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.

04/30/2026
TG taught me about horses and riding, but he also mentored me as I learned how to coach young riders, launch a riding sc...
04/28/2026

TG taught me about horses and riding, but he also mentored me as I learned how to coach young riders, launch a riding school and so much more.
I love passing along, to my young riders, all the knowledge he shared with me.

02/18/2026

To the Unsung Heroes of Every Lesson Program 🐴

They may not win championships, they may not be the "most beautiful" or have the best conformation but without them, none of this exists.

The school horse is the backbone of every lesson program. They show up every single day - patient, reliable, and willing - carrying nervous beginners who may accidentally bounce on their backs while learning to post. They forgive unsteady hands, unbalanced seats, and mixed up aids without complaint. They read their riders better than most humans ever will and somehow know the difference between the child who needs a gentle shuffle around the arena and the confident teenager who needs an honest ride.

They have packed around thousands of first lessons. They have given thousands of riders their very first canter. They have quietly rebuilt confidence in adult riders who were told they would never ride again. They have been hugged, cried on, and whispered to by students who couldn't tell anyone else what they were feeling.

Then they do it all again the next day! A good school horse is irreplaceable. When we lose one it leaves a hole in the program that no amount of training can quickly fill because what they have cannot be manufactured - it is earned through years of patience, trust, and a genuinely generous spirit.

Next time you're at the barn, take an extra moment with your school horses. They deserve every carrot, every scratch, and every quiet thank you we can give them.

Drop a pic of one of your favorite school horses below that deserves a little recognition today 🐴❤️

Congratulations Peyton and super pony Buttons on completing their bronze riding level!
02/15/2026

Congratulations Peyton and super pony Buttons on completing their bronze riding level!

12/21/2025

Eventer Matt Brown and FEI dressage rider Cecily Clark share a candid open letter on horse welfare, training culture, accountability, and change in equestrian sport.

I love when our friends who adopted our wonderful retired schoolies send updates to let us know how they are doing.Check...
11/03/2025

I love when our friends who adopted our wonderful retired schoolies send updates to let us know how they are doing.

Check out Oscar! He is super happy and looking as gorgeous as ever.

I always said I’d never take kids to horse shows. Never say never! What a spectacular way to end our show season! Thank ...
11/03/2025

I always said I’d never take kids to horse shows. Never say never!
What a spectacular way to end our show season! Thank you Cara, Kat, Katelyn and Elizabeth.
Thank you to the parents who get up early, drive, wait ringside, hold horses and pay the bills!
And of course thank you LM.

Biggest thanks to our four legged friends, Potato, Monty, Charlotte and Annie, who got the girls to the other side and around the ring.
A great season!

One of my happiest moments is when I get to see riders that I taught to post, continue to thrive, compete and succeed as...
11/02/2025

One of my happiest moments is when I get to see riders that I taught to post, continue to thrive, compete and succeed as equestrians.
Tonight was a wonderful evening watching Kat and Angel collect ribbons for their outstanding success showing at the gold level this summer.

This applies to all sports
10/22/2025

This applies to all sports

🎾🤍🎾

Address

Stouffville, ON

Opening Hours

Tuesday 1am - 7:45pm
Wednesday 1pm - 9pm
Friday 1pm - 9pm

Telephone

+14169251809

Website

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