are designed specifically for each person and vary in length from 20 minutes to one hour. There is an opportunity to learn how to care for and groom horses, as well as learn basic riding skills. For persons with physical disabilities, the emphasis is on exercises and movement that will increase balance, coordination and muscle control while decreasing spasticity. Riders with developmental delays are involved in skill development that will help their memory, sequencing, attention span and concentration. A fun atmosphere with games and races helps to encourage participation, socialization and communication. An energetic team of more than 45 volunteers assists with lessons, fundraising and transportation. Training clinics are provided, and no experience is necessary. The Program does not receive on-going government support so funds are raised through lesson fees, support from the community and various fundraising events.

What is the cost?

The Therapeutic Riding Program does not receive on-going government support. Funds to run the program are raised through lesson fees (using a sliding scale), support from the community, grants and various fundraising events. The program is currently receiving some financial support from the Ontario Trillium Foundation and the Ministry of Tourism and Recreation. We also received support from the Perth Community Foundation and the Ontario Therapeutic Riding Association.

What about referrals?

Referrals and service inquires are welcome from any individual or group.

For more information, or to make a referral, call: 613-257-7121, ext. #236

The Participation of Volunteers:

In addition to offering a beneficial riding program which offers therapy, rehabilitation, cognitive, psychological and physical development, the Riding Program offers a valuable service to the community in recruiting and training a large number of volunteers. Nowhere is the community support for the Therapeutic Riding Program more evident than in its volunteers. We are very fortunate to have a terrific team of over forty five volunteers. Our dedicated group assist with leading and side walking during the lessons, driving riders to and from the lessons, helping with fundraising events and administration.

In addition to the volunteers who come from the community, who range in age from twelve to 73 years of age, we train volunteers Community Service Programs, as part of life skills training for Community Support Service Programs as well as high school students who are doing volunteer work as part of their curriculum. There is also a growing population of seniors and retired people who volunteer and enjoy getting out for some great exercise and experiencing the benefits and great strides that the riders make during their lessons.

Volunteer training sessions are given to new volunteers and there is also an extensive training program for volunteers who are interested in becoming certified through the Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association as Assistant Instructors. This certification is in two parts where the candidates must fulfil their Rider 1 Level through the Canadian Equestrian Federation as well as the Assistant Instructor Technical Evaluation and Exam through the Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association.
If you would like to participate in the program, can help in any way or would like further information please call: The Lanark County Therapeutic Riding Program, (613) 257-7121, -or- 1-800-667-2617, extension #236.

We are Members of:

The Lanark County Therapeutic Riding Program is a member of the Ontario Therapeutic Riding Association, The Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association, The North American Handicapped Riding Association, The Federation of Riding for the Disabled International, Driving for the Disabled Association, The North American Handicapped Riding Association, Equine Facilitated Wellness Canada, Equine Facilitated Mental Health Association and Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association.

Our Staff:

There are two Instructors who are Certified with the Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association (CanTRA) one of them being a Senior Examiner with the Certification Committee of CanTRA. There are two Certified Assistant Instructor and three volunteers who are currently in training for their Assistant Instructor Certification Currently there is one full time Coordinator/Instructor employed nine months of the year, one Instructor who works part, time seven months of the year and one summer student.

The Lanark Therapeutic Riding Program is a part of Lanark Community Programs and Lanark Health and Community Services. Lanark Community Programs houses The Language, Behavior, Infant Development Programs, Early Integration and Family Relief and Autism Programs. Lanark Community Programs is funded by The Ministry of Community and Social Services. The Therapeutic Riding Program however receives no on-going government funding and relys on fees for the riding lessons, fundrasing events, grants and support from the community.


Other Ottawa Valley Riding Programs

TROtt: Therapeutic Riding of Ottawa Carleton located south of Ottawa in Greely. Please call: 613-821-1844

Passage Equitation serves the bilingual Franco-Ontarian community in the Lower Ottawa Valley with weekly sessions addressing needs with respect to movement, learning, vision, hearing, social adjustment or mental health.. Together with Willowbank Farm Riding School, the residential and day programs combine therapeutic riding with nature and camping, a range of holistic health services and country accommodations. This year our health promotion programs focus on family. All programs share in community building, practice solitude and enjoy the benefits of therapeutic riding. Passage is based in Platangenent, east of Ottawa. Call (613) 673-415.

"Touch a Rainbow" at Terelisa Farm in North Augusta, (near Brockville) provides safe, well-supervised riding lessons to riders who have received medical approval and a physiotherapist's assessment. The riding lessons offer a relaxed social atmosphere in an outdoor farm environment. The Instructor works with the therapists and/or teachers. Call (613) 926-2116

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Benefits | Eligibility? | Where-When-How | Background | Links | Map | Home
Visit our Slide Show Photo Presentation
The Lanark County Therapeutic Riding Program
103 Judson Street
Carleton Place
Ontario, Canada
K7C 2S5
E-Mail: info@therapeuticriding.ca


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Site revised February 8 2010