Most of you know of THRIL, Therapeutic Horsemanship & Riding In Lindsay, a local charity and accredited CanTRA centre, dedicated to providing therapeutic sessions for individuals with disabilities and challenges using horses and ponies with adaptive riding and horsemanship lessons, which brings immense joy into their lives, while strengthening bodies, engaging minds and improving social and vocalization skills and enhancing their self-confidence. We continue to provide these weekly sessions from April to November with our amazing staff, certified instructors and volunteers at as low cost as possible, and constantly search for support and grants to keep the participant fee as low as possible
In 2026, we embarked with a pilot program, extending our services to provide an opportunity for seniors’ homes to plan a visit to the farm, and enjoy some time with our horses and ponies in the indoor arena. The participants came with their wheelchairs, walkers and canes into our accessible facility, using the City of Kawartha Lakes, LIMO services and the interaction that followed gave birth to the name of this program Manes and Memories. We had 6 visits from 5 different residences, and our goal in 2027 is to reach more seniors/residences so that each week a different group of 15 seniors is welcomed with a whinny and whiskers and the ensuing laughter that comes from a joyful, fulfilling experience. Costs for this program that runs May to October, are expected to be $3,000. Our vibrant staff member, Hannah has just completed a specialized course for dementia and Alzheimers and has been spearheading this program.
Our expansion doesn’t stop there. We are in the early stages of creating another program that we are proud to be a part of. With your help to cover the costs, THRIL is opening the program of Equine Assisted Wellness, for a semi-monthly 2-hour session for First Responders to run year-round. Paramedics, police and firefighters, hospital staff will be invited to drop in on
support
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This program is so helpful in making a young person more empathetic, and more confident in the ability to succeed, and to help both horses and people.
My son Liam was one of the first individuals to participate at THRIL over 10 years ago. Liam has a severe seizure disorder and is non-verbal. This incredible program allows my son to enjoy all of the benefits of riding a horse in a safe and inclusive environment. The smile on Liam’s face when he is trotting is proof that THRIL changes lives, one ride at a time!
As a volunteer at THRIL I am fortunate to witness what this program does for its participants. Every session is tailored to the specific needs of each individual. The horses and the staff are amazing. This year’s addition of the senior’s sessions has been very well received and I am excited about the new Equine Assisted Wellness program that is in the works. Highly recommend participation in one of THRIL’s programs.
Continued…
Maggie was 6 years old at the time, and her childhood was taken! She developed a lot of insecurities, ie: never leaving my side, scared to lose someone else she loves, and I could see the toll it had taken on her over the years… although she has been an amazing kid… there was something always sad in Maggie.
When we came to the program over a year ago now, Maggie’s love for horses, the wonderful staff and the program itself is making the most significant positive changes in her.
Maggie
How do you SUM up your daughter’s happiness in a few words?
And also try to give thanks to the program T.H.R.I.L that made that possible.
Let me explain a few things first to help you understand the magnitude of positive change this program has given my 11 year old daughter and myself seeing these beautiful changes in her mental well-being and happiness.
Almost 5 years ago, Tragedy hit! Changed our lives completely.
Maggie’s beloved dad died by suicide. He was a Police Officer.
I just want to say we love this program, it has been so helpful. My daughter has autism & ADHD & has always had a hard time committing to anything.. this is the first time that she is always looking forward to weekly class. We have found a new love for horses,& how they keep her calm and engaged. She has learned so much,& is continuing too weekly. This program has the best ppl who very attentive, caring, knowledgeable & they tweak things to the individual making them feel safe & Confident.