Special Equestrians Therapeutic Riding Association
Harrow, Ontario
Special Equestrians Therapeutic Riding Association (SpEqTRA) is a registered charity based in Harrow, Ontario, in Essex County. It offers individualized therapeutic riding for children and adults with mobility, cognitive, visual and hearing impairments, and it serves more than 50 clients.
- Individualized therapeutic riding lessons
- Equine-assisted recreation
- Assessment lesson for new riders
- Volunteer program (horse leaders and side walkers)
- Children with special needs
- Adults with special needs
- People with mobility impairments
- People with cognitive impairments
- People with visual or hearing impairments
- Riders with autism
- People recovering from stroke or brain injury
- People with learning disabilities or mental health concerns
More about this center
About the Program
SpEqTRA grew out of a 2003 discussion about local need and began in 2005 with five students. Lessons are planned around each rider's ability level and goals. The association runs five sessions a year, each four to six weeks long, with a one-week break between sessions and breaks over winter and summer. A six-week summer session may run when there is enough interest and enough instructors and volunteers.
New riders can join at any time. The program coordinator sends a student package of forms, including a physician referral and an atlanto-axial X-ray verification form, then the instructor, coordinator and applicant meet. If everything is in order, an assessment lesson is arranged before a regular riding time is scheduled.
The Horses and Staff
The herd includes four horses: Chelsea, a pinto Shetland pony for smaller riders; Luke, a chestnut Quarter Horse who showed in Western Dressage and trail; Cleo, a bay Quarter Horse who joined in 2024; and Rocket, a palomino Kentucky Mountain Horse whose sturdy build suits taller riders.
Bill hosts the program at his equine facility just outside Leamington. He has been an Equine Canada Western Certified Coach I since 1998 and is working toward instructor certification with the Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association (CanTRA). Robyn has volunteered since 2015, now teaches for SpEqTRA and is working toward becoming an instructor. A seven-member board of directors governs the association.
Volunteering
Volunteers age 14 and up serve as horse leaders and side walkers during weekly lessons, with scheduling set around their availability. No horse experience is needed, and a training clinic is provided. Volunteers need a current police check with vulnerable sector screening, and students looking for community service hours are welcome. Contact Liz Windsor at (519) 322-8365.
Location
SpEqTRA's mailing address is 3100 McCormick Road, Harrow, Ontario N0R 1G0. Lessons take place at a host equine facility just outside Leamington, so confirm the riding location when you register.
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 enroll a rider?
Call the program coordinator at (519) 322-8365 or email info@speqtra.ca. You will receive a student package of forms, then a meeting and an assessment lesson are arranged before a regular riding time is set.
When do sessions run?
SpEqTRA runs five sessions a year of four to six weeks each, with breaks over winter and summer. Riders can join at any time; call for current session dates.
How much do lessons cost?
Call (519) 322-8365 or email info@speqtra.ca to ask about current rates. Payment can be made by cash, cheque or e-transfer, for the full session, weekly or on a schedule agreed with the coordinator.
Location
Harrow, Ontario N0R 1G0
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.