ConnectWell Therapeutic Riding Program
Carleton Place, Ontario
The Therapeutic Riding Program is run by ConnectWell Community Health, which provides health, developmental and social services in Renfrew, Lanark, and Leeds and Grenville counties. The program offers horseback riding to people with developmental or physical disabilities, for therapy, rehabilitation and recreation. Riders range from age 3 to over 60.
- Therapeutic riding lessons
- Individualized lessons supported by trained volunteers
- Volunteer opportunities in lessons, horse care and fundraising
- Horse sponsorship
- Children and adults (ages 3 to over 60)
- People with developmental disabilities
- People with physical disabilities
- Autism, ADHD and learning disabilities
- Cerebral palsy, spina bifida and Down syndrome
- Stroke, brain injury and spinal cord injury
- Vision and hearing loss
- Children at risk
More about this center
About the Program
The program uses therapeutic riding to build functional riding skills that support physical and mental well-being. Riders have a wide range of orthopedic, neurological and other conditions, including cerebral palsy, spina bifida, Down syndrome, stroke, spinal cord injury, amputation, brain injury, vision and hearing loss, learning disabilities, ADHD, global developmental delay and autism. Children at risk also take part.
The Horses
The herd includes Badonkadonk, which ConnectWell calls Lanark County's first therapy donkey; Boots Scootin' Boogie, a Newfoundland cross; Mickey, a Friesian and Quarter Horse cross; and Cooper, a Quarter Horse. Each horse costs about $8,000 a year for health care, feed and shelter. Supporters can sponsor a horse's vet care ($500 a year), farrier care ($1,000), hay and grain ($2,500), or shelter and tack ($4,000).
Volunteering
Volunteers receive training to help with individualized lessons, work with the horses and support fundraising. Sign-up is through ConnectWell's volunteer services.
Location
ConnectWell's Carleton Place office is at 30 Bennett Street, Carleton Place, Ontario, and the Therapeutic Riding Program is one of the services based there. Lessons may take place at a separate barn, so contact the program to confirm where riders go. The program serves Lanark and Renfrew 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.
Who can ride?
The program is for people with developmental or physical disabilities. Riders range from age 3 to over 60.
How do I register or ask about cost?
Call the program at 613-257-7121 ext. 3238 or email abooth@connectwell.ca to ask about enrollment, schedules and current rates. See also our guide to equine therapy costs.
Can I volunteer?
Yes. ConnectWell trains volunteers to help with lessons, horse care and fundraising. Sign-up is through ConnectWell's volunteer services.
Location
Carleton Place, Ontario K7C 4J9
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.