Business Details
Therapeutic Riding Center in Waxahachie, TX
Campfire Creek is a nonprofit therapeutic riding center dedicated to empowering individuals through equine-assisted therapy. Our mission focuses on restoring hope and healing hearts by providing personalized programs for children, teens, and adults facing autism, anxiety, trauma, cerebral palsy, stroke recovery, limb differences, and neurological or emotional challenges. With certified instructors and specially trained therapy horses, we prioritize safety, dignity, and care in every session. Our structured approach includes assessments, individualized plans, and evidence-based methods like GaitWay to the Brain, which integrates brain-building exercises with riding to enhance outcomes.We foster a welcoming, inclusive environment rooted in Christ-like compassion, though our programs are open to all. Families actively participate in sessions, and we maintain clear communication to support each rider's progress. As a community-driven organization, we rely on donations and volunteers to sustain our services, offering scholarships to ensure accessibility. Our facility in Waxahachie, Texas, serves as a sanctuary where riders build confidence, improve physical and emotional well-being, and form meaningful connections with horses and staff.
Services
Therapeutic Riding
GaitWay to the Brain
Assessments & Onboarding
Ride of Champions
Volunteer Programs
Highlights and features
- Certified instructors and trained therapy horses ensure safe, effective sessions.
- Personalized programs address individual physical, emotional, and neurological needs.
- Faith-based foundation with inclusive, non-discriminatory access to all families.
- GaitWay to the Brain program integrates brain-building exercises with riding for enhanced outcomes.
- Scholarships and volunteer support ensure accessibility and community involvement.
What people say
Build confidence
Real connection
Calm presence
Family-like environment
Services
Therapeutic Riding
Individualized sessions using trained therapy horses to improve physical strength, emotional regulation, and confidence. Riders engage in guided activities tailored to their unique needs, fostering independence and joy through the therapeutic bond with horses. Our approach combines certified instruction with safety-focused protocols.
GaitWay to the Brain
Specialized brain-building exercises integrated with therapeutic riding to enhance cognitive and sensory outcomes. This research-backed program addresses attention, verbal expression, and emotional control through targeted activities conducted immediately after riding sessions, led by certified clinicians working alongside instructors.
Assessments & Onboarding
Step-by-step process to determine rider readiness and create personalized plans. Includes medical clearance review, facility tours, and goal-setting discussions to ensure alignment with our safety protocols and therapeutic objectives, preparing riders for successful participation.
Ride of Champions
Season-ending event honoring every rider's progress. Features themed activities and recognition ceremonies to celebrate achievements, fostering community connections and providing a joyful culmination to riders' therapeutic journeys while showcasing their growth to families.
Volunteer Programs
Opportunities for individuals 14+ to assist in sessions without prior horse experience. Roles include side-walking, horse handling, and event support, with training provided. Volunteers contribute directly to rider success while engaging in our mission-driven community.
Questions
What conditions do you serve?
We support riders with autism, anxiety, trauma, cerebral palsy, stroke recovery, limb differences, and neurological or emotional challenges through tailored equine therapy.
Do I need a doctor's note?
Yes, all riders require medical clearance to ensure safety and appropriate program participation.
Are sessions covered by insurance?
We use a pay-per-session model with scholarships available. Contact us to discuss financial assistance options.
Can I volunteer without horse experience?
Yes, we provide training for roles like side-walking and horse handling. No prior experience is required.
What safety measures are in place?
Certified instructors, trained therapy horses, helmets, emergency protocols, and personalized support ensure rider safety during all activities.
How do I start the application process?
Apply online through our website, then schedule an evaluation to discuss your rider's needs and create a personalized plan.
Reviews (3)
Dayna Schluter
Aug 02, 2020
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If you want to see the hand of God at work, consider volunteering at Campfire Creek. It is a place of miracles.
Susan Bickell
Aug 05, 2019
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This Spring will be my autistic son 5th year riding here. He loves it. The owner and volunteers are loving amazing people.
Bovie J.
Jun 03, 2015
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This pace is amazing. Emily is fantastic with the children and you can tell that she really cares about what she does. The facility is really nice as well they have a great outdoor area to sit and relax while your child gets to work with the volunteers and horses. They do different things throughout the year like auctions and a ride of champions. The ride of champions is where the kids get to show off their talents and they get awards and lots of praise. This organization does great work with kids and it is amazing to get away from everything and your kids will benefit from the lessons.
