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Ontario Trillium Foundation Grant Helps TROtt Unveil New Trail

On Friday Nov. 3, the Therapeutic Riding Association of Ottawa-Carleton (TROtt) met with local MPP Goldie Ghamari to celebrate a $144,000 Resilient Communities Fund grant they received in May 2023 from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF). To celebrate, TROtt hosted a live official opening of its long-awaited Sensory Trail. This is just one of several new initiatives made possible by this grant that will enhance TROtt’s ability to serve people with a broad range of disabilities.

“For more than 45 years, TROtt has provided a truly unique service while being a cornerstone organization in the Carleton riding,” said Goldie Ghamari, MPP for Carleton. “Their programming has been life-changing for many people with physical, mental and emotional health issues in Ottawa and Eastern Ontario. The connections made with their staff, volunteers and horses have been an integral reason of why TROtt has been able to enhance and improve the lives of countless people since its inception.”

The grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation enables TROtt to grow its volunteer base and expand its programs to meet growing needs in the community. The Sensory Trail will enrich the experience for riders, especially individuals on the autism spectrum, as well as add diverse experiences for those enrolled in the Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL) program. With many of TROtt’s horses already accustomed to using the trail, this initiative will significantly expand the range of therapeutic services offered.

“Today, we express our deep gratitude to the Ontario Trillium Foundation for their support,” said Jill Anne Joseph, President of the Board at TROtt. “This grant opens new possibilities for our organization to serve our community and provide transformative experiences for our riders.”

The Therapeutic Riding Association of Ottawa-Carleton (TROtt) boasts a distinguished history of community service through equine therapy. TROtt aims to  enhance the physical, emotional, and social well-being of individuals with mental and physical disabilities. With a legacy spanning almost five decades, TROtt has been an unwavering cornerstone of support in the community. Visit ottawatherapeuticriding.ca to learn more

The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF), an agency of the Government of Ontario, and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations celebrates 40 years of grant-making in Ontario and making a lasting impact in communities. Last year, OTF invested over $110M into 1,022 community projects and partnerships. Visit otf.ca to learn more.