Mini Royal 2024

 Therapeutic Riding Lessons provide individuals with disabilities and special needs the opportunity to ride horses in a safe and supported setting.

Lessons are taught by riding instructors certified through CanTRA, Path International and/or OEF.  Each class has a maximum of 4 riders so that there is a high ratio of individualized attention as well as the beneficial group dynamic.  Depending on the needs of the clients, the lessons incorporate riding skills and/or mounted games to address therapy and riding goals.

CARD runs three distinct sets of classes: the Mounted Therapy program, the Ground program and the Friends of CARD program.

Mounted Therapy Classes: There are 4 “levels”, Therapy 1, Therapy 2 and Therapy 3.  Riders are grouped by age, ability and goals. For riders 8 yrs and older, these levels are further differentiated by the sub-categories Physical, Cognitive, Dual and Sport, indicating the primary teaching focus of the class.

Ground Programs: The ground programs are run for external groups, such as a school class, or special needs organization. The focus is on working with the horse from the ground to learn how to groom and interact with the horse. It is not a riding program. Taking place at need, these programs have wide-ranging applications and are customized to the groups they serve, with a focus on skills that are transferable to real-life applications such as communication, empathy, and problem-solving.

Friends of CARD: An able-bodied, skills-based program, this class is available to CARD volunteers who wish to return to riding in a safe and supported environment.  Participants must know how to groom and tack without assistance and be able to trot independently. This class is not suitable for first-time riders. Non-CARD volunteers will be considered for participation on an individual basis.

Please refer to the Program Calendar for detailed dates.

WINTER SESSION 2026:  January 12-March 14

SPRING SESSION 2026:  April 7-June 19

SUMMER SESSION 2026: July 6-August 21

FALL SESSION 2026: September 21-December 5

If you are a new rider or wish to register a new rider click below:

Register for an Assessment