Please Help Us Reopen

(CAUTION - Any requests for tips or gratuities by GoFundMe are not for Opening Gaits and are not promoted or recommended by the Society - Other can be selected)

Website - Opening Gaits Therapeutic Riding Society

We’ve been offering safe, fun horseback riding lessons to children and adults with disabilities for 25 years. And we need your help to keep our doors open.

With Alberta’s economic downturn and significant inflation, donations are not keeping pace with rising costs. Please take a few moments to read about the service we provide to Calgary and surrounding areas, and the benefits we provide to this at-risk population.

Opening Gaits is a non-profit society in operation since 1998. All riders are taught by certified qualified therapeutic riding instructors. Riders with conditions such as Autism, Down Syndrome, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, chronic muscle dystrophy, and many others, benefit from the motion of the horse by using muscles that are normally difficult for them to engage. This stimulation gently relaxes tight muscles and improves core strength, balance and coordination. In addition, participants improve their memory, focus, mental processing and responsiveness by learning new routines and following instructions.

Most importantly, our riders enjoy Opening Gaits because we have fun and keep them safe.

Annually, we fill 120 spaces with riders and board 8-10 horses throughout our classes from September – May. The program is run out of Bar None Ranches located just north of Okotoks. Expenses include feed, board, farrier and veterinary services.

Inflation has resulted in our operating fees increasing by over 30% to a new total of $1,260.00 per horse per month. We cannot afford these increased costs. We keep our session fees as low as possible (currently $275/6 classes) so as to not overburden families that are already dealing with inflated costs of caring for those with disabilities.

We need to raise over $100,000 to open our program in September. While we tirelessly apply for grants, we need more help during this difficult time.

Please consider supporting us. Any amount is welcomed (tax receipts provided for donations of $50 or more). Our riders love the program and the benefits it provides to increase the quality of their lives.