🐴❤️ The Timeless Bond of Cheval and Motown ❤️🐴
The story of Cheval and Motown is almost as old as O.A.T.S. Therapeutic Riding Center itself. Raised together on the same farm more than twenty years ago, these two magnificent draft horses shared a bond that transcended time and distance.
They began their journey together on a peaceful farm, growing up side by side beneath wide skies and golden sunsets. Motown, strong and steadfast, carried a spark of bravery in his eyes. Cheval, elegant and kind, carried a quiet wisdom in her heart. From the start, they were more than just pasture mates—they were partners, confidants, and family.
As they grew older, their paths diverged. Cheval—whose name means “horse” in French— found peace and comfort at Lucky Fox Farm in Metamora, MI, where her days were filled with sunshine, open fields, and loving care.
Meanwhile, Motown, with his steady temperament and brave spirit, was chosen to serve in the Detroit Police Mounted Division. He became a guardian of the bustling city streets, walking proudly through parades and standing calmly amidst crowds. His strength reassured others, his gentleness won hearts, but deep in his soul, he carried the memory of those peaceful farm days—and Cheval.
Though miles apart, the bond between Cheval and Motown endured.
When Motown retired from his years of service, he was donated to O.A.T.S. At O.A.T.S., he found a new purpose—offering therapeutic riding experiences and becoming a source of healing, strength, and connection for countless individuals.
Not long after Motown’s arrival, Lucky Fox Farm learned of his new chapter at O.A.T.S. Touched by the remarkable work being done here and moved by the opportunity to reunite two lifelong friends, Lucky Fox Farm graciously donated Cheval.
The moment their eyes met across the pasture, it was as if no time had passed at all. Side by side once again, they became an unstoppable team, bringing joy, healing, and hope to everyone who crossed their path.
For nearly seven incredible years, Cheval and Motown worked together at O.A.T.S., changing lives one hoofbeat at a time. From children with autism to veterans seeking solace, their presence brought comfort, courage, and joy. Their love for each other was so abundant that they shared it freely with everyone around them—riders, volunteers, and staff alike.
To the volunteers who cared for them, they were more than horses—they were friends. To the riders whose lives they touched, they were heroes.
On Friday, December 20, 2024, Cheval and Motown were laid to rest—together, as they had been for so much of their lives.
Their story isn’t just about two horses; it’s about enduring love, quiet strength, and the profound impact animals can have on our hearts. Nor is it just a love story—it’s our story. The story of a place where healing happens, friendships grow, and where two extraordinary horses reminded us all of the beauty of loyalty and love.
Their legacy lives on in every rider they lifted, every volunteer they inspired, and every life they changed.
Run free, dear Cheval and Motown. Your story will forever be a part of O.A.T.S. 🌈🐎❤️
You can honor Motown and Cheval by symbolically adopting an O.A.T.S. horse or making a donation to O.A.T.S. in their memory. Your generous contribution will ensure that the love shared between Motown and Cheval will continue to be shared through the miraculous work being done at O.A.T.S.
They began their journey together on a peaceful farm, growing up side by side beneath wide skies and golden sunsets. Motown, strong and steadfast, carried a spark of bravery in his eyes. Cheval, elegant and kind, carried a quiet wisdom in her heart. From the start, they were more than just pasture mates—they were partners, confidants, and family.
As they grew older, their paths diverged. Cheval—whose name means “horse” in French— found peace and comfort at Lucky Fox Farm in Metamora, MI, where her days were filled with sunshine, open fields, and loving care.
Meanwhile, Motown, with his steady temperament and brave spirit, was chosen to serve in the Detroit Police Mounted Division. He became a guardian of the bustling city streets, walking proudly through parades and standing calmly amidst crowds. His strength reassured others, his gentleness won hearts, but deep in his soul, he carried the memory of those peaceful farm days—and Cheval.
Though miles apart, the bond between Cheval and Motown endured.
When Motown retired from his years of service, he was donated to O.A.T.S. At O.A.T.S., he found a new purpose—offering therapeutic riding experiences and becoming a source of healing, strength, and connection for countless individuals.
Not long after Motown’s arrival, Lucky Fox Farm learned of his new chapter at O.A.T.S. Touched by the remarkable work being done here and moved by the opportunity to reunite two lifelong friends, Lucky Fox Farm graciously donated Cheval.
The moment their eyes met across the pasture, it was as if no time had passed at all. Side by side once again, they became an unstoppable team, bringing joy, healing, and hope to everyone who crossed their path.
For nearly seven incredible years, Cheval and Motown worked together at O.A.T.S., changing lives one hoofbeat at a time. From children with autism to veterans seeking solace, their presence brought comfort, courage, and joy. Their love for each other was so abundant that they shared it freely with everyone around them—riders, volunteers, and staff alike.
To the volunteers who cared for them, they were more than horses—they were friends. To the riders whose lives they touched, they were heroes.
On Friday, December 20, 2024, Cheval and Motown were laid to rest—together, as they had been for so much of their lives.
Their story isn’t just about two horses; it’s about enduring love, quiet strength, and the profound impact animals can have on our hearts. Nor is it just a love story—it’s our story. The story of a place where healing happens, friendships grow, and where two extraordinary horses reminded us all of the beauty of loyalty and love.
Their legacy lives on in every rider they lifted, every volunteer they inspired, and every life they changed.
Run free, dear Cheval and Motown. Your story will forever be a part of O.A.T.S. 🌈🐎❤️
You can honor Motown and Cheval by symbolically adopting an O.A.T.S. horse or making a donation to O.A.T.S. in their memory. Your generous contribution will ensure that the love shared between Motown and Cheval will continue to be shared through the miraculous work being done at O.A.T.S.
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Early Registration for 2025 Winter and Spring Sessions
Now Open to Current Riders. Open Registration Begins 12/1/2024
Our 2025 Winter and Spring Sessions will get your New Year off to a great start.
For more information please contact Doug Rohrabaugh at 248.245.1020
For more information please contact Doug Rohrabaugh at 248.245.1020
Please call us for scheduling classes or arrange volunteering. 248.245.1020 or call Doug Rohrabaugh: 586.209.7608
We greatly appreciate your support and generosity.
We greatly appreciate your support and generosity.
Welcome to OATSWe've been Offering Alternative Therapy with Smiles since 1997.
Our mission: to promote the health, well-being and happiness of disabled individuals through horseback riding and related activities. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit in Ortonville, Michigan, our PATH Intl. accredited center serves all ages and disabilities year round. We help horses too! |
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Why Equine-Assisted ServicesBENEFITS OF THERAPEUTIC/ADAPTIVE RIDING INCLUDE:
With safety always the priority, the goal for every rider at OATS is to ride independently (without assistance from a leader and/or side-walker), no matter the disability. While not always possible, the important thing is that it’s encouraged. |
100+MEMBERS RECEIVING THERAPY
Includes those who don’t always ride, but come for equine facilitated learning. |
19THERAPY HORSES
Elf, Bluff, Moon, Liberty, Outlaw… |
40GREEN ACRES
Located about an hour from downtown Detroit and Lansing. |
Get Involved
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CONTACT US
Have a question about OATS? Ask about our organization, the programs we offer, and the difference we make. |
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Without volunteers, OATS couldn't exist. Want to help us change the life of a disabled child or adult? |
MAKE A DONATION
As a 501(c)3 nonprofit, OATS wouldn't be possible without the generous support of the community. |
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PSST…Did you know that OATS also offers horse boarding and hosts birthday parties open to the public?
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