Embedded Files
Equine Assisted Programs
Equine Assisted Therapy (EAT) offers a unique and powerful path to emotional growth and mental well-being by leveraging the intuitive nature of horses. These magnificent animals provide immediate, non-judgmental feedback, which helps individuals gain critical self-awareness and develop crucial life skills in a non-traditional setting. The benefits are numerous: working with horses naturally boosts confidence and self-esteem as clients accomplish tasks alongside a powerful animal. Furthermore, learning to effectively interact with a horse translates directly to improved communication skills, both verbal and non-verbal, in all aspects of life. Because horses require a calm and consistent demeanor, EAT naturally enhances emotional regulation, teaching valuable skills for managing stress, anxiety, and strong emotions. Ultimately, forming a bond with a horse can help repair the ability to trust others and deepen one's sense of empathy, leading to profound personal breakthroughs.
Therapeutic on-lead classes
Winter 2026 | mini-session | $300 |
January 5-January 31
Mondays: 5:30-6:15PM and 6:30-7:15PM
Tuesdays: 5:30-6:15PM
Wednesdays: 10:00-10:45AM; 5:30-6:15PM; 6:30-7:15PM
Saturdays: 10:00-10:45AM; 11:00-11:45AM; 12:00-12:45PM
*Classes will be canceled in snow emergencies or if ride-time temperatures are 20 degrees or colder. Classes canceled by O.A.T.S. will be rescheduled.
Spring 2026 | 8-week session | $600
March 2-May 2 (No classes April 1-7)
Mondays: 5:30-6:15PM and 6:30-7:15PM
Tuesdays: 5:30-6:15PM
Wednesdays: 10:00-10:45AM; 5:30-6:15PM; 6:30-7:15PM
Saturdays: 10:00-10:45AM; 11:00-11:45AM; 12:00-12:45PM
Late Spring 2026 | mini-session | $300
May 4-June 6 (No classes May 20-26)
Mondays: 5:30-6:15PM and 6:30-7:15PM
Tuesdays: 5:30-6:15PM
Wednesdays: 10:00-10:45AM; 5:30-6:15PM; 6:30-7:15PM
Saturdays: 10:00-10:45AM; 11:00-11:45AM; 12:00-12:45PM
Summer 2026 | 6-week session | $450
June 15-August 1 (No classes July 1-7)
Mondays: 6:30-7:15PM
Wednesdays: 6:30-7:15PM
Saturdays: 10:00-10:45AM; 11:00-11:45AM; 12:00-12:45PM
Late Summer 2026 | mini-session | $300
August 10-September 12 (No classes September 3-September 9)
Mondays: 5:30-6:15PM and 6:30-7:15PM
Tuesdays: 5:30-6:15PM
Wednesdays: 10:00-10:45AM; 5:30-6:15PM; 6:30-7:15PM
Saturdays: 10:00-10:45AM; 11:00-11:45AM; 12:00-12:45PM
Fall 2026 | 8-week session | $600
September 14-November 7
Mondays: 5:30-6:15PM and 6:30-7:15PM
Tuesdays: 5:30-6:15PM
Wednesdays: 10:00-10:45AM; 5:30-6:15PM; 6:30-7:15PM
Saturdays: 10:00-10:45AM; 11:00-11:45AM; 12:00-12:45PM
Late Fall 2026 | mini-session | $300
November 9-December 12 (No classes November 24-30)
Mondays: 5:30-6:15PM and 6:30-7:15PM
Tuesdays: 5:30-6:15PM
Wednesdays: 10:00-10:45AM; 5:30-6:15PM; 6:30-7:15PM
Saturdays: 10:00-10:45AM; 11:00-11:45AM; 12:00-12:45PM
Therapeutic off-lead classes
January through July
Pre-approval required to register!
Winter mini-session $300
January 5-January 31
Tuesday 6:30
Thursday 5:30 and 6:30
Spring session $600
March 2-May 2 (No classes April 1-7)
Tuesday 6:30
Thursday 5:30 and 6:30
Late spring mini-session $300
May 4-June 6 (No classes May 20-26)
Tuesday 6:30
Thursday 5:30 and 6:30
Summer 6-week session $450
June 15-August 1 (No classes July 1-7)
Tuesday 6:30
Thursday 5:30 and 6:30
Therapeutic off-lead classes
August through December
Pre-approval required to register!
Late summer mini-session $300
August 10-September 12 (No classes August 27-September 2)
Tuesday 6:30
Thursday 5:30 and 6:30
Fall Session $600
September 14-November 7
Tuesday 6:30
Thursday 5:30 and 6:30
Late Fall mini-session $300
November 9-December 12 (No classes November 24-30)
Tuesday 6:30
Thursday 5:30 and 6:30
*For approval, contact: doug.rohrabaugh@oatshrh.org
Homeschool programming
Homeschool guardian and me (ages 3-8) | Winter 2026 | $640/8-week session
Fridays 10-10:30 starting February 6, 2026; indoor classroom experiences; riding: form
Feb 6, 13, 20, and 27 (indoor horsemanship); Mar 6, 13, 20, 27 (RIDING)
Homeschool independent ages 9+ | Winter 2026 | $640/8-week session
Fridays 11-11:45; 12:30-1:15 starting February 6, 2026; indoor classroom experiences; riding: form
Feb 6, 13, 20, and 27 (indoor horsemanship); Mar 6, 13, 20, 27 (RIDING)
Fall Homeschool at the Farm | Fridays in Oct 2026 | Contact volunteers@oatshrh.org
Fridays in Oct
Learn about a different animal each week through hands on engagement with animals, art project, and physical activity.
Homeschool riding
Join us for a homeschool riding program!
School programming
School field trips | Form
We welcome area school programs to come get a hands-on educational experience, farm tour, and animal love. Fill in the form about and we will be in contact with you soon!
Golden Saddles Senior Riding Program
This unique riding experience is centered around members of our senior community who are interested in getting back in the saddle or learning to ride for the first time. Our trained staff and seasoned horses will assist you in enjoying the pleasures and therapeutic benefits of horseback riding. (Volunteer leaders and side walkers are available for this program as needed, or requested, by the participant or O.A.T.S. staff.)
Partnership Programs
The OATS and OUCares partnership with the autism program at Oakland University. The OUCares staff and volunteers bring registered participants to the OATS facility for engagement and learning opportunities.
The Alzheimer's Association of MI also partners with OATS to provide hands-on memory focused engagements with animals and nature.
Scouting America groups enjoy the OATS facility for campouts and horsemanship badges. OATS is also home to the only special needs scouting troop in MI.
Tamarack Camps partner with OATS each summer to provide riding experiences for their campers by bringing their participants to OATS for riding and animal engagement time.
*Do you have a connection with a group that would benefit from engagement with therapeutic animals?
Important Information
Registration and Payment is per session, not per class. Payments can be made by check, money order, or credit card. Riders can pay for the entire session or split the registration cost in two equal payments $300 for full sessions or $150 for mini-sessions upon registration and $300 or $150 before the 5th class. No refunds are provided.
O.A.T.S. does not provide make up classes for rider cancellations.
For more information or to register for classes please contact Doug Rohrabaugh at 248.245.1020 or email us at oatsevents@gmail.com
All riders will need proper paperwork, including a signed physicians release form, and their own horseback riding helmet. Helmets can be found at the following O.A.T.S. supporters: Arizona Saddlery, Covered Wagon Saddlery, Everything Equine, Tractor Supply Co
Registration Information
Current OATS riders may register immediately for 2026 classes. The cost for one weekly class in all sessions is $2,850 for the year. Registration information will also be sent as each session approaches. Class sizes are limited.
Class availability may vary based on horse assignments, instructor schedules, and volunteer support. Registration fees are non-refundable.
Each class is 45 minutes long, and mounting may take up to 15 minutes of class time. Riders arriving more than 15 minutes late will not be mounted. Make-up classes are not available for rider cancellations.
Riders must provide their own horseback riding helmet. Typical Therapeutic/Adaptive class sizes are limited to five riders; off-lead classes may be smaller.
*Tuesday 6:30pm and Thursday 5:30pm/6:30pm classes are reserved for off-lead riders and require approval before registering.
All programs may be paid in full before the first week of class; OR paid in two installments--one before the first week; one before the 4th week. NO REFUNDS
Your payment holds your spot. Full payment for the Winter session allows early choice in the Spring session and so on.
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