Offering Alternative Therapy with Smiles was founded as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization in 1997 by Nancy Lee Heussner. Located on 50 acres in Clarkston, Mich., O.A.T.S. and its staff of caring, dedicated and enthusiastic instructors and volunteers provide equine-assisted therapy and a lot of smiles on a weekly basis, year-round (thanks to our heated indoor arena), to more than 100 children and adults with a wide variety of physical and emotional disabilities. See our program in action: watch one of our videos, browse our newsletters, or better yet, come out and volunteer.

With safety always the priority, the goal for every rider at O.A.T.S. is to ride independently (without assistance from a leader and/or sidewalker), no matter the disability. While not always possible, the important thing is that it’s encouraged.

We also strive to engage our riders from the moment they arrive until they leave. Riders are asked to converse, recognize horses and volunteers by name, assist with leading horses out and untacking, notice their surroundings, participate in games and activities, test their limits and most of all, have fun and SMILE. Parents, caregivers, teachers and doctors are often surprised by what our riders can do!

More than just a place to ride

For parents, O.A.T.S. is a support system and a place to network and share information. For riders, it’s a place to be a “regular” kid through annual events like the Mane Event horse show and fair, holiday parties and our Smiles on Saddles day camp.