TROtt is a registered charity that has been serving children, youth and adults in the Ottawa area with primarily physical, developmental and learning disabilities for over 35 years.

In 1975, a group of riders at an Ottawa stable became interested in forming a riding group for People with Disabilities. Lelia Sponsel, having made enquiries from the Toronto-area group, CARD, began to develop ideas regarding procedure, forms, volunteers, training of horses, equipment and the need to involve the medical profession. The main support came from Dr. McIntyre, orthopedic surgeon at CHEO, who encouraged the Children’s Treatment Centre to help with the development of the necessary admission forms and selection of prospective riders. A mounting block was built by staff and students of Borden High School. Funds were raised to rent four horses for one hour a week for one year. Volunteers were trained. A Physical Therapist was ready to help guide exercises. Four applicants were accepted, having been granted permission by their physicians and parents. After purchasing riding helmets and pommel straps, the group was ready to start at 9 a.m. on July 4, 1975.

The original 10 Volunteers grew in experience and numbers. They formed an association, called GRAD. The Instructors, Therapists and Volunteers took courses in Toronto and in the United States. There were now three weekly sessions with up to 20 riders. It became apparent that another facility was needed to accommodate the group; thus GRAD moved to Equidae Stables in Greely in September 1982, and became TROtt. Gordon and Nancy Reid, owners of the facility, became very interested in supporting TROtt and making Equidae a centre for therapeutic riding. Over the years, the amenities, the horses, the stable and the tack were improved. The TROtt Board of Directors supported training courses for Instructors and Therapists; knowledge grew and Instructors earned CanTRA certification. Over the years, Lelia Sponsel’s involvement changed. It ranged from President to Program Director; to training Instructors; to TROtt Advisor. “I have enjoyed the challenge, the risk-taking, the learning and, above all, the opportunity to share her sport – riding horses – with so many TROtt riders.”

TROtt provides programming for children and adults with conditions such as cerebral palsy, developmental delay, spina bifida, stroke, head injuries, multiple sclerosis, amputees, sensory integration dysfunction, learning and language disabilities, Downs Syndrome, and visual impairments.

TROtt has CanTRA and Equine Canada certified instructors and coaches, an experienced therapist, trained volunteers and staff. Our very special, well-behaved horses are chosen for their temperaments. They are carefully selected and trained, which enables us to provide a safe, structured, goal-oriented program that includes physical, social, cognitive and educational activities. Our facilities include a heated indoor arena, outdoor sand arena, activity rooms, viewing lounge, seminar room and washrooms.

TROtt supports the Canadian standardization of therapeutic riding instruction and provides in-house preparation for CanTRA’s internationally recognized instructor certification program. CanTRA examinations, coaching clinics and workshops are regularly held at the TROtt facilities. TROtt is a member in good standing of both OnTRA (provincial) and CanTRA (national). TROtt was awarded Bronze Accreditation Status by CanTRA in February of 2010.