Campfire Creek Therapeutic Riding Center
Some five years ago, after visiting Heart of Texas Therapeutic Riding Center in West, Texas and seeing what a difference this type of therapy made in the lives of children and adults with disabilities, my heart was burdened because there was no such facility in Ellis County. With much prayer, consideration and the support of family we began the long road of preparation for an equine assisted therapy center in Waxahachie, Texas. Today, after establishing a solid administrative foundation, we are beginning our second year of riding.
Campfire Creek is incorporated and has a 501c3 non-profit status with the IRS. We offer lessons two days weekly and every other Saturday.Three horses are our foundation with another in training. At this time, 15 students benefit from our program with others making application. Approximately 15 volunteers work each week at the center with numerous others volunteering at special events.
A therapy session includes interaction with the horse by grooming, learning to saddle correctly, proper mounting and dismounting as well as learning to ride correctly. During the riding time, we offer our students opportunities to be successful with physical activities, verbal communication and through following directions. Throughout the lesson there are opportunities to learn responsibility, to socialize and to take pride in a job well done.
Our center charges $20.00 per 30 minutes of therapy. However, no one has ever been turned away because of their inability to pay. We are sensitive to the fact that families with a member (or members) have many expenses that may be for a lifetime and we are committed to come along-side them and help, if at all possible.
