🌾 Horse Ability – Equine‑Assisted Healing in Corbeil, Ontario
Located just off Highway 17 and 11, approximately 20 minutes from Jack Garland Airport near North Bay, Horse Ability offers transformative—and evidence‑based—equine‑facilitated experiences for individuals, families, and groups across Eastern Ontario
🐴 About the Centre
Led by Lori Burns, Horse Ability is a non‑profit that blends Equine‑Assisted Learning (EAL), therapy, and experiential growth. Their team includes trained mental health professionals and equine specialists certified through programs like EAGALA and Patrick Buffalo’s Healing with Horses
🧠 Programs Offered
• Equine‑Assisted Learning & Growth (EAGALA, Healing with Horses, EAL)
- Group or individual sessions focusing on trauma recovery, emotional well‑being, self‑compassion, group cohesion, and leadership development, using ground‑based and non-ridden horse interactions
• Wellness Workshops & Retreats
- Experiences like Self‑Compassion and Mindfulness with Horses, Reiki with Horses, or Wellness Retreats offer immersive days (or overnight stays now available) for trauma coping, stress reduction, emotional balance, and relaxation in nature.
• Free 8‑Week Equine Experiential Program
- Offered in partnership with local advocacy groups, this no-cost experiential learning opportunity (ground-based only) supports survivors of sexual violence working on self-esteem, trust, and hope-building Amelia Rising.
🎯 Benefits & Impact
- Promotes self-awareness, empowerment, connection, and resilience through non-riding horse interactions.
- Helps participants reduce anxiety, manage trauma, and rebuild confidence and interpersonal trust.
- Serves individuals coping with PTSD, survivor trauma, grief, addiction, or high-stress careers (e.g., first responders).
📍 Location & Accessibility
- Address: Hwy. 17 East, Corbeil, ON P0H 1K0 (five minutes off Hwy. 11/17 junction)
- Open by appointment; accessible by car with free parking. Participants coming by air drive about 20 minutes from North Bay Airport.
- Inclusive and welcoming to all abilities; no formal diagnosis required.
🗓 Program Logistics
- Sessions range from one‑off workshops to multi‑week programs and full-day events.
- Ground‑based activities typically last 60–90 minutes, led by a certified mental‑health & equine team.
- Overnight retreat accommodations for up to six guests are now offered for immersive healing experiences
💬 Community Highlights & Testimonials
Horse Ability has been featured in BayToday and North Bay Echo for its role in trauma recovery and emotional healing through horses, with local media citing dramatic improvements in confidence and coping skills for participants
💡 How to Get Involved or Access Services
- Contact: info@horseability.ca or call (705) 499‑8858 to inquire or book sessions
- Ask about accessibility options, sliding-scale fees, and availability.
- Visit their website for program updates, workshop dates, volunteer opportunities, or to subscribe to their newsletter.
