Community Association for Riders with Disabilities
Toronto, Ontario
The Community Association for Riders with Disabilities (CARD) is a registered charity in Toronto, Ontario, and says it was incorporated in 1969 as Canada's first therapeutic riding centre. It offers therapeutic riding for children and adults with disabilities and special needs, along with non-riding ground programs for groups, from a dedicated facility in G. Ross Lord Park.
- Therapeutic riding (Therapy levels 1, 2 and 3)
- Physical, cognitive, dual and sport focus classes for riders 8 and older
- Ground programs for school and community groups
- Summer camp and summer program with integrated classes
- Friends of CARD riding class for volunteers
- Volunteer training
- Children and adults with disabilities and special needs
- Riders age 4 and up
- School classes and special needs organizations
- Volunteers age 13 and up
More about this center
About the Program
CARD's mounted program runs at three levels, Therapy 1, 2 and 3, with riders grouped by age, ability and goals. Riders 8 and older are placed in a physical, cognitive, dual or sport focus. Classes have no more than four riders, and CARD says its instructors are certified through CanTRA, PATH International and/or the Ontario Equestrian Federation.
Classes run in terms of 9 to 11 weeks, one lesson a week, with winter, spring and fall terms and a shorter summer session. Ground programs focus on grooming and interacting with the horses, are customized to each group, and are scheduled as needed for outside groups.
Getting Started
New riders apply online. CARD then sends three forms: one for the rider's physician, one for the client or parent, and one for an occupational therapist, physiotherapist or speech-language pathologist. Once these are reviewed, staff call to book an on-site intake assessment, which decides whether the program suits the rider and which classes to recommend. Accepted riders may need to wait for the next registration period.
Riders must be at least 4 years old and weigh under 160 lbs (73 kg). The intake assessment costs $100 (non-refundable), and lessons are $60 to $65 each depending on class type, paid up front for each term. Our guide to equine therapy costs explains how pricing compares.
History and Facility
CARD was founded by Dr. Reginald Renaud and Joseph Bauer and began at stables north of the city. In 1979 it moved to its permanent home, the Variety Club Equestrian Centre in G. Ross Lord Park, which Princess Anne opened. The fully accessible facility has a heated indoor arena, a barn for 19 horses with a wash stall and tack room, four paddocks, offices and a lounge.
Elaine Brooks is the executive director. Volunteers age 13 and up groom, tack up, lead horses and sidewalk with riders after training, with no horse experience required.
Location
CARD is at 4777 Dufferin Street, Toronto, Ontario M3H 5T3, in G. Ross Lord Park just north of Finch Avenue. The centre can be reached by transit, Wheel-Trans or car.
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 new rider at CARD?
Apply online, return the three forms CARD sends, and staff will call to book an intake assessment.
How much do lessons cost?
The intake assessment is $100 and lessons are $60 to $65 each, paid per term. Call 416-667-8600 or email info@card.ca to confirm current rates.
Can I volunteer at CARD?
Yes. Volunteers must be 13 or older, commit to one 2 to 4 hour shift a week for at least one full session, and provide a Vulnerable Sector Check from the last six months. CARD trains all new volunteers.
Location
Toronto, Ontario M3H 5T3
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.