Location: Strongsville, Ohio, United States
Achievement Centers for Children Camp Cheerful is a nonprofit equine-assisted services program in Strongsville, Ohio, that offers therapeutic horsemanship and adaptive horseback riding for children and adults with and without special needs. The program is part of Achievement Centers for Children and is based at Camp Cheerful, a long-running accessible camp and recreation campus.
About This Program
Achievement Centers for Children Camp Cheerful offers therapeutic horsemanship classes that combine horseback riding and horsemanship activities in a structured, supportive environment. The program includes adaptive riding for riders ages 4 and up, with an emphasis on proper riding position, reining skills, and individualized instruction tailored to each rider’s needs, goals, and learning style.
The program has been serving participants for about two decades and is part of the broader Camp Cheerful campus, which has a long history of recreation and camp programming for children and adults with disabilities. Achievement Centers for Children notes that its therapeutic horsemanship program serves hundreds of participants each year.
Services Offered
- Therapeutic horsemanship
- Adaptive horseback riding
- Horsemanship activities
- Equine-assisted activities for education
- Leadership and team-building groups
- Mental health groups
Who They Serve
Achievement Centers for Children Camp Cheerful may be a good fit for:
- Children with disabilities
- Adults with disabilities
- Riders with special needs
- Children and adults without special needs participating in inclusive classes
- Riders ages 4 and up
- Groups seeking equine-assisted activities for education, leadership, team building, or mental health support
Facility and Setting
Achievement Centers for Children Camp Cheerful operates at Camp Cheerful in Strongsville, Ohio. The camp opened in 1947 as Ohio’s first camp with recreation programs for children with disabilities, and today it continues to provide barrier-free recreational and therapeutic programming.
- Located at Camp Cheerful in Strongsville
- Barrier-free camp environment
- Therapeutic horsemanship classes held on-site
- Classes limited to a maximum of 10 participants
- Volunteer-supported program with side walkers, leaders, barn helpers, and instructors
What Makes Them Unique
Achievement Centers for Children Camp Cheerful stands out for combining therapeutic horsemanship with the broader resources of Camp Cheerful and Achievement Centers for Children. That gives riders access to a program rooted in both adaptive recreation and disability services, rather than a standalone riding model.
The program is also recognized as a PATH Intl. Premier Accredited Center program, and outside directory listings note that its instructors are certified and registered by PATH. That accreditation adds an extra layer of credibility for families looking for a program with established professional standards.