Special CHEERS
Houston, Texas
Special CHEERS (Children with Horses for Evaluation, Education, Rehabilitation, and Socialization) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit on Clay Road in northwest Houston. It describes itself as an occupational therapy center that works with children and young adults with physical and mental challenges through functional and equine therapy. It also lists equine-assisted psychotherapy, coaching, a summer day camp and retreats.
- Equine-assisted occupational therapy
- Equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP)
- Equine Facilitated Connections
- Equus Coaching
- Summer day camp (Camp Connections)
- Couples retreats
- Children and young adults with special needs
- Autism and PDD
- ADD and ADHD
- Cerebral palsy
- Developmental delays
- Learning challenges
- Physical limitations
- Mental health and emotional needs
More about this center
About the Program
According to its website, Special CHEERS was founded in 2002 by occupational therapist Fritzi Glover-Strowmatt and has served more than 800 children in the Houston area. Its occupational therapy work targets fine motor skills, sensory processing, self-care, handwriting and school readiness, attention, emotional regulation and social participation. The site describes sessions as play-based and family-centered, with equine-assisted occupational therapy available.
Its equine-assisted psychotherapy program is led by licensed therapists working with equine professionals. Clients groom, lead and feed horses, and the site says some sessions use EMDR techniques. The site says its horses are rescues.
Camp and Volunteering
Camp Connections, the summer day camp, runs in two two-week sessions from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The site lists equine-assisted occupational therapy, auditory integration therapy, Interactive Metronome, equine obstacle courses, arts and crafts and social skills work. Dates, ages and prices are not posted.
Groups, companies, families and individuals can volunteer with trail clearing, barn and building upkeep, horse care, office work, fundraising and summer camp. The site asks volunteers to email the volunteer coordinator at Partners4SC@gmail.com.
Location
Special CHEERS is at 12570 Clay Rd, Houston, Texas 77041, in northwest Houston. Its website describes 240 acres of trails. A 2017 news report said the property flooded during Hurricane Harvey, and the website now lists its 2026 Stand By Me fundraiser at the Special CHEERS barn on Clay 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 do I get started at Special CHEERS?
The website offers an evaluation request for occupational therapy but does not describe the intake steps. Call 713-983-0075 or email Specialcheers@yahoo.com to ask about an evaluation and openings.
How much does it cost?
A 2017 news report said the organization accepted private insurance and Medicaid, so call 713-983-0075 to confirm current fees and coverage. See our guide to equine therapy costs.
Does Special CHEERS offer therapeutic riding or hippotherapy?
The website does not list therapeutic riding or hippotherapy as a program, though its fundraiser page mentions children riding the center's horses. Call 713-983-0075 to ask whether riding is part of current sessions.
Location
Houston, Texas 77041
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.