PARD Therapeutic Riding
Warsaw, Ontario
PARD Therapeutic Riding is a registered charity in Peterborough County, Ontario, offering assisted horseback riding for people of all ages and abilities. Lessons take place at Wendon Hills Equestrian Centre in Douro-Dummer Township near Warsaw, just north of Peterborough. PARD has operated for more than 40 years, is run entirely by volunteers, and its instructors are certified through CanTRA.
- Assisted therapeutic riding lessons
- Individualized lesson plans
- Independent riding program
- Small group lessons (1 to 4 riders)
- Volunteer opportunities
- Children and adults of all ages
- People with cerebral palsy
- People with multiple sclerosis or muscular dystrophy
- People with spina bifida
- People recovering from stroke or injury
- People with visual or hearing challenges
- People with cystic fibrosis
More about this center
About the Program
PARD's assisted therapeutic riding program runs on Tuesday and Thursday evenings for about 10 weeks over the summer. Each evening has four half-hour lessons with one to four riders each, and the program serves more than 20 riders. Each horse has a volunteer leader, with one or two side walkers beside the rider depending on the rider's needs. Helmets are provided and must be worn.
Certified instructors design an individual lesson plan for each rider, with input from the rider's caregivers and a physiotherapist or occupational therapist. Lessons take place in a non-clinical setting. PARD also runs an independent riding program, a three-season option with access to Wendon Hills' indoor arena.
Getting Started
The program is open to people in the Peterborough area who would benefit from therapeutic riding, regardless of age, ability or financial means. To apply, email PARD with a phone number, and a director will call to discuss the rider's situation. The rider application package, the Rider and Weight Policy and the Payment Expectations form must be submitted before a rider can join the waitlist.
Demand often exceeds space, so there is usually a waitlist. Each spring, riders are placed in open spots based on fit with a horse and group, not strictly first come, first served.
Instructors and Volunteers
PARD's instructors are Kathryn Carruthers (program coordinator and instructor), Wendy Carruthers, Chris Walker and Sarah Magee-Graham, all certified through CanTRA. Gemma Wood chairs the board.
Volunteers lead horses and walk beside riders on lesson nights, usually arriving around 5:30 p.m. No horse experience is needed. New volunteers over 18 submit a criminal record check, all volunteers complete AODA training, and volunteers under 16 need a parent or guardian present.
History
PARD grew out of the work of Rev. Bagot King-Edwards and his wife, Hope, who made a riding program for people with disabilities the project of their retirement, with early support from St. George's Anglican Church. The program later moved from Keene to its current home at Wendon Hills, its fifth location.
Location
Lessons are held at Wendon Hills Equestrian Centre, 1372 Fourth Line Road South, Douro-Dummer (Warsaw area), about 15 minutes north of Peterborough, Ontario. The mailing address is P.O. Box 1654, Peterborough, ON K9J 7S4.
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?
Email PARD with a phone number where you can be reached, and a director will contact you. The three required rider forms must be submitted before a rider is placed on the waitlist.
When do lessons run?
The assisted program runs Tuesday and Thursday evenings for about 10 weeks in the summer, with lessons starting at 6:00, 6:30, 7:00 and 7:30 p.m.
How much does it cost?
PARD says the program is open to riders regardless of financial means. Ask about current rates by email or at 705-742-6441; the Payment Expectations form is part of the rider package.
Location
Warsaw, Ontario K0L 3A0
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.