Elliott Acres Therapeutic Riding Center, Inc.
Butler, Pennsylvania
Elliott Acres Therapeutic Riding Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit on Headland Road in Butler, Pennsylvania. It offers therapeutic riding lessons for children and adults with physical, intellectual and emotional disabilities, starting at age 2.
- Therapeutic riding lessons
- Volunteer-supported lessons with horse leaders and side walkers
- Annual horse show for riders
- Children and adults with disabilities
- Riders ages 2 and older (with a doctor's consent)
- People with autism
- People with cerebral palsy
More about this center
About the Program
The website lists Elliott Acres as a PATH Intl. Center and a Pennsylvania Council on Therapeutic Horsemanship (PACTH) Center. Lessons focus on basic horsemanship, and volunteers assist in each lesson.
The riding season runs April through November. Lessons are held Tuesdays from 4 to 8 pm and Saturdays from 9 am to 1 pm, or by appointment. Saturday riders use a sensory trail beside the riding ring, with obstacles such as an arched bridge, ground poles and a ring toss. The center holds an annual judged horse show for its riders in the summer.
The Butler VA Health Care System has listed Elliott Acres among its equine therapy community partners, and the center has hosted a riding program for veterans. See our guide to equine therapy for veterans.
The Horses and Staff
Deb Campbell (formerly Deb Elliott) started the program on a farm in Chicora and later moved it to the Headland Road farm. The website describes her as a PATH Intl. and PACTH certified instructor who teaches all riders, and she serves as president of the board of directors.
The website profiles six horses: Aly, Amarillo, Pearl, Jasper, Coal and Buddy.
Volunteering
Volunteers must be 14 or older, and those under 18 need a parent or guardian to sign release forms. Roles include horse leader (which requires horse experience), side walker and stable work such as grooming, cleaning stalls and fixing fences. New volunteer training is held Saturday mornings at 8 am during the riding season. Scout troops, churches, schools and families can also arrange group projects.
Location
Elliott Acres is at 168 Headland Road, Butler, PA 16002, in Summit Township, Butler County. The center says it serves western Pennsylvania.
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 enroll a rider?
Contact the center at (724) 991-2477 or dechorsesr1@gmail.com. Riders complete a registration form, a photo release and a medical history form signed by their physician, all available on the website's Forms page.
What ages does Elliott Acres serve?
The center accepts riders ages 2 and older with a doctor's consent.
How much do lessons cost?
Sessions start at $25, as listed on the center's website. Call (724) 991-2477 to confirm current rates and session lengths. See our guide to equine therapy costs for more.
When are lessons held?
Lessons run April through November on Tuesdays from 4 to 8 pm and Saturdays from 9 am to 1 pm, or by appointment.
Location
Butler, Pennsylvania 16002
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.