Tuff Therapeutic Riding Foundation

OUR MISSION:

To promote the mental health of youth at risk by providing a structured therapeutic riding program.

Equine therapy is a successful, non-traditional form of mental health treatment to which this population responds well, an effective positive alternative to formal modes of therapy.

Being a youth at risk is a root cause for poverty, addiction, violence, suicide, human trafficking, and dependency on social services and/or interaction with the criminal justice system. Our youth often face a sense of hopelessness and powerlessness - our therapeutic riding program can change this trajectory.

OUR PROGRAM:

• TUFF traditionally served about 60 youth per year, our goal this year is to increase that number to 140. With 18 dedicated program horses, including 11 retired RCMP Musical Ride horses residing on 100 acres north of Toronto, Ontario.
• Program participants are clients of a variety of non-profit agencies serving our target populations. Currently, TUFF works with Social Service and Mental Health agencies within Ontario. They include Pine River Institute, New Path Youth and Family Services, Dufferin Child & Family Services, Covenant House Toronto, Brunswick House First Nations, and Kunuwanimano Child & Family Services in Timmins.
• Our 10-week model and 5-day intensive model are both designed for youth who have experienced substantial trauma. The mental benefits include emotional regulation, impulse control, empathy, positive problem solving, emotional maturity, and anti-anxiety strategies.
• Through the physical act of riding, our youth experience a physical connection that allows for a unique emotional understanding of themselves and their horse.
• Youth are paired with their horse and their volunteer for the duration of the program, facilitating an emotional bond in this partnership.

FUNDING:

The program fees are discounted to referring agencies and reflect only 15% of the actual cost per youth to operate the program. The balance of the cost is subsidized by TUFF’s fundraising efforts. Foundations and corporate donors provide approximately 75% of TUFF’s total operating budget.

Your generous donation will be used to help support youth at risk with their mental health issues as well as support the magnificent equine partners in the program.

A NOTE FROM OUR FOUNDER & CEO, ELLEN DOWNEY:

"The healing power of horses through their unconditional support and non transactional nature allows these youth to work on healing themselves, regain their self esteem, identify strengths, and regulate their emotions. All this and finding connection helps to change their trajectory into positive futures!”

Please visit our website: https://www.tufftherapeuticriding.com/ for more information about us.

Canadian Charitable Registration # 79197 5865 RR0001