Offering Alternative Therapy with Smiles was founded in
1997 by Nancy Lee Heussner. Located on 50 acres in Clarkston, Mich.,
today O.A.T.S. and its staff of caring, dedicated and enthusiastic
instructors and volunteers provide equine-assisted therapy 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/or emotional
disabilities. To see our program in action, view one of
our videos,
browse our printed newsletter, or better yet, pay us a visit at the
farm!
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For riders like Elijah (pictured above and
at right with instructor Lynn Daniels), therapeutic riding:
•Improves balance, flexibility, muscle strength and tone.
•Develops communication, listening and attention skills.
•Encourages social interaction.
•Builds confidence and self-esteem.
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.
•Improves balance, flexibility, muscle strength and tone.
•Develops communication, listening and attention skills.
•Encourages social interaction.
•Builds confidence and self-esteem.
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.
At O.A.T.S., safety is priority #1
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!
What makes O.A.T.S. different? We're 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.
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!
What makes O.A.T.S. different? We're 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.
