Deb Elliott was looking for something to keep her busy three years ago.

Because of that, many horse-riding enthusiasts with special needs have been enjoying the experience first-hand.

Elliott owns the Elliott Acres Therapeutic Horse Center in Oakland Township, which she started back in 2003 following the death of her husband.

"I had the farm and we had a program down in Allison Park (Riding for the Handicapped of Western Pennsylvania) for four years," said Elliott. "We had a waiting list and started to take some of those riders."

Elliott Acres, which is on a 40-acre farm with 10 stalls, has about 16 riders on its list although the total is close to 20 that stop by per week, predominately coming from the Pittsburgh area. Elliott takes on riders that are referred to her from the Allison Park center.

Groups such as the Grapevine of Butler and Glade Run have come to ride the horses.

In operation for three years now, the center, located two miles east of Butler off of Route 68 on Center Drive, held its second annual horse show back in August.

As it turned out, nine youths took part and were divided into three divisions.

"We try to put them in the category as far as their accomplishments, what they could do in each category" said Elliott. "There's an obstacle course-type of show. Some are better than others and we try to put those more mobile in one group.

"Some are more adept at that. It's easier to judge," she added.

The show was judged by Rocky Emrick, owner of the Happy Trail Equine Center in Dayton (Pa.) and Kathy Baptiste of Butler.

First-place winners of the three divisions were Tommy McShea, Micheala Pullium and Elijah McKensie.

Runner-ups were Sammy Jewart, Nick Kerr and Myriah McKensie and third-place winners were Chloe Gregorie, Benton Haggert and Gretchen Stough.

"The families appreciate that," said Elliott. "The kids respond to that, to having ribbons and trophies."

The center does have adult riders and some have competed in the show last year, but this year, the entrants were all children.

"I'd say it was a little bigger than last year. Maybe it was the timing of it," said Elliott. "We had a couple of riders on vacation. Maybe we'll make it later in the year next time."

The idea of the shows came from when Elliott was down at Allison Park.

"Some shows do have handicap shows," Elliott noted.

Elliott's oldest son, who is 26, lives in Ohio and still shows horses. Her other son, 22, stays on and helps with the center. She also does foster care for her 16-year-old daughter.

Elliott, who is in her 50s, has been interested in horses since she was two years old, when her grandfather had ponies in East Butler.

She has passed the love of horses onto her children.

"My son shows horses and I have his horse to show," said Elliott. "I do take horses if they are sound."