History – Camelot Therapeutic Horsemanship

Camelot’s Founder

historyEileenMack2 When Eileen Szychowski brought Camelot to Arizona, she had $100.00, two mares named Guinevere and Janik, and a precious goose named Zanadu. Today, Camelot has grown to be a privately funded, state-of-the-art, non-profit organization located on 14.25 acres in North Scottsdale.

Szychowski, a horsewoman with a disability, spent seven years studying under Josef Rivers, a polio survivor and founder of Dragon Slayers in California. During her time there, she also worked as a full-time program director for the Santa Cruz Skills Center. When Eileen came to Arizona, she became a park ranger at the Grand Canyon. She discovered that she could live the life she dreamed, and under Rivers’ encouragement, she dared to dream big.

history002 history001 Along the way, Szychowski has received support and encouragement from friends and supporters all over the country. As time goes on, many former students continue to participate in the dream, donating both time and money. Eileen retired in November of 2004, but continues to guide the staff at Camelot through the knowledge and teachings she has shared with them over the years. Thanks to these combined efforts, Camelot exists today as living proof that dreams can come true.

Camelot’s Timeline

1976	The seeds of Camelot are planted as Eileen Szychowski becomes a student of Josef Rivers, founder of the Dragon Slayer’s program in Northern California.
1980	Camelot begins to take shape as Eileen contemplates where a next-generation program can most fill a need.
1981	On a trip to Grand Canyon National Park, the question is answered as Szychowski is denied participation in the mule ride and access into the canyon based on her disability.
1982	A barrier is turned into an opportunity as Szychowski moves to Arizona and becomes the first disabled mounted Ranger in the National Park Service at the Grand Canyon.
1983	With two horses, a goose, and a dream, Camelot is established in Phoenix as a non-profit organization, renting space at Santa Rita stables. The next five years will focus on building the program, curriculum, and team of volunteers and supporters.
1988	With the program firmly established, Camelot launches a quest to raise funds for a fully accessible ranch facility that will be its permanent home.
1989	The search is on for the perfect ranch site in North Scottsdale.
1990	Camelot is selected as a candidate for a major $100,000 challenge grant, but must raise two dollars for every grant dollar.
1991	With help from donors large and small, Camelot meets the grant challenge after 16 months of campaigning.
1992	Camelot purchases a 14.25 acre parcel of land that encompasses everything on its wish list.
1992	Camelot designs a state-of-the-art facility and begins the lengthy process of securing a multitude of permits.
1994	The infrastructure begins with the installation of utilities and the creation of a level building site.
1996	At last, a foundation is poured, and a barrier-free, wheelchair-accessible ranch is under way.
1997	The horses move in and, after a 16 year journey, Camelot is home at last!
1998	The official Grand Opening Ceremony is held for Camelot’s one-of-a-kind, fully accessible therapeutic horsemanship facility.
2000	Hay and equipment storage barn construction is completed.
2005	A grant from the Sybil B. Harrington Trust of Amarillo, Texas, sets Camelot on the way to covering the riding arena. Students, instructors, and therapy mounts will finally be out of the Arizona sun.
2006	After many meetings with the City of Scottsdale and the adjoining property owners, spanning 18 months, Camelot obtains the necessary building permit.
2007	The arena improvement project is completed, with the arena footing funded by Ames Construction, Inc., and Thunderbirds Charities.
2008	Daily dragon slaying continues as Camelot looks to the future.
2011	Financial support from the Valley Anesthesiology Foundation builds three pastures with shade structures for the therapy horses.
2012	A grant from the Grainger Foundation is received for the purchase and installation of a SureHands lift, which is used for student transfers from wheelchair to horseback.
2013	Camelot receives a “Best of Scottsdale” award for stables.
2014	Construction begins on the installation of a 20 x 40 meter outdoor dressage schooling arena with the support of PetSmart Charities.
2015	Additional funding received from the Davignon Charitable Fund allows for the completion of the dressage schooling arena. Finishing touches are provided by an Eagle Scout project.
2016	Administrative building and educational center receive new paint and carpet as the result of funds raised at the 2015 Starry Knights event.
2018	Three additional pastures built for the therapy horses.
2018	Eight stall barn renovations completed thanks to the Molly Blank Fund, matching gifts during our 2017 Starry Knights fundraiser, and the Verdoorn Foundation.
2019	Funds raised during 2018 Starry Knights fundraiser were used to install an automatic front gate.
2020	Shade structure was built over existing round pen thanks to the generosity of the Grainger Foundation.
????	We need your help—be a part of Camelot’s future. Our current quest is to broaden our base of financial support and develop an endowment program that secures our future and enables us to pass on Camelot’s eternal message of hope to future generations.