The Camelot Center
Southington, Ohio
The Camelot Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Southington, Ohio, that helps people grow and build confidence through their work with horses. It offers a therapeutic riding program for riders of all ages and abilities and Pony Pages, a horse-powered reading program for children.
- Therapeutic riding lessons
- Pony Pages horse-powered reading program
- Adaptive riding equipment when appropriate
- Volunteer training
- Riders of all ages, age 4 and up
- People with physical disabilities
- People with cognitive or developmental disabilities
- People with emotional challenges
- Riders without disabilities
- Young readers, including reluctant readers
More about this center
About the Program
Lessons are tailored to each rider's goals and needs and are taught by certified instructors with help from trained volunteers. Riders are matched with a horse that suits their needs. Each one-hour lesson includes grooming and tacking, safety and barn lessons, and time in the saddle.
Rides run in six-week sessions followed by a down week so the horses, volunteers and instructors can rest. Pony Pages pairs books with time around the horses, using themed lessons and hands-on activities to build reading skills, fluency, vocabulary and confidence.
The Horses and Staff
The center's Meet Our Horses page lists 15 horses, including a Haflinger, a Fjord, a Missouri Fox Trotter, a Welsh pony, Standardbreds and Quarter Horses. Emily Rhodes, CTRI, is the program director and has been part of Camelot since childhood. Alexus Buckley is the barn manager and volunteer coordinator.
History
A mother founded Camelot in 1994 so other children could benefit from horses as her son had. The program first served children with cerebral palsy and later grew to serve people with a wide range of physical, cognitive, emotional and developmental challenges. After using several barns, it settled at its permanent home in Southington in 2005.
Volunteering
Volunteers lead horses, walk alongside riders, groom and care for the horses, and help with barn projects, events and fundraising. No horse experience is needed, and the center provides training. Volunteer applications are available on its website.
Location
The Camelot Center is at 3498 Barclay Messerly Road, Southington, OH 44470. Its website lists hours of Monday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday and Wednesday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday noon to 6 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to noon. It is closed Friday and Sunday.
From public records, not yet reviewed by the center · Last updated Oct 2026 Suggest an edit
Common Questions
Answered from the center’s own website and public records.
What are the requirements to ride?
Riders must be at least 4 years old and weigh no more than 200 pounds, and a physician's release is required.
How do I get started?
The Ride and Pony Pages pages on the center's website link to a Get Started form. You can also call 330-889-0036 or email thecamelotcenter@gmail.com.
How much do lessons cost?
Call 330-889-0036 or email thecamelotcenter@gmail.com to ask about current rates. Our guide to equine therapy costs explains what affects pricing.
How are lessons scheduled?
Lessons are one hour long and run in six-week sessions, each followed by a week off.
Location
Southington, Ohio 44470
Questions to Ask When You Call
The center is the best source for these answers.
- Are you running now, and taking new riders?Start here. We couldn’t confirm a current schedule.
- Which ages and needs do you work with?Ask about experience with your rider’s specific condition.
- Is a licensed PT, OT or speech therapist involved?Therapist-led hippotherapy is usually the only kind insurance may cover.
- What does a session cost, and are there scholarships?Many nonprofit programs offer sliding scales or sponsored spots.
- Do you have a mounting ramp or lift?Important for riders who use a wheelchair or need help mounting.