TJ Stables is a fully accessible equestrian facility located in Chatham, Ontario, dedicated to creating positive connections between people and horses through riding lessons, equine experiences, and therapeutic riding programs. The facility offers inclusive horseback riding opportunities for all ages and abilities, with a strong focus on education, confidence building, safety, and developing lifelong relationships with horses.
Home to the Acceptional Riders Therapeutic Riding Program, TJ Stables provides accessible equine-assisted services for children through adults with disabilities. Since 1992, the program has helped participants develop riding skills, independence, confidence, and physical abilities through individualized therapeutic riding and equine-assisted learning experiences.
About This Program
TJ Stables provides therapeutic riding through its Acceptional Riders program, a charitable therapeutic equine program designed for individuals with disabilities. The program combines horseback riding instruction with therapeutic goals to support physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development. Riders participate in individualized programs taught by qualified instructors and supported by trained horses and volunteers.
In addition to therapeutic riding, TJ Stables offers Equine Assisted Learning (EAL), a non-riding program where participants engage in structured activities with horses to develop communication skills, confidence, problem-solving abilities, empathy, responsibility, and self-awareness. Horses serve as partners and teachers during these experiential learning activities.
Services Offered
- Therapeutic horseback riding lessons
- Acceptional Riders therapeutic riding program
- Equine Assisted Learning (EAL)
- Adaptive riding instruction
- Individualized riding programs
- Group therapeutic riding sessions
- Private riding sessions
- Horsemanship education
- Horse connection experiences
- Western riding lessons
- Trail riding experiences
- Accessible equestrian activities
- Volunteer opportunities
- Community equine education programs
Who They Serve
TJ Stables may be good for:
- Children with disabilities
- Teens and adults with disabilities
- Individuals with autism spectrum disorder
- Individuals with Down syndrome
- Individuals with cerebral palsy
- Individuals with developmental delays
- Individuals with attention and behavioral challenges
- Individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, or trauma-related challenges
- Riders seeking adaptive horseback riding opportunities
- Families looking for inclusive equestrian activities
- Individuals interested in equine-assisted learning
Facility and Setting
TJ Stables is located at 837 Gregory Drive East, Chatham, Ontario, Canada. The facility is designed to be fully accessible and provides indoor and outdoor riding opportunities, allowing riders to participate in equestrian activities throughout the year. The stable offers a welcoming environment where participants can learn about horses, develop riding skills, and build confidence through positive horse-human interactions.
The facility also provides beginner-friendly riding lessons, trail riding experiences, and accessible accommodations for individuals with special needs. Certified instructors, gentle horses, and supportive staff help create a safe and encouraging environment for every participant.
What Makes Them Unique
TJ Stables stands out for its commitment to accessibility and inclusion. The facility welcomes riders of all ages and abilities and combines recreational riding, therapeutic riding, and equine-assisted learning within one comprehensive equestrian environment.
The Acceptional Riders program is a defining part of TJ Stables’ mission, providing therapeutic riding opportunities that help individuals with disabilities experience the physical, emotional, and social benefits of working with horses. Through specially trained horses, qualified instructors, and individualized programming, the organization helps riders achieve personal goals while building confidence and independence.