Situated amongst the farmland and forest in Augusta, MI, is one of our area’s best kept secrets: the Cheff Therapeutic Riding Center. Well known on the Equine Assisted Activities and Therapies international scene, this little gem has been quietly making a huge impact right here in our backyard for 50 years.

Monday through Friday year round, clients run, walk, and roll their way through the doors at Cheff, eager to meet up with “their” horse and go for a ride. Clients range in age from two to eighty-six, and all face physical, emotional, or cognitive challenges in their daily lives. In 2018, the program served an average of 125 clients per week (for a grand total of 625 individuals) through their equine-based Therapeutic Riding, Hippotherapy (physical therapy), and unmounted programs.

Week in and week out at this little slice of horse heaven children are slowing the inevitable progression of terminal diseases, senior citizens are strengthening muscles and improving balance, US veterans are smiling again, battles with addiction are being won, first sentences are being spoken, first steps are being taken, and countless other milestones are being achieved. All of these wonderful accomplishments have been made possible by more than 300 annual volunteers and the financial support of our community.

For more information or to tour the farm, visit www.cheffcenter.org