The Joyriders Therapeutic Riding Association of PEI
Hunter River, Prince Edward Island
The Joyriders Therapeutic Riding Association of PEI is a registered charity that has offered therapeutic riding for children and adults with disabilities since 1979. Lessons take place at River Trails Ranch in Hunter River, Prince Edward Island, with spring and fall riding sessions and a summer horsemanship program.
- Therapeutic riding (spring and fall sessions)
- Summer horsemanship program
- Introductory horsemanship with miniature horses
- "Bobbi" program with miniature horses
- Intake assessment by a physiotherapist and the chief instructor
- Children with disabilities
- Adults with disabilities
- Riders who use wheelchairs
More about this center
About the Program
The Joyriders was founded in 1979 and was a founding member of the Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association (CanTRA) in 1980. The riding center is CanTRA-accredited and its instructors are CanTRA-certified. The association is a federally registered charity (119239945RR0001) and a provincially incorporated nonprofit run by a volunteer board. It is funded by individuals, service clubs, businesses and granting agencies, and receives no government funding.
Programs run in spring, summer and fall at River Trails Ranch, owned by John and Kathryn Barrett.
The Horses and Staff
Kathryn Barrett is chief instructor and holds the CanTRA Coach certification, the highest CanTRA instructor level. Lauren MacIsaac and Gilles Richard are CanTRA Basic Instructors level 2 (CTRBI-2), qualified to teach two riders in a lesson. Daphne Davey, Doug Ellis and Marg Gray are CanTRA Basic Instructors (CTRBI). Annie Macartney, PT, is the consultant physiotherapist. Daphne Davey is board president.
Program horses include Pixie, Logan, Andy, Bobby, Jewel and Henry, along with miniature horses used in the introductory horsemanship and Bobbi programs.
Getting Started
To apply, email the Applications Coordinator at joyridersinfo2020@gmail.com for an application package, which includes a physician's referral form. Each applicant is assessed by the physiotherapist and chief instructor to check for contraindications, and acceptance depends on physical and other criteria.
A subsidized fee is charged for all lessons, and the Joyriders says no client is turned away because of cost.
Volunteering
Each rider in the spring and fall riding programs is supported by up to three volunteers, including a horse leader and side walkers. Volunteers must be at least 16, reasonably fit and comfortable around horses, and must attend a mandatory training session. Only graduates of the Leader Clinic lead horses during lessons. In the introductory horsemanship and Bobbi programs, volunteers help clients interact with the miniature horses. Contact the Volunteer Coordinator at joyridersinfo2020@gmail.com.
Location
Lessons take place at River Trails Ranch on Route 2 in Hunter River, Prince Edward Island. The association's mailing address is PO Box 20149, Charlottetown, PE C1A 9E3. The phone number (902) 368-4540 is a message center run by ParaSport and Recreation PEI, so ask for Joyriders information.
From public records, not yet reviewed by the center · Last updated Oct 2026 Suggest an edit
Common Questions
Answered from the center’s own website and public records.
How do I enroll a rider?
Email the Applications Coordinator at joyridersinfo2020@gmail.com to request an application package. The application includes a physician's referral, followed by an assessment with the physiotherapist and chief instructor.
Who can ride?
Children and adults with disabilities, including riders who use wheelchairs. Acceptance depends on physical and other criteria checked during the assessment.
How much do lessons cost?
Lessons are charged at a subsidized fee, and the Joyriders says no client is turned away because of cost. Contact joyridersinfo2020@gmail.com or (902) 368-4540 for current rates.
When do programs run?
Riding runs in spring and fall sessions, with a horsemanship program in summer.
Location
Hunter River, Prince Edward Island C0A 1N0
Questions to Ask When You Call
The center is the best source for these answers.
- Are you running now, and taking new riders?Start here. We couldn’t confirm a current schedule.
- Which ages and needs do you work with?Ask about experience with your rider’s specific condition.
- Is a licensed PT, OT or speech therapist involved?Therapist-led hippotherapy is usually the only kind insurance may cover.
- What does a session cost, and are there scholarships?Many nonprofit programs offer sliding scales or sponsored spots.
- Do you have a mounting ramp or lift?Important for riders who use a wheelchair or need help mounting.