Dreamriders TLC (TLC Centers for Therapy)
Crystal Lake, Illinois
Dreamriders TLC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit on a farm at 4701 N. Oak Street in Crystal Lake, Illinois, operating under the legal name TLC Centers for Therapy. It provides physical, occupational and speech therapy, including hippotherapy in which a therapist uses the horse's movement as a treatment tool, along with riding and horsemanship. Its therapy pages describe services for children with physical, sensory, communication and developmental needs.
- Hippotherapy led by its physical, occupational and speech therapists
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Speech-language therapy
- Riding and horsemanship
- Group outings
- Children with autism or ADHD
- Children with cerebral palsy or Down syndrome
- Children with sensory processing disorder
- Children with speech, fine motor or gross motor delays
- Children with genetic syndromes, spina bifida or muscular conditions
- Children with traumatic brain injury or seizure disorders
More about this center
History
According to its website, the program began in 1996 when a group of entrepreneurs looked for therapy options for a colleague's twins with special needs and tried combining horses with traditional therapy. They formed the Midwest Center for Children's Development (MCCD) as a not-for-profit and later created Dream Riders as a 501(c)(3) charity to carry the program on.
Sessions first ran at a leased equine facility in Palatine before the founders bought the Crystal Lake property, where early sessions took place under a circus tent. In 2004 the center built a 16,000 square foot heated arena with stalls, an office, a family waiting room and a therapy center.
The Horses and Staff
The team page lists physical therapists, occupational therapists and speech-language pathologists, including Clinical Director and physical therapist Beth Saip. Traci Leigh and Dana Eyles are listed as PATH International Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructors.
Volunteering
Volunteers must be at least 16 (minors need a parent or guardian's approval), commit to at least two hours a week, pass a background check and give three references. No horse experience is needed. Applications are taken online or on a printable form.
Location
The center is at 4701 N. Oak Street, Crystal Lake, Illinois 60012. The website lists office hours of Monday to Thursday 8 to 6 and Friday 8 to 4. Phone 815-788-1020, fax 815-788-1422.
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 I get started?
The website asks families to call the office at 815-788-1020. Messages can also be sent through the contact form on its website.
Does Dreamriders TLC take insurance?
Its website says it accepts most commercial insurance, depending on the plan. For Medicaid it accepts only Meridian and All Kids, and openings for new Medicaid clients vary during the year.
What does it cost without insurance?
Private pay rates are available but are not published, so call 815-788-1020 to ask. A scholarship application is offered and requires board approval. See our guide to equine therapy costs.
Location
Crystal Lake, Illinois 60012
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.