SpiritHorse Therapeutic Riding Center of Canton, Inc.
Canton, Connecticut
SpiritHorse Therapeutic Riding Center of Canton, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Canton, Connecticut. Its stated mission is to help each person with special needs reach their full potential through interaction with horses. It lists weekly therapeutic riding lessons for people of all ages with disabilities, plus several specialty programs.
- Weekly private therapeutic riding lessons (30 minutes)
- Dismounted lessons (leading, grooming, tacking up)
- Equicizer mechanical horse sessions
- Early Intervention Program for children under 5
- Teen mentorship lessons
- Half-day summer program
- Equine vocational agriculture (VOAG) program
- Girl Scout badge programs
- Children and adults with disabilities
- Children with autism
- Children under 5 (early intervention)
- Teens with disabilities
- People living with dementia
- High school and homeschooled students
- Children who are victims of abuse
- Girl Scouts
More about this center
About the Program
According to its website, riding sessions last 30 minutes with the rider in the saddle the whole time. Each lesson follows a plan for that rider and takes place in an indoor arena with a horse leader, a certified instructor and one or two sidewalkers. Instructors are described as certified by SpiritHorse International. Riders who are not ready to ride can start with dismounted lessons or on an Equicizer.
The site lists riders with autism, ADHD, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, developmental delays, intellectual disabilities and multiple sclerosis. It also describes a mentored riding program for children who are victims of abuse, a memory care program for people with dementia and a vocational agriculture program for high school and homeschooled students. The website does not say it offers hippotherapy.
Getting Started
Families start by completing the Rider Application on the Our Programs page. Tours and visits are by appointment.
Volunteers help as horse leaders and sidewalkers. The center says volunteers are screened through an interview and are subject to a background check.
Location
The center is at 174 Morgan Rd. in Canton, Connecticut, per its GuideStar profile. The website lists hours of Tuesday to Friday 9am to 7pm and Saturday 8am to 5pm. Call ahead to confirm current lesson times.
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?
Complete the Rider Application on the center's Our Programs page. The center aims to schedule riders within two weeks.
How much do lessons cost?
Call (860) 944-7967 to ask about current rates. See our guide to equine therapy costs for general context.
What ages does SpiritHorse serve?
The website says it serves people of all ages, with early intervention for children under 5, teen mentorship and a memory care program.
Are there programs for veterans?
The center's GuideStar profile lists free therapeutic riding or dismounted lessons for veterans and active-duty U.S. service members. This is not described on the website, so call to confirm it is current.
Location
Canton, Connecticut 06019
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.