Nolan Wiley rides with his dad, Jonathan, during Elliott Acres Therapy Riding’s annual horse and fundraiser in Summit Township on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Rob McGraw
Unbridled Potential
Elliott Acres Therapy Riding held its annual horse show and fundraiser Saturday at its facility in Summit Township, where the benefits of equine therapy were highlighted.
From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., more than two dozens riders across three classes shared what they have learned during the summer with family, friends and the community.
Elliott Acres is a nonprofit that provides lessons in basic horsemanship to people with special needs. It aims to support the emotional, physical and mental health of riders through therapeutic riding and caring for horses.
The event is the program’s largest and most important fundraiser of the year, according to program president Deb Campbell at Elliott Acres. It brings in funds to support its riding season, which runs from April through November every year.
Attendance at the horse show was free. Donations were accepted, and 50/50 and basket raffles were held.
Elliott Acres, located at 168 Headland Road, serves clients with a wide range of diagnoses, including people dealing with autism spectrum disorders and emotional, intellectual and physical disabilities.
All riders are instructed by a certified therapeutic horsemanship instructor.
For more information on the program and therapeutic riding, visit elliottacrestherapyriding.org. To volunteer, call 724-991-2477 or email dechorsesr1@gmail.com.
Nolan Wiley shows his dad Jonathan his first place award and ribbon during the annual Elliott Acres Therapy Riding program at Summit Township on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Rob McGraw
Mike Lehmann begins an obstacle course during Elliott Acres Therapy Riding’s annual horse show and fundraiser in Summit Township on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Rob McGraw
Awards are given out to each section at Elliott Acres Therapy Riding’s annual horse show and fundraiser in Summit Township on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Rob McGraw
Kathy Daily mounts a horse during Elliott Acres Therapy Riding’s annual horse show and fundraiser in Summit Township on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Rob McGraw
Nolan Wiley wears his Spiderman helmet while riding a horse during Elliott Acres Therapy Riding’s annual horse show and fundraiser in Summit Township on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Rob McGraw
Mike Lehmann goes through an obstacle course during Elliott Acres Therapy Riding’s annual horse show and fundraiser in Summit Township on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Rob McGraw
Camden Sowko mounts a horse with the help of his dad, Justin, during Elliott Acres Therapy Riding’s annual horse show and fundraiser in Summit Township on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
Rob McGraw
