Opened in 1969 as the first therapeutic riding center built especially for the purpose of serving those with special needs in North America, the Cheff Therapeutic Riding Center serves riders of all ages who have physical, emotional or cognitive disabilities.
We’re headed into Spring 2024 at full speed! There are exciting things on the horizon- new programs, new partnerships, and big plans.
If you or someone you know have been wondering about joining our therapeutic riding program as a client, 2024 is a great time! We are currently accepting a limited number of clients for our upcoming sessions. Give us a call today!
269-731-4471
Our Mission
Cheff’s mission is to enhance the lives of individuals who have special needs through equine assisted services while leading the industry in education.
For over 54 years, Cheff Center has provided a success oriented and unconditionally supportive setting for healing, education, and fun. The synergy created by our herd of gentle giants, professional staff, and specially trained volunteers allows for an experience that cannot be replicated in any traditional clinic or hospital setting.
Cheff’s clients range in age from 13 months to over 85 years old. Cheff serves individuals with physical, behavioral, emotional, and cognitive special needs.
Our therapy horse herd is made up of very special and very diverse creatures. The majority of equines in our program were donated to us and have backgrounds ranging from the back yard to the show ring.
We couldn’t do what we do without our volunteers! Cheff is always looking for new volunteers to join the team. Would you like to horse around with us?
Cheff currently specializes in Therapeutic Riding, Hippotherapy, Ground Programing, Instructor Training and Mentoring, and Industry Education.
Therapeutic Riding provides healthy exercise to individuals with special needs by allowing them to participate in the sport of horseback riding in a success-oriented environment.
There's more to what we do than just getting on top of a horse! Some of our magic happens right on the ground. Cheff has several unmounted opportunities ranging from one on one horsemanship to one time school group visits.
Cheff is working hard to meet the changing needs of our community with a concerted effort in increasing mental health offerings. We have introduced several one time Self Care events, specific curriculum for teen and tween girls, and supplemental programing for those struggling with addiction.
In hippotherapy, a specially trained physical, occupational, or speech therapist properly positions the patient on the horse, analyzes the patient's response and directs the horse's movement to achieve specific patient treatment goals. The horse is used as a unique treatment modality in conjunction with traditional therapies.
Cheff is proud to offer Workshops, apprenticeships, internships, and mentoring opportunities. We are in the process of revamping our offerings to better accommodate changing industry requirements. Contact us if you would like to incorporate Cheff in your educational journey, and we’ll see if we have something that may fit your needs!
“The great thing about the Cheff Center is that it is a place that allows for imperfection. In a world where people are constantly striving for the unattainable goal of perfection, where the lie is believed and perpetuated that perfection is attainable and anything less than the illusive “perfect” is shunned and cast off– there stands the Cheff Center, allowing, embracing, enjoying, and validating everyone who enters. The Cheff Center truly shows us what believing in diversity means. Cheff understands and delights in the fact that all people are different, all people have their own individual strengths and weaknesses, and all people are valuable. The patience, kindness, and authenticity of the staff makes Cheff a “safe zone” for the rest of us in this different-than-perfect world. It gives the rest of us a chance to rest and catch our breath.”
It takes a village to change lives at the Cheff Center! You can make a difference. Whether it’s volunteering your time and talents, contributing financially, or championing our cause in the community- we’d love to have you on the team.
Click below to see if our services are appropriate for you!
We couldn’t do what we do without the hands-on help of our community. See how you can be a part of our team!
Your contribution can make a lasting impact right here in our community.
