For many families, Opening Gaits is more than a riding program. It’s a place where confidence grows, voices emerge, and people of all abilities experience freedom from the back of a horse. Samantha Lethbridge, the Executive Director at Opening Gaits, was nice enough to provide me with some information on their organization including the impact they have on our community.
A Mission Rooted in Possibility
Opening Gaits provides therapeutic riding lessons for people with conditions such as cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, autism, ADHD, vision impairments, and many others. Lessons are carefully adapted to meet each rider right where they are. The goal isn’t just riding; it’s growth, engagement, and the joy of experiencing something typically reserved for able-bodied individuals.
The organization’s motto captures the heart of their work: turning a disability into an ability.
Why Horses?
The power of the program lies in the unique partnership between horse and rider. A horse’s three-dimensional gait closely mimics natural human walking, which helps riders build balance, core strength, coordination, and motor planning in a way that feels instinctive rather than clinical.
But the benefits aren’t just physical. Horses connect without judgment, respond to body language, and provide instant, honest feedback. Riders develop communication skills, trust, confidence, and emotional regulation simply through the act of engaging with these gentle, responsive animals. For many participants, the barn becomes a place of grounding, pride, and accomplishment.
Meet the Herd Behind the Magic
Opening Gaits works with a team of seven special horses. One owned by the organization, one by the Executive Director, and the rest generously loaned. Most remain year-round, forming ongoing relationships with riders.
Therapy horses require exceptional temperaments: calm, intuitive, sound, and adaptable. Not every horse is suited for this work, making the current herd a true gift. Outside of class, volunteers ride them a few times a week to keep them fit and responsive. Staff and volunteers also visit daily to feed and check on them. They receive top-tier vet care, farrier work, bodywork, and plenty of pampering.
“They get more attention than humans,” Samantha joked, and you won’t find anyone disagreeing.
The Transformations Are Real
Therapeutic riding supports development on multiple levels:
Physical Strengthening
- Improved balance and posture
- Increased flexibility and range of motion
- Better coordination and motor sequencing
- Enhanced sensory integration
Emotional and Psychological Growth
- Increased self-esteem and independence
- Reduced anxiety and improved mood
- Motivation to try new challenges
Social Development
- Clearer communication skills
- Empathy and responsibility
- Stronger connections with peers, volunteers, and horses
Families frequently share how their loved ones count down the days until their next ride, talk about the horses at home, and carry the confidence built in the arena into everyday life.
A Story That Captures Everything
One young rider’s journey perfectly illustrates the heart of Opening Gaits. For three years, he participated in classes by helping to feed the horses and even leading them but, he refused to get on. Living with severe autism and mostly non-verbal, his parents had one simple wish: one photo of him sitting on a horse.
Last year, something shifted. Not only did he finally get on a horse, but he also now rides up to 20 minutes at a time. He’s begun speaking words like “walk on,” and his parents say he’s started forming small sentences at home.
Stories like this aren’t rare at Opening Gaits; they are the reason the organization exists.
Challenges They Continue to Navigate
Like most nonprofits, Opening Gaits faces ongoing pressures:
Financial Needs
- Rising costs of horse care
- Limited funding sources
- High expenses for adaptive equipment and facility upkeep
- Time-consuming search and application process for grants
Operational Hurdles
- Difficulty finding horses suitable for therapy work
- Always needing more volunteers
- Scheduling challenges with instructors, riders, volunteers, and horses
- Facility limitations that restrict expansion
Public Awareness
Many people don’t understand the depth and therapeutic impact of the program, which can make fundraising and outreach more difficult.
Looking Ahead
Over the next few years, Opening Gaits hopes to grow its capacity, strengthen its herd, and invest in facility improvements to better serve riders year-round. They aim to build more community partnerships, broaden funding sources, and provide ongoing training for volunteers and instructors.
Demand continues to rise. A waiting list is always present. With more volunteers and more funding, Opening Gaits could offer additional classes and reach more families.
A Royal Moment and a Big Win
2024 brought some exciting developments. Through a partnership with Spruce Meadows’ Leg Up Foundation and YETI, Opening Gaits raised $15,000 during a fundraiser at the Masters tournament.
And in May, after several security walkthroughs and a request to host a “high profile” visitor, the team discovered that guest was none other than HRH Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh.
She spent two hours watching classes, speaking with every rider, parent, and volunteer, and even met the horses. One of the horses, Nigel, bowed for her.
It was a moment no one at Opening Gaits will soon forget.
The People Who Make It All Possible
Behind every rider is a committed team:
- A nine-member board
- An Executive Director who also serves as the Equine Manager
- A volunteer coordinator/instructor
- Two additional instructors
- A roster of about 40 dedicated volunteers
Volunteers are the backbone of the organization. They lead horses, walk beside riders, assist instructors, and ensure every lesson is safe and supportive. With demand growing, Opening Gaits is always looking for more helping hands.
“We always need volunteers!” Samantha emphasized.
Community Involvement
The society currently has 55 members and around 40 active volunteers. Anyone wanting to get involved can reach out to Shirley or contact the organization through their website.
A Final Thought
“We believe everyone deserves a place to belong,” Samantha shared. “Opening Gaits is that place for many people. A space of hope, compassion, and partnership between horse and human.”
If you want to learn more, support their work, or get involved, here are some ways:
Website: www.openinggaits.ca
Instagram: @opening.gaits
Donate: E-transfer openinggaitssociety@gmail.com or through Canada Helps
If you know a local charity or unsung hero who deserves to be highlighted next, please reach out. We would love to share their story.
Colin and Amanda
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