Grooming Program

For those who do not wish to ride, or for whom riding is a contraindication, TEAD’s grooming program is a fantastic alternative for individuals who are:

  • Not approved to join our therapeutic riding program due to medical contraindications
  • Want to learn about & spend more time with horses on the ground before learning to ride
  • Afraid of heights
  • Nervous around horses & looking for a slower approach
  • Looking to get the therapeutic benefits of being around horses without riding

This program is highly tailored towards participants’ individual needs and goals.  Some examples of topics participants will explore (but are not limited to) are:

  • How to behave around & communicate with horses
  • Learning how to thoroughly groom & tack up a horse
  • Stable management & aspects of horse care
  • Colours, marking, and breeds of horses
  • How to lead a horse
  • Horse psychology & behaviour

Lesson Fees (8 to12-week commitment)

  • Assessment: $45 for 30 minutes, one-time only before registration
  • $65 each for 30 minutes for a private session
  • Annual membership fee: $15

*Grooming sessions are private unless otherwise requested.  Email troton@tead.on.ca regarding semi-private or group sessions.*

**Grooming lessons are a recreational activity and not a therapy, therefore are not billable under most insurance plans.**

How to Get Started

The intake process for our therapeutic riding program is simple and straightforward.

  1. Start by filling out our intake form, and click on the navy blue ‘Register’ button. We use Amilia SmartRec for assessment, therapeutic riding, grooming, and summer camp registration.  If you are having difficulty navigating the site, contact troton@tead.on.ca or view their online help centre.
  1. Our staff will be in touch about your goals, appropriate program options, and next steps once the intake form is submitted.
  1. Once received, the intake forms will be reviewed by our occupational therapist, Can-TRA-certified instructors, and office staff to ensure individuals with medical conditions can safely be supported.
  1. Next, an assessment will be conducted by one of our CanTRA- certified instructors to ensure appropriate supports, programming and goals.

Once a date and time have been decided, you will be sent a link to sign up for an assessment. Each assessment includes:

    • Tour of the barn, arena & tack room
    • Meeting some of our horses
    • Determining any equipment and / or volunteer supports needed
    • Determining a suitable horse(s)
  1. Afterwards, the applicant will be able to register for lesson spots online when they become available.

Our Program Resource Administrator can assist with every step of this process.  Email troton@tead.on.ca for any assistance. We look forward to welcoming you on the farm.

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