Summit Equestrian Center
Fort Wayne, Indiana
Summit Equestrian Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Its main program, The Cavalry, is built for military veterans and includes groundwork, grooming and riding with horses. The center says it does not offer riding lessons to the general public.
- The Cavalry veteran program
- Groundwork with horses
- Grooming
- Riding
- Volunteer opportunities
- Military veterans
- Veterans with no prior horse experience
More about this center
About the Program
According to its website, The Cavalry offers six weekly sessions at no cost to veterans. Activities range from groundwork to grooming and riding, based on each participant's comfort level and goals. No horse experience is needed.
The center describes its programs as a good addition to clinical therapy, not a replacement for it. Veterans looking for a licensed clinical approach may also want to read about equine therapy for veterans.
The website lists a 250-pound weight limit for riding. An August 2026 calendar posted on the website showed groundwork sessions on Monday afternoons and riding sessions on Tuesday afternoons and evenings.
History
The website says founder Allison Wheaton incorporated Summit Equestrian Center in Indiana in 2010, and the program started that year. Its mission, as listed on GuideStar, is to work with veterans to foster a safe and supportive environment to heal from the visible and invisible wounds of service through the trust built in equine partnership.
Volunteering
Volunteers help with barn work and event support. The center asks interested volunteers to email volunteers@summitequestriancenter.org.
Location
Summit Equestrian Center is at 10808 La Cabreah Lane, Fort Wayne, IN 46845. The website says the entrance is the second right after entering the LaCabreah subdivision off Dupont Road.
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 does a veteran sign up?
The center's Participate page offers a Veteran Intake Form to download. You can also call (260) 619-2700 or email programs@summitequestriancenter.org.
What does the program cost?
The website says The Cavalry's six weekly sessions are offered at no cost to veterans.
Can non-veterans take riding lessons here?
No. The center says it does not offer riding lessons to the general public and points people to other programs in Northeast Indiana.
Are there riding requirements?
The website lists a 250-pound weight limit for riding. No horse experience is needed.
Location
Fort Wayne, Indiana 46845
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.