Camp Able of Buffalo Gap
Abilene, Texas
Camp Able of Buffalo Gap is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in the valley at Buffalo Gap, about 7 miles outside Abilene, Texas. According to its website, it is a PATH Intl. Premier Accredited Center. It offers therapeutic riding for children and adults with special needs, starting at age 4.
- Therapeutic riding
- Individual and group riding sessions
- Ground sessions for riders over the weight limit
- Explorer Camp (four-day June family camp)
- Life-skills classroom partnerships with local school districts
- CTRI mentorship
- Children and adults age 4 and up
- Autism
- Down syndrome
- Cerebral palsy
- ADD
- Developmental delay
- Hearing and vision impairment
- Multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy and stroke
More about this center
About the Program
According to its website, Camp Able was founded in 2014 by Renee Hicks and grew from a small, family-run therapeutic riding program. In 2017 it bought 83 acres about 7 miles outside Abilene, and it has since built grazing pastures, a covered riding arena and a learning center. It says it serves about 260 people a year.
Riding sessions are taught by a PATH Intl. certified instructor with support from trained volunteers. The center says the sessions teach horsemanship and riding skills. Its program FAQ says sessions run 8 to 12 weeks depending on the season, and registration is organized around fall and spring semesters.
Its website says its equine-assisted therapy program, delivered by physical, occupational and speech therapists, is not currently offered, and it is recruiting licensed therapists.
Getting Started
New riders email Program Director Catherine Allen, return the paperwork, then schedule an evaluation. Registration is rolling, and the waitlist is based on availability and best fit. A physician-signed medical release is required each fall.
Explorer Camp runs as two four-day sessions in June for people with special needs and their immediate families. At least one parent must attend for the full camp, and places are drawn by lottery, with registration opening January 1.
Volunteering
Volunteers must be at least 14. No horse experience is needed. Roles include horse leader, sidewalker, prep team and office support, and volunteers complete a background check and training first.
Location
The facility is at 1205 Camp Able Trail, Abilene, TX 79606, about 7 miles outside Abilene near Buffalo Gap. The mailing address is PO Box 695, Buffalo Gap, TX 79508.
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?
Email Program Director Catherine Allen at catherinea@camp-able.org, return the forms and schedule an evaluation. Riders join the waitlist once paperwork is complete.
What does therapeutic riding cost?
The program FAQ lists $60 per riding session, while the general FAQ says sessions use a sliding scale. Scholarships are available, and the center says ability to pay will not keep a rider from services. See our guide to equine therapy costs.
Are there age or weight requirements?
Riders must be at least 4, with no upper age limit. The program FAQ lists a 200 lb limit for balanced riders and 150 lb for unbalanced riders; riders over the limit may join ground sessions.
How do I contact Camp Able?
Call (325) 339-6490, email info@camp-able.org or use the contact form on camp-able.org.
Location
Abilene, Texas 79606
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.