All news
Notices
Lifestyle
Tourism
Discover Almaguin from the Saddle: Where Horses, Nature, and Community Meet
Healing Through Horses at Horse Sense North
Heading down the gravel lane toward the arena at Horse Sense North in Magnetawan, dragonflies dart through the warm morning air while horses stand contentedly in their paddocks, lazily flicking their tails at the persistent flies. Waiting to greet us with a warm smile and a mug of morning tea is founder and director Carmen Theobald, alongside Registered Psychotherapist Lee Merkley. Before a word is spoken, there's an unmistakable sense of calm, a fitting introduction to a place where healing begins with slowing down and connecting with both nature and horses.
Founder Carmen Theobald never imagined that her career would revolve around horses. Originally from Montreal and trained in Social Services, her life changed dramatically after surviving the 2006 Dawson College shooting. Seeking healing in nature, she volunteered on a farm, where what was intended to be a two-week stay became a two-year education and the beginning of a lifelong career with horses.
"Each one of the thousands of horses I've worked with has taught me about relationship, healing, and how to approach being human in a very different way—a way that our fractured world desperately needs," she says.
Programs begin with conversation, reflection, and practical nervous system education before participants meet the horses. As clients interact with these gentle animals, they discover how horses naturally mirror emotions, communication styles, and behaviours. These moments create powerful opportunities for personal insight, growth, and healing. Unlike traditional riding programs, participants remain on the ground throughout every session. The focus isn't on learning to ride but on learning through relationships with horses.
.png)
Horse Sense North welcomes people from all walks of life, whether they're seeking leadership development, improved wellness, or support during difficult periods. Carmen has also made it a priority to serve first responders and public safety personnel.
"I wouldn't be alive today without them," she explains. "It's an honour to serve those who serve our communities."
The organization also offers free monthly virtual workshops covering topics like healthy boundaries, relationship repair, and emotional resilience, while its Above & Beyond program provides clinically supervised equine therapy designed specifically for first responders.
Horse Sense North represents one side of Almaguin's equestrian community where horses become partners in healing, learning, and personal transformation.
Experience Ranch Life at Crooked Creek Ranch
A short drive away, Crooked Creek Ranch offers a completely different, but equally authentic, equine experience. Built from a lifelong love of horses and the outdoors, the ranch was created to give visitors a chance to experience the traditions and lifestyle of a working ranch.
"Our motto is, 'It's more than a ride. It's a lifestyle,'" says owner Dana Bates.
That philosophy is woven into every experience at Crooked Creek Ranch. From Western and English riding lessons to Pony Pals adventures, Camp Nature Horse summer camps, adult day camps, Sunday Skills Sessions, Ladies Nights each program is designed to offer more than time in the saddle. Depending on the experience, guests might learn ground skills, groom and care for horses, explore the property, participate in games and crafts, enjoy wagon rides, gather around a bonfire, or watch a horse training demonstration. It's an immersive approach that gives visitors a genuine taste of ranch life while fostering confidence, curiosity, and a deeper appreciation for horses and the outdoors.
For children especially, the ranch focuses on building life skills.
"Horses teach patience, responsibility, empathy, communication, and perseverance," Dana says.
The ranch's horses each have unique personalities, and every horse is matched carefully to the role that best suits its temperament. Some patiently teach beginners, while others challenge experienced riders or participate in demonstrations.
This year, visitors can also follow Cullen, the ranch's Reinventing Racehorses Trainers Challenge horse. Throughout the season, guests can watch his training journey and gain a behind-the-scenes appreciation for the patience and trust involved in retraining former racehorses. We not only got to meet Cullen and Brookelyn Cumberland, Crooked Creek's resident farrier and Cullen's trainer, but were given a tour of the property, while Cullen led the way tongue flapping in the wind (his special talent), showcasing the Pony Pals area, the Camp Nature Horse grounds, and around the ranch.
.png)
One of the highlights was watching Cullen pause to greet the resident goats with his own version of a "good morning", a small but memorable moment that showcased the quirky personalities and unexpected connections that make every visit to Crooked Creek Ranch unique.
Dana believes Almaguin's landscape is central to the experience.
"The forests, open spaces, changing seasons, and peaceful atmosphere create the perfect environment for people to slow down and reconnect."
More Than Horses
Perhaps what makes Almaguin's equestrian community truly unique isn't simply the horses, it's the people behind them.
From helping first responders heal through equine-assisted learning to introducing children to their very first pony ride, local equine businesses are creating meaningful experiences rooted in compassion, education, and of course, that good ol' fashioned Almaguin community spirit.
Visitors may arrive looking for a riding lesson, a family activity, or a peaceful day in the countryside, but they often leave with something more: a deeper appreciation for the bond between people, horses, nature... and maybe a couple of bug bites.
In Almaguin, it's never just about the ride. It's about discovering a place where horses remain part of the region's identity and where every trail, pasture, and ranch tells a story worth exploring.
.png)
Explore More Equine Experiences in Almaguin
While Horse Sense North and Crooked Creek Ranch highlight the diversity of the region's equestrian community, they're only part of the story.
Across Almaguin you'll also find: