🐴 Non-Profit Spotlight: Pride Stables

In the Waterloo Region, horses are helping transform lives every day. Pride Stables is dedicated to creating a safe and supportive environment where individuals with disabilities can experience the transformative benefits of a high-quality therapeutic riding program. Through the power of horses and the dedication of volunteers, Pride Stables inspires personal growth and fosters therapeutic development. Their vision is simple but powerful: A special place where horses empower people. Through their dedication, Pride Stables strives to make a lasting impact on the lives of those they serve — one ride at a time. 💛 Why It Began Founded in 1973 as the Central Ontario Developmental Riding Program (CODRP), Pride Stables has a long history of serving the community. Incorporated in 1974, the program initially operated at Pineview Stables in Shakespeare, leasing facilities to meet growing demand. In 1988, CODRP relocated to its current home on Pioneer Tower Road in Kitchener, a property lovingly named Pride Stables. Today, Pride Stables is the only therapeutic riding program serving Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, and the surrounding region. With a 30-stall barn, indoor riding arena, and 20 acres of land, Pride Stables provides therapeutic riding opportunities to more than 350 children and adults with disabilities each year. Their commitment remains steadfast: delivering safe, high-quality therapeutic riding programs while building a strong foundation for future growth. 🧡 Who They Serve & Their Impact Pride Stables provides therapeutic riding programs for individuals with disabilities, fostering growth, connection, and empowerment. Each week, more than 340 riders from Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo, and surrounding communities participate in classes supported by an incredible team of dedicated volunteers. Programs Year-Round Classes Offered throughout the fall, winter, and spring, these lessons are tailored to each rider’s abilities, teaching the fundamentals of horseback riding while promoting personal development and social connections. Camp Pride Their summer day camp provides eight weeks of fun, inclusion, and learning for nearly 200 children each year, supported by passionate volunteers. Benefits of Therapeutic Riding Therapeutic horseback riding combines the horse’s natural movement with targeted exercises to: • Simulate human walking motion • Provide passive heat massage to relax or stimulate muscles • Improve muscle strength, flexibility, and coordination Beyond the physical benefits, riders build meaningful relationships with their horses, volunteers, and instructors, enhancing overall well-being and confidence. Their Team Pride Stables is supported by: • 3 full-time staff • 3 part-time staff • 3 certified instructors • A dedicated Board of Directors • More than 350 volunteers Together, they bring the mission of Pride Stables to life. 🚨 Current Needs Pride Stables is currently looking for volunteers for Camp Pride, their summer day camp program. Volunteers do not need horse experience but must be at least 15 years old and attend a two-hour orientation session. They are also seeking horse sponsors, with 11 horses currently in need of sponsorship support. For sponsorship information, contact: info@pridestables.com 🤝 How You Can Support There are many ways to support Pride Stables: • Volunteer with Camp Pride or other programs • Sponsor a horse • Make a donation to support therapeutic riding programs Every contribution helps ensure individuals with disabilities can continue experiencing the life-changing benefits of therapeutic riding. Pride Stables is a place where horses empower people, confidence is built one ride at a time, and every participant is given the opportunity to grow, connect, and thrive. 🐴💛