SOUTHINGTON — The Camelot Therapeutic Riding Center is offering a new program where children and adults can relax and receive comfort as they read to a horse.

Debbie Meeker, program director, said a party took place over the summer to help raise funds for the center, feed the horses, scholarships for children riding and other programs.

She said the new program is called “Horse Powered Reading,” which has a certified teacher who will work with children who may be struggling with reading. Meeker said the children will be able to read to a horse inside the arena and feel comfortable without concern of being judged.

Emily Rhodes, one of the horse instructors, came up with the idea for the reading program involving horses.

“She had heard about the program and wanted to have it here,” Meeker said.

Rhodes said children not only will be able to read to the horses, but the horses also will be used for activities to benefit the children.

“We have programs where we are able to integrate reading and math. The children can gain confidence as they teach the horses reading and math,” Rhodes said.

The focus of the program will be for children in third grade and up, she said.

Rhodes said activities and what each child needs will determine where the program takes place. She said the children will be one on one with the horse such as learning to put words and sounds together.

“I heard about the benefits of horse powered learning and was interested in having it here,” Rhodes said.

She said with the new school year starting, this is the ideal time to offer the program.

Meeker said the horses are able to be calm while standing by a child who is reading.

Gary Lehman, president of the Howland Rotary, said the club contributed funds to the Camelot Center for its programming.

Lehman said Meeker spoke to them at a Rotary meeting and invited them to the summer event.

“We felt this would be a program that the Rotary wants to help support. The Camelot Center works with many children. That is why we are here, to see all they do and how we can help,” Lehman said.

Meeker said the Camelot Center has been in Southington since 1994.

She said the center has riders ages 4 and older from Trumbull, Mahoning, Portage and Geauga counties.

The center has 11 horses, a pony and a colt.

Meeker said the recent summer fundraiser included a basket raffle, music and tours of the center.

Ken Abell, a member of the Howland Rotary, said he was impressed with the center and all the programs offered.

He said the Rotary also hosts a post traumatic stress disorder program for service people in Rootstown and would like to see individuals benefit from the programs at the Camelot Center.

Ray Fowler of Leavittsburg and a veteran, said programs at Camelot have helped him to relax.

“I have seen a change since I have been coming here,” Fowler said.

For information on the reading program, call 330-889-0036 to schedule an appointment.