C.H.U.M. Therapeutic Riding, Inc.
Dansville, Michigan
CHUM Therapeutic Riding (Children and Horses United in Movement) is a riding and therapy program in Dansville, Michigan. Its website describes it as a PATH Intl. Premier Accredited Center. It offers therapeutic riding, occupational therapy that uses hippotherapy, and a 4-H club. The program says it serves people with and without disabilities, from very young children to senior citizens.
- Therapeutic riding
- Hippotherapy within occupational therapy
- Tandem riding
- Riding lessons
- Growing Together 4-H Club
- Children
- Teens
- Adults
- Seniors
- Riders with disabilities
- Riders without disabilities
More about this center
About the Program
The program is named for Chum, a therapy horse that began working in 1980 and served for 23 years. Its website describes CHUM as a faith-based program where people with and without disabilities share a love of horses.
The therapy page lists goals such as gross and fine motor skills, balance, coordination, task sequencing and problem solving. It names cerebral palsy, autism, developmental delay, multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury and ADHD among the conditions it works with. The site also lists research collaborations with several universities, including Michigan State University.
The Horses and Staff
According to its website, Bonnie DePue is an occupational therapist, a CTRI-Advanced certified instructor and a Hippotherapy Certified Specialist. A second occupational therapist, Sarah, is also listed. Hippotherapy here is offered as part of occupational therapy services. The site says its horses are chosen and trained for work with people with disabilities, and that the arena is heated through the winter.
Volunteering
According to its website, volunteers help get horses ready for class, lead horses and sidewalk beside riders during sessions. Others help with special events, fundraising, barn and fence upkeep, and cutting firewood for the arena heating system. Volunteers complete their own forms packet.
Location
Riding takes place at 2180 East Dexter Trail, Dansville, MI 48819. The mailing address is P.O. Box 14, Mason, MI 48854.
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.
How do we get started?
All participants complete a packet of forms from the website, including registration, health history and, for riders with disabilities, a physician's referral. Call (517) 204-0974 with questions.
How much does it cost?
The website lists therapeutic riding at $60 per hour, tandem riding (a therapist, instructor or staff member rides behind the participant) at $75 per session, and a $75 annual registration fee. Call (517) 204-0974 to confirm current fees. See our guide to equine therapy costs.
What ages do they serve?
The website says it serves very young children through senior citizens.
How do I contact the center?
Call (517) 204-0974, fax (517) 623-0145 or email bonnieandchum@gmail.com.
Location
Dansville, Michigan 48819
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.