| CURRENT PROGRAM | HISTORY: 1983 to Present |

PARD Therapeutic Riding is a Peterborough area not-for-profit organization. It is operated solely by volunteers and a certified instructor supervises each riding session. The program is open to individuals of all ages and is beneficial to riders with many different disabilities, including: cystic fibrosis, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, spina bifida, cerebral palsy, stroke, accidental injury, and visual & hearing challenges.

Using the abilities of the rider, PARD provides individualized riding instruction. The "three-dimensional" motion of a walking horse mimics human walking and stimulates the rider, helping to enhance balance, posture, mobility, co-ordination and strength. By adding other exercises or movement, we can help rehabilitate specific parts of the rider's body.

Safety is our primary concern. Helmets are provided and must be worn. Each rider is assisted by as many as three volunteers. The role of the volunteer is to provide physical and emotional support to the rider. Each horse has a lead person and one or two side-walkers dependant upon the degree of the rider’s abilities assists each rider.

PARD's riding program operates 2 days a week from May to October, weather permitting with riding facilities located just east of the Village of Keene.

PARD is financially dependent on support from the local community, businesses, service clubs and fund raising events. Please consider supporting this worthy program.

PARD Therapeutic Riding is affiliated with the Ontario Therapeutic Riding Association (OnTRA) and the Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association (CanTRA).

For an application to ride in the program, to volunteer, to make a donation, or for more information, please use the menu links to the left or call (705) 742-6441.