Therapeutic Riding Program

Confidence, Emotional Regulation & Connection Through Horses

The therapeutic horseback riding programs at the Horse Therapy Centre of Canada is a structured, group-based experience that uses horseback riding to support mental and emotional wellness. Led by registered social workers and psychotherapists, this program offers a safe, supportive space where participants can practice real-world skills like self-regulation, confidence-building, and social awareness, all through the unique rhythm and relationship of horseback riding.

This is not psychotherapy, and there are no individualized treatment plans. Instead, riders engage in skill-based, emotionally supportive riding and emotional regulation activities within a group format to help develop and practice important psycho-emotional skills.

Services Covered by Most Benefits Providers

Smiling rider enjoying a peaceful therapeutic horse riding experience at the farm

What the Program Offers?

🔸Weekly group riding sessions at the walk/trot level

🔸 Led by registered therapists and social workers

🔸 Gentle, well-trained therapy horses

🔸 A safe, calm, and structured farm environment

Emphasis on practicing:

🔸Confidence and body awareness

🔸Mindfulness and calmness

🔸Connection with animals and peers

This therapeutic horseback riding is designed for individuals who benefit from structured, movement-based emotional support in a group, not from individualized therapy or behaviour-focused interventions. If you are looking for these programs, please reach out to our office for more information.

Who This Program Is For?

✔️ Individuals (ages 7+) working on emotional wellness, self-regulation, or confidence

✔️ Those drawn to animals and outdoor environments as part of their support system

✔️ Youth who benefit from routine, structure, and psychoeducational learning

✔️ Participants who can ride independently at a walk/trot level

✔️ Families looking for a non-clinical, emotionally supportive experience through equine therapeutic riding

Child receiving a therapeutic horse riding lesson with gentle support and safety equipment

Participation Requirements

To ensure a safe and successful group experience, participants must:

🔸 Be able to mount, dismount, and ride independently or with minimal support

🔸Be physically able to maintain balance and movement on horseback

🔸Be emotionally regulated enough to participate safely in a group setting

🔸Be seeking general emotional support and skill-building, this is a horse therapeutic riding program, not psychotherapy or behaviour therapy

To ensure a safe and successful group experience, participants must not:

🔸Require lifting, side-walking, or physical accommodations

🔸Exhibit physical or verbal aggression, frequent elopement, or self-injurious behaviours

🔸Engaged in high-risk behaviour

🔸Require a clinical setting or 1:1 support (Note: this program is in conjunction with the Equine Assisted Therapy program for those needing psychotherapy)

Therapeutic horse riding helping a rider build confidence and connection with the horse

Riding Lessons Are Required Before Joining the Group

🔸All riders, including adults, must demonstrate the ability to mount, dismount, and ride safely at the walk/trot without hands-on support.


🔸This is essential to maintaining a safe and structured group environment.


🔸Riders who do not yet meet this requirement must complete private riding lessons first.


🔸Lessons focus on building foundational skills, confidence, and control for group readiness.


🔸Most participants require 3 to 10 lessons before transitioning into a group, though this varies by individual.


🔸Our team will assess each rider’s readiness to ensure a safe and successful experience for everyone.

Therapeutic Riding

This form is for anyone interested in Therapeutic Riding. Once we receive this form, we will promptly send you more information.

These services can be covered by JumpStart, Jordan's Principle and most insurance providers! (Social Work)

Fill out the form below for more information.

Manulife clients, please be advised the Manulife Canada does not cover these services.

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