T.H.R.I.L. (Therapeutic Horsemanship & Riding in Lindsay)
Lindsay, Ontario
T.H.R.I.L. (Therapeutic Horsemanship & Riding in Lindsay) is a registered charity based at Field of Dreams Farm in Lindsay, Ontario. It offers therapeutic riding and horsemanship lessons with CanTRA-certified instructors for children, youth and adults with physical, intellectual or emotional challenges.
- Therapeutic riding lessons
- Therapeutic horsemanship
- Spring, summer and fall weekly sessions
- Programs for community groups and retirement residences
- Volunteer program
- Children, youth and adults (ages 4 and up)
- People with physical disabilities
- People with intellectual or developmental disabilities
- Autistic children and adults
- Riders with ADHD or learning disabilities
- Adults with acquired injuries such as stroke or brain injury
- Community day programs and retirement residences
More about this center
About the Program
T.H.R.I.L. has run therapeutic equine programs since 2014. It incorporated in 2018 and became a registered charity in 2019 (charitable number 76982 4913 RR0001). It is a member centre of the Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association (CanTRA) and says its instructors are CanTRA certified.
The program works with more than 30 participants a week. Riders need a diagnosed congenital or acquired disability, including conditions such as autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, social anxiety, learning disabilities, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, seizure disorders, visual impairment, global developmental delays, stroke, cancer, paralysis and brain injury. Lessons aim to build balance, muscle strength, hand-eye coordination, social skills and self-esteem. The centre also hosts groups such as Community Care Adult Day Program, Kawartha Adult Education and local retirement residences.
Getting Started
Lessons run Monday to Thursday between 9 am and 4 pm in three sessions: about 10 weeks in spring (April to June), 6 weeks in summer (July and August) and 8 weeks in fall (September and October). New riders fill in the registration form, physician's referral form, liability and photo release and participation agreement (plus a seizure release if needed), then send them to Kelly Russell at info@thril.ca.
Riders must weigh under 180 lbs (80 kg). Riders with Down syndrome need a negative x-ray for atlanto-axial instability, and severe scoliosis rules out riding. The centre says it is almost always fully subscribed, so it is worth applying early. Wear long pants and footwear with a small heel; sandals are not allowed in the barn, and helmets are provided.
The Horses and Volunteers
Most of the ponies and horses are leased to the program by their owners. They include Freya, a Norwegian Fjord/Percheron cross; Sandman, a calm Appaloosa gelding; Raymond, a Thoroughbred who raced for two years before becoming a Pony Club mount; and Kip, who is retired from riding but still works in the horsemanship and senior programs.
About 20 volunteers help with lessons, and one rider can need up to four volunteers. Volunteer application and release forms are on the website; contact info@thril.ca or 705-324-2756 to get involved.
Location
T.H.R.I.L. is at Field of Dreams Farm, 1072 Monarch Rd, Lindsay, ON K9V 4R1, in the City of Kawartha Lakes. Phone 705-324-2756 or email info@thril.ca.
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 much do lessons cost?
Lessons are $60 per ride, paid in advance for the session. Donations, sponsors and local business discounts help keep fees low. See our guide to equine therapy costs.
Who can ride?
Riders aged 4 and up with a diagnosed disability and a doctor's referral. Riders must weigh under 180 lbs (80 kg), and some medical conditions rule out riding.
How do I sign up?
Fill in the new-participant forms, sign them and send them to info@thril.ca. Programs fill quickly, so register before each spring, summer or fall session.
When are lessons held?
Monday to Thursday, 9 am to 4 pm, in spring, summer and fall sessions with breaks in between.
Location
Lindsay, Ontario K9V 4R1
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.