Our Facility
Camelot’s facility, located on 14.25 acres in the Pinnacle Peak area of North
Scottsdale, offers a serene setting for children and adults with disabilities who
want to expand their horizons through the magic of horses. The native desert vegetation
and abundant wildlife add to the special feeling that fills you when you enter the
gates of Camelot.
Covered Arena
Through the generous support of our benefactors, we are fortunate to have a 100'
x 200' covered riding arena with sand footing.
The arena provides ample space for safe lessons and also serves as a turn-out area
for our horses when lessons are not in progress.
The cover, made possible by a grant from the Sybil B. Harrington Trust of Amarillo,
Texas, provides important protection from the weather, allowing our horses and people
to work in comfort during lessons.
Property Trails
Not all of Camelot’s mounted lessons take place within the confines of the
arena. As our students develop stability and confidence in the saddle, they can
explore our trails.
In addition to a perimeter trail, we have two washes—one is trimmed and maintained
to accommodate a rider, header, and side-walker, while the other is narrower and
suitable for students who have independent control of their mounts. Both give students
access to the natural beauty of the Sonoran dessert.
Barn
Camelot’s barn is both a barrier-free, wheelchair-accessible teaching center
and a home to our horses. It offers a safe environment where we encourage independence
in our students. The barn has 8 stalls with runs, a mounting ramp, a tack room,
a workshop, a feed room, and a covered washing/grooming area.
Our barn is also home to the “Chicken Hilton”, which gives our students
the opportunity to observe and handle various species of birds.
Tack Room
Our tack room holds a variety of saddles that can be used on different horses, but
each horse has his or her own bridle. We also have
ASTM-certified safety helmets in various sizes for the students, as well
as girths, saddle pads, sheepskin bareback pads, and vaulting equipment.
All of Camelot’s equipment is well maintained by our students and volunteers
and organized for ease of use by those with physical challenges. Braille signage
aids our students with visual impairment.
Mounting Ramp
Our mounting ramp is a pathway to independence for our riders. Mounting can be a
vulnerable moment, and a smooth and fluid transition is our goal. This requires
our horses to be patient and calm, our riders to be brave and determined, and our
staff and volunteers to be vigilant and professional.
It all comes together here, at the mounting ramp, where the rider leaves mechanical
assistance behind, and becomes simply a rider—equal in stature to all others
and at one with the horse.
Educational Center
At Camelot, our lessons take place every week. If the weather isn’t suitable
for riding, we move our lessons indoors.
Our educational center contains a large multi-purpose room, a library, a kitchen,
two wheelchair accessible bathrooms (one with an accessible shower), and two offices.
Much of what is experienced on horseback or on the trails is explored and discussed
in the comfortable environment of our educational center.
Labyrinth
Camelot is proud to offer students, families, volunteers, and guests the opportunity
to enjoy the peace and harmony our 85' labyrinth can bring. Located just west of
our covered arena, Camelot’s labyrinth is completely wheelchair-accessible
and is an amazing gift to our ranch.
The labyrinth was donated by a generous Camelot supporter who wishes to remain anonymous.
Camelot’s family of students, volunteers, staff, and horses participated in
the creation of this wonderful addition to our facility.
Enchanted Garden
Camelot’s Enchanted Garden contains two beautiful wheelchair-accessible raised
bed gardens, a tumbling composter, and a potter’s bench for our students and
volunteers to enjoy. The garden was completely built with recycled materials and
is designed to last for generations of Camelot Dragon Slayers!
The Enchanted Garden exists because team “Growing Greatness” of Scottsdale
Leadership Class XXV chose Camelot to benefit from their group’s hard work
and dedication. Three cheers to Scottsdale Leadership Class XXV!
Camelot Thanks
Sybil B. Harrington Trust
of Amarillo, TX
Thank you for
covering our arena.
Ames Construction
Thank you for removing, replacing, and improving our arena footing.
“Chicken Hilton”
2011 Sponsors
Ames Construction Employees