Bearfoot Ranch
Canton, Georgia
Bearfoot Ranch is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit equestrian center and horse rescue on Cumming Highway in Canton, Georgia. According to its website, it provides therapeutic riding lessons and other riding activities for children and individuals with special needs. Many of its rescued horses now work in the lesson program.
- Therapeutic riding lessons
- Equine-assisted activities for people with special needs
- Rides on the ranch's trails
- Seasonal horse camps
- P.E. Homeschool with Horses
- Gymkhana pony games
- Horse rescue and rehabilitation
- Volunteer opportunities
- Children with special needs
- Individuals with special needs
- Children with autism
- Riders of all ages and experience levels
- Homeschool students
- Local youth and special needs programs
More about this center
About the Program
The ranch says it was founded in 1997 by Darrith Russell and a group of horse lovers who believed rescued horses and children with special needs could help each other. Its mission is to provide therapeutic riding lessons in a safe, effective and compassionate environment.
A 2023 Atlanta News First report described the ranch as a safe space for children with autism, some of whom also have ADHD or other behavioral challenges. The ranch says it provides horses for Camp Twin Lakes and Walker Therapy, and that it helped establish a Special Olympics program and served as coaches for eight years.
The Horses and Staff
Bearfoot Ranch reports caring for more than 40 rescued horses and placing 26 in permanent homes last year. It is also home to eight Heck-line Tarpan horses through a conservation program.
Darrith Russell leads the ranch and lists more than 40 years of barn management experience. Lori McDade, treasurer and volunteer coordinator, schedules lessons. The website does not list a riding instructor certification or accreditation.
Volunteering
The ranch relies on volunteers for horse care and maintenance and takes volunteer sign-ups through its website. Sponsoring a horse is another way it lists to support the program.
Location
Bearfoot Ranch is at 12976 Cumming Hwy, Canton, GA 30115, in Cherokee County north of Atlanta. Visits are by appointment only, Tuesday through Saturday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. The ranch is closed Sunday and Monday.
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 for therapeutic riding lessons?
The website does not describe an enrollment process. Call (678) 805-7433 or email info@bearfootranch.org; the ranch says its volunteer coordinator schedules lessons.
How much do lessons cost?
Call (678) 805-7433 to ask about current rates. Our guide to equine therapy costs explains typical pricing.
Can I visit the ranch?
Yes, by appointment only, Tuesday through Saturday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Does the ranch offer camps?
Yes. The ranch lists Winter Adventures horse camps on November 23-25 and December 21-23, 2026.
Location
Canton, Georgia 30115
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.