Ontario Government Supports Expansion of Local Equine Therapy Programs

September 10, 2025

Tuff Therapeutic Riding Foundation Receives $179,000 to Reach More Youth at Risk

September 10, 2025 – For Immediate Release

Loretto, ON – Brian Saunderson, MPP for Simcoe-Grey met with the team at Tuff Therapeutic Riding Foundation to learn more about the $179,000 grant they received from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF). The two-year long grant has been used to expand its programs and allow for additional groups of youth at-risk to take part in their equine therapy programs.

“Congratulations to the team at the Tuff Therapeutic Riding Foundation on the positive impact they are making in the lives of youth,” said Brian Saunderson, MPP for Simcoe-Grey. “This vital provincial funding has been put to excellent use and has allowed the organization to expand its reach, thus helping more young people build confidence, resilience, and hope for the future.”

“Simcoe County has seen a substantial increase in the need for Mental Health support, for youth at risk particularly since Covid. With the support of OTF through the Resilient Communities Fund, Tuff has been able to reach out and provide direct service to many of these youth. In addition, this grant has enabled Tuff to develop relationships with new funders in Simcoe as well as recruit new volunteers in the community. The impact of this direct service and these new partnerships have had a significant impact on youth at risk in Simcoe. Big thanks to OTF and their Simcoe team for their support!!”

– Ellen Downey, Founder/CEO, Tuff Therapeutic Riding Foundation

Tuff Therapeutic Riding Foundation’s mission is to promote the mental health of youth at risk by providing a structured therapeutic riding program, and it’s focused on achieving mental health wellness for youth at risk through equine therapy that empowers, supports, and implements positive change.

“Non-profit organizations across Ontario deliver programming that makes a difference,” said Stan Cho Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Gaming for Ontario. “That’s why funding that my ministry is providing through the OTF is so important. Our government wants to ensure that these spaces remain the heart of communities across our province.”

The Ontario Trillium Foundation’s (OTF) mission is to build healthy and vibrant communities across Ontario. As an agency of the Government of Ontario, and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations, last year, OTF invested over $110M into 1,022 community projects and partnerships. Visit www.otf.ca to learn more.