WindReach Farm
Ashburn, Ontario
WindReach Farm is a registered charity and fully accessible farm in Ashburn, Ontario, north of Whitby, that describes itself as a centre for inclusion and personal achievement for people of all abilities. Its equine programs are therapeutic riding for riders with disabilities and ground-based Equine Assisted Learning. The farm also runs day visits, a summer camp, life-skills programs and animal care activities.
- Therapeutic riding (private, semi-private and group lessons)
- Equine Assisted Learning (ground-based, no riding)
- Riding programs for school groups
- Acres of Fun Summer Camp
- Learning-4-Life and Beyond the Farm Gate programs
- Day Visitor Program
- Overnight accommodations
- Children and adults with disabilities, age 2 and up
- People who cannot ride but want to work with horses
- Students from Durham District School Board, Durham Catholic District School Board and private schools
- People of all abilities
More about this center
About the Program
WindReach is a member of the Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association (CanTRA). Lessons are taught by Equestrian Canada and CanTRA certified instructors, or by instructors working toward certification. Riding is open to people with a disability who are 2 years of age or older, with a maximum rider weight of 165 lbs. One-time rides are not offered during day visits.
Riding runs in four seasonal sessions. Lessons take place Monday to Wednesday from 9 am to 8 pm, and Thursday and Saturday mornings. A private lesson (one rider, 30 minutes) is $75, a semi-private lesson (two riders, 45 minutes) is $70, and a group lesson (three to four riders, 60 minutes) is $60. A 5% property maintenance fee is added to all invoices.
Equine Assisted Learning sessions are done on the ground with the horses through structured activities that build communication, teamwork, leadership and problem-solving. Sessions are one hour on Monday and Friday evenings, at $50 per person for a group or $60 per person for a semi-private session of two.
History and Facility
WindReach was founded by Sandy Mitchell MBE, a three-time Paralympic equestrian who was born with cerebral palsy. He bought the property in 1985, the first full season of visitors came in 1988, the accessible stables were built in 2002 and the therapeutic riding program began in 2004.
The 105-acre farm has barrier-free design throughout, including wheelchair-accessible grounds, a nature trail and boardwalk, and fully accessible stables. Pets are not allowed on the property, but service animals are welcome.
Location
WindReach Farm is at 312 Townline Road, Ashburn, Ontario L0B 1A0, in Durham Region. The office and programs run on weekdays from about 9 am to 4:30 pm, with therapeutic riding also running some evenings and Saturday mornings. The public can visit on weekends only on special event dates.
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 register for therapeutic riding?
Complete the rider registration forms on the WindReach website, available online or as a PDF. Questions go to Maddy Shanks, Manager, Equine Programs, at equineprograms@windreachfarm.org.
Who can ride?
Therapeutic riding is for people with a disability who are 2 years of age or older, with a maximum rider weight of 165 lbs.
How much do lessons cost?
Riding lessons are $60 to $75 depending on format, and Equine Assisted Learning is $50 to $60 per person per session, plus a 5% property maintenance fee. See equine therapy costs for how this compares.
How do I contact the farm?
Call 905-655-5827 or email information@windreachfarm.org.
Location
Ashburn, Ontario L0B 1A0
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.