Riders receive help from horses
OAKLAND TWP — There's a nonprofit organization nestled in the hills outside Chicora that helps create bonds between special needs children and horses, a bond that can go a long way in offering therapeutic benefits for participants.
Called the Elliott Acres Therapeutic Riding Center, the facility for the past 12 years has catered to hundreds of special needs riders in an effort to improve their motor skills and attention spans, among other benefits.
Deb Campbell, the facility's owner, is a certified state counselor in animal therapy and horsemanship. She decided to combine the two after a tragic event in her own life.
Campbell said a relative was in a motorcycle accident in 2002 and became a quadriplegic, an event that made her realize the benefits of horse therapy.
Tragedy struck again the next year when her husband was killed in a tractor accident. After going through the grief process, Campbell embarked on the path that led her to opening up Elliott Acres.
“I went through the grief process, and it does help because the horses are always there,” she said. “The horses' personalities tend to bring out the good in us.”
She quickly realized the healing properties inherent in serene horse rides around the property. That's when she decided to use her six horses to help others.
“Our autistic riders create a bond with the horses that is really unbelievable,” Campbell said. “They really respond to the horses. It's a highlight of their week and they really look forward to it.”
Campbell described her mission as enhancing the physical, mental and emotional health of riders by teaching them basic horsemanship principles that help in improving their movement, concentration and communication skills.
The nonprofit excels at helping special needs riders, but that doesn't mean it hasn't brought something special back into Campbell's life, either.
“It's been a blessing for them and especially for me,” she said. “It's been a wonderful thing.”
Campbell added that the entire process wouldn't be possible without dozens of volunteers who come to help at every riding session. She said that each horse requires three volunteers to ensure the rider's safety.
Campbell said that she is seeking more funding from the state. She used to get 10 grants a year to help with the nonprofit, a number that has declined to only one annual grant.
“Our funding has really been cut,” she said. “I hate to think we won't continue with this, but you have to do what's best for the horses.”
For now, everything is full steam ahead for Campbell, her farm and the many riders who reap the benefits of her program.
Riding sessions are offered from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday; 9 a.m. to noon Wednesdays; and 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays.
Those who want to participate or volunteer can call Campbell at 724-283-0947.
