Forward Riding School

Forward Riding School Forward Riding School is located in Stouffville, ON. We specialize in beginner and “rusty stirrup” riders of all ages, with an age minimum of 7.

We offer a well-rounded curriculum in riding (walk, trot, canter, jump), horse care, and horse health. The safety of our riders is paramount at FRS. All riders under the age of 16 wear a protective safety vest provided by Tipperary Equestrian! All our instructors and coaches are certified by Equestrian Canada and Ontario Equestrian and bring a wealth of experience and knowledge of horse care and r

iding. We are also proud to offer P’tit Trot and Equestrian Canada’s Rider Level programs for those who choose to participate. Please contact us to learn more. Maxine is the owner and head coach at Forward Riding School. She is an Instructor who is licensed and certified by NCCP, Equestrian Canada, and Ontario Equestrian. Maxine is also an Equestrian Canada Steward and an evaluator for Equestrian Canada’s “Learn to Ride” Rider Level Program. Maxine first fell in love with horses as a child, and showed her pony, Pampoody, all over her home state of Vermont. After an illustrious 25-year career as a print and publishing executive, Maxine decided to return to horses and opened Forward Riding School (FRS) in 2015. Maxine trains with Canadian Olympians Edie Tarves and gold-medalist, Tom Gayford.

08/11/2025

Congratulations to Angel Zhao and Nolde on moving up to the 0.9m and finishing reserve champion! 🌟

Congratulations Kat and Potato, Alexis and Buttons, Cara and Annie. You all did amazing today! Each of you improved and ...
07/21/2025

Congratulations Kat and Potato, Alexis and Buttons, Cara and Annie. You all did amazing today! Each of you improved and sailed to new heights. Thank you Shannon and Rylie for helping groom and care for the horses. Thank you Nika, Sandy and Elaine for supporting dreams and providing nourishment. Big thank you to LM for shlepping us at the wee hours. Everything is possible with this crew!

When is the best time to teach riders how to clip a horse? When the weather gets HOT! Little Buttons was a model pony. S...
06/26/2025

When is the best time to teach riders how to clip a horse? When the weather gets HOT! Little Buttons was a model pony. She stood still as Cara, Elizabeth and Kat learned how to use clippers.

The girls experienced their first Eventing competition. (Dressage, Show Jumping, X-C) Thank you Toronto & North York Pon...
06/01/2025

The girls experienced their first Eventing competition. (Dressage, Show Jumping, X-C) Thank you Toronto & North York Pony Club.

On Sunday, we traveled to the Carrot & Sticks Horse Show for the first time. It was a very long day but we lucked out wi...
05/27/2025

On Sunday, we traveled to the Carrot & Sticks Horse Show for the first time.
It was a very long day but we lucked out with the weather. Everyone had super moments and so many positive, learning experiences.
(Here are a few pictures with more to come).

Congratulations to Kat on Potato, Champions in .9; Shannon on Arial, Reserve Champion in .6; Elizabeth on Charlotte and Cara on Annie won the Medal classes in Jumper and Hunter Divisions and Katelyn who wowed the crowd by showing us how to ride her little bronking Monty.
Thank you to the parents who rise early and drive long hours. And of course, thank you Lisa Miller

On the warmest day of the year, there’s nothing better than a hack in the eventing field.
05/17/2025

On the warmest day of the year, there’s nothing better than a hack in the eventing field.

Congratulations Maya (and Buttons) on completing her silver P’Tit Trot riding level.
05/15/2025

Congratulations Maya (and Buttons) on completing her silver P’Tit Trot riding level.

Our first show of the season was a huge success! The day started off with Prada, who exceeded all expectations. Elizabet...
05/06/2025

Our first show of the season was a huge success! The day started off with Prada, who exceeded all expectations. Elizabeth experienced her first off property show. Kaitlyn and Cara picked up where they left off last season with great results. Kat joined the group and finished top of her division. Thank you to the best support crew. Special kuddos to Nika Rolczewski who drove a horse trailer for the first time. And of course…many thanks to LM for her support and generosity.

The afternoon ladies enjoying the warm temperatures while on a mid-day hack.
04/27/2025

The afternoon ladies enjoying the warm temperatures while on a mid-day hack.

Liz and Marc Anthony working hard to ready the dressage arena! The truest sign that spring is here.
04/26/2025

Liz and Marc Anthony working hard to ready the dressage arena! The truest sign that spring is here.

Riding is always more fun with friends!
04/14/2025

Riding is always more fun with friends!

The thoroughbred is an amazing breed and often a favorite school horse.
04/09/2025

The thoroughbred is an amazing breed and often a favorite school horse.

🏅 Canada's Historic Show Jumping Gold – Mexico City 1968 🇨🇦🐴

On October 27, 1968, three Canadian riders made history at the Mexico City Olympics, capturing Canada’s first-ever Show Jumping Team Gold! 🥇

Riders James Day, James Elder, and Tom Gayford, alongside their horses Canadian Club, The Immigrant, and Big Dee, delivered an incredible performance that left the nation in awe. Competing in the final event before the closing ceremonies at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario, the team showed grit, courage, and determination.

Despite a challenging first round, Canada returned for the second with fierce resolve, finishing with a total of 102.75 faults to secure the Gold. France took Silver, and Germany earned Bronze. 🇫🇷🇩🇪

These three legends—Gayford, Day, and Elder—are forever celebrated as Olympic heroes and remain members of both the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame and the Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame.

This victory remains Canada’s only Olympic Show Jumping Gold to date, an achievement that continues to inspire athletes across the nation. 🏆

Address

13243 McCowan Road
Stouffville, ON
L4A7X5

Opening Hours

Monday 1pm - 9pm
Wednesday 1pm - 9pm
Friday 1pm - 9pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm
Sunday 9am - 6pm

Telephone

+14169251809

Website

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Our Story

Forward Riding School is located 35 minutes north of Toronto at Pause Awhile Equestrian Centre in Stouffville. Our instructors follow Equine Canada’s (EC) Learn to Ride program. The EC program was developed for individuals who wish to learn safe horsemanship and practices. The purpose of this program is to produce safe and knowledgeable horse people. To support the learning process, FRS rider level workbooks are included when a group of 4 consecutive lessons are purchased. These unique workbooks encourage riders to journal their progress, review teachings and to prepare for level testing. EC rider level testing is available, but not required, as riders progress though the levels. Please contact us to learn more.