Location: Westerville, Ohio, United States
Austin E. Knowlton Center, Otterbein University is an equine science and equine-assisted services program in Westerville, Ohio, that offers therapeutic riding, equine facilitated psychotherapy, equine facilitated experiential learning, camps, competition opportunities, groundwork, grooming and tacking, recreational riding, and vocational training. The program is part of Otterbein University’s equine science department and supports both student learning and community-based equine-assisted services.
About This Program
Austin E. Knowlton Center gives participants access to a broad mix of equine-assisted services while also serving as a hands-on learning environment for Otterbein students. The program includes therapeutic riding and psychotherapy incorporating equines, along with experiential learning opportunities that support emotional growth, practical skill-building, and horsemanship development.
The center is also part of a larger equine science program that includes specialized coursework, student training, and equine-assisted services study. Therapeutic Riding is one of the courses taught through the department, and the university also offers an Equine-Assisted Services minor.
Services Offered
- Therapeutic riding
- Equine facilitated psychotherapy
- Equine facilitated experiential learning
- Camps
- Competition opportunities
- Grooming and tacking
- Ground work
- Recreational riding
- Vocational training
Who They Serve
Austin E. Knowlton Center, Otterbein University may be a good fit for:
- Individuals with ADHD
- Individuals with autism
- Individuals with cerebral palsy
- Individuals with developmental disabilities
- Individuals with Down syndrome
- Individuals with emotional, behavioral, or mental health challenges
- Individuals with genetic conditions or disorders
- Individuals with intellectual disabilities
- Individuals with learning disabilities
Facility and Setting
Austin E. Knowlton Center operates in Westerville, Ohio, at 600 North Spring Road. The facility sits on about 70 acres and includes classrooms, faculty and staff offices, a large indoor riding arena suitable for regional and national equestrian competitions, spectator seating, and 52 horse stalls. The center also includes pasture and paddock space and serves as Otterbein’s main equine science facility.
- Westerville, Ohio location
- About 70 acres
- Large indoor riding arena
- Classrooms and office space
- Spectator seating
- 52 horse stalls
- Pastures and paddocks
What Makes Them Unique
Austin E. Knowlton Center stands out for combining university-level equine science education with community-facing equine-assisted services. The program supports therapeutic riding and psychotherapy incorporating equines while also giving students direct, daily horse experience in a structured academic setting.
The center also supports a broader range of equine opportunities than a typical standalone riding program, including academic courses, an equine-assisted services minor, camps, and competition-related facilities.