SARI Therapeutic Riding
Arva, Ontario
SARI Therapeutic Riding is a registered charity on a 13.2-acre campus in Arva, just north of London, Ontario. It offers adaptive riding, occupational therapy that uses hippotherapy, unmounted horsemanship programs and a summer camp. It serves about 350 participants a year, most of them people with disabilities.
- Adaptive (therapeutic) riding
- Occupational therapy using hippotherapy
- Grooming program (unmounted)
- Beyond the Saddle life skills program for young adults
- Britches half-day farm programs
- Camp SARI summer camp, ages 6 to 18
- Children and adults with physical, cognitive or emotional disabilities
- Young adults with disabilities
- Participants of all abilities (Britches programs and summer camp)
More about this center
About the Program
Syd and Jeanne Greenberg founded SARI in 1978 in memory of their daughter Sarah (Sari), who had Down syndrome. SARI has more than 20 horses and about 250 volunteers each week. Lisa Citton-Battel is the executive director and Rebecca Parisian is the head instructor.
Therapeutic riding lessons are 30 minutes, once a week, and are tailored to each rider's goals, such as balance, coordination and confidence. Riders who are anxious or not ready to ride can start with the grooming program, which covers grooming, treats, short walks and arena games. Beyond the Saddle offers unmounted activities such as horsemanship, cooking and nature walks. Britches programs are half-day farm visits open to all abilities.
Occupational therapist Jessie Wilson assesses participants in mounted programs who have an identified medical need. SARI also offers OT sessions of 8 to 10 weeks that use hippotherapy, led by a certified occupational therapist, with places decided by the therapist and the program manager.
Getting Started
Send the Program Application and Waiver form to the program manager at programmanager@sari.ca. Mounted programs also need a Physician Referral form. The program manager confirms a spot when one opens and books an initial OT assessment, and fees are paid in full before the start.
Lessons run in fall, winter and spring terms. Adaptive riding term fees range from $416 to $676, depending on the term and lesson day. Call 519-666-1123 to confirm current fees.
Volunteering
Volunteers must be at least 14, and those over 18 need a vulnerable sector check. Roles include horse leaders, side walkers, grooming helpers, camp and event volunteers. New volunteers attend an orientation. Email volunteer@sari.ca to apply.
Location
SARI is at 12659 Medway Road, Arva, Ontario N0M 1C0, on a 13.2-acre site with a barn, pastures and a riding arena. Call 519-666-1123 or email office@sari.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 do I enrol in adaptive riding at SARI?
Send the Program Application and Waiver form, plus a Physician Referral form for mounted programs, to programmanager@sari.ca. The program manager contacts you when a spot opens and schedules an OT assessment.
Do you need a disability to take part?
Adaptive riding, grooming and Beyond the Saddle are for participants with a disability. Britches programs and Camp SARI are open to people with and without disabilities.
How much do lessons cost?
Adaptive riding term fees range from $416 to $676 for 30-minute weekly lessons, depending on the term and lesson day. Call 519-666-1123 for current rates for other programs.
What is Camp SARI?
It is an integrated farm camp for children ages 6 to 18, with nine one-week sessions in July and August that include riding, horse care, crafts and games.
Location
Arva, Ontario N0M 1C0
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.