Georgian Riding Association for Challenged Equestrians
Owen Sound, Ontario
The Georgian Riding Association for Challenged Equestrians, known as G.R.A.C.E., is a registered charity with stables just outside Owen Sound, Ontario. It offers therapeutic riding lessons and a hippotherapy program for children and adults with physical, developmental, emotional or mental health challenges in Grey and Bruce counties.
- Therapeutic riding lessons
- Hippotherapy with a registered physiotherapist
- Lead line classes
- Seasonal programs in spring, summer and fall
- Riders of all ages and levels
- Children and adults with physical disabilities
- People with developmental disabilities
- People with emotional or mental health challenges
- Children with autism
- Families in Grey and Bruce counties
More about this center
About the Program
G.R.A.C.E. says its programs are led by certified instructors and therapists, with trained volunteers supporting the horses and riders. Lessons run as seasonal programs in spring, summer and fall. Goals include balance, posture, strength, concentration, confidence and communication.
Sandra Hall, a registered physiotherapist with more than 20 years of experience who runs a private pediatric practice, uses hippotherapy as part of treatment at G.R.A.C.E. In hippotherapy, the horse's movement is used to work on a patient's motor, sensory and cognitive goals.
The Horses and Team
The herd includes seven horses: Kate, Black Beauty, Rocky, Reggie, Misty, Romeo and Paisley. Misty, a small paint pony, is a good fit for first-time and nervous riders and works in lead line classes and hippotherapy. Romeo, a Gypsy Vanner, also works in hippotherapy and lead line classes and can carry heavier riders. Black Beauty, a Standardbred mare, is often chosen for more advanced riders.
A board of directors oversees the charity. Renee Robins, a riding instructor for more than 25 years, is president. Aunalea Cruickshank, a director and the program and volunteer coordinator, has taught elementary school for more than 23 years and holds a specialist qualification in special education.
History
G.R.A.C.E. was incorporated as a registered charity in 1990. It works out of the former Wicklen Stables property, where the barn dates to about 1975. The McLeese family bought the farm in 1995 and has leased it to G.R.A.C.E. for more than 25 years.
Volunteering
Volunteers must be at least 13 years old, and no horse experience is needed. New volunteers receive orientation and training. Contact Aunalea Cruickshank at kemblehorses@gmail.com to get involved.
Location
The stables are at 223047 Grey Road 17B, Owen Sound, ON N4K 6V5, in Georgian Bluffs just outside Owen Sound. The mailing address is P.O. Box 992, Owen Sound, ON N4K 6H6. Programs serve Grey and Bruce counties.
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 sign up a rider?
For program questions, contact Aunalea Cruickshank at kemblehorses@gmail.com or 519-371-6539. General questions go to info@graceriding.ca or 519-372-2721.
Who can take part?
G.R.A.C.E. serves riders of all ages and levels who have physical, developmental, emotional or mental health challenges, mainly from Grey and Bruce counties.
When do programs run?
Programs run seasonally in spring, summer and fall. Ask the program coordinator for current session dates and costs.
Location
Owen Sound, Ontario N4K 6V5
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.