O.A.T.S. Offering Alternative Therapy with Smiles

O.A.T.S. Offering Alternative Therapy with Smiles O.A.T.S. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that provides equine-assisted activities and therapies.

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.

Due to the severe cold temperatures all riding at O.A.T.S. has been suspended for Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Please...
01/20/2025

Due to the severe cold temperatures all riding at O.A.T.S. has been suspended for Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Please stay safe and warm if you are headed out.

It is snowing a bit and roads are not the greatest by the farm. Please use caution if you are coming for classes today.
01/11/2025

It is snowing a bit and roads are not the greatest by the farm. Please use caution if you are coming for classes today.

01/08/2025

🐴 Missing Your Favorite O.A.T.S. Horse? 🐎

We know it’s chilly outside, but you can still enjoy some horsey fun from the comfort of your home! Stay warm and cozy up with one of these fantastic horse movies:

🎥 Secretariat (Disney+) – An inspiring true story about a legendary racehorse.
🎥 A Horse Tale (Prime Video) – A heartwarming tale of family and friendship.
🎥 My Heroes Were Cowboys (Netflix) – A touching documentary about second chances and the healing power of horses.

Which one will you watch first? Let us know your favorite horse movie in the comments! 🧡🐴✨

Stay warm, and we can’t wait to see you back at O.A.T.S. soon!

🚨 Weather Update: Classes Canceled 🚨Due to the cold temperatures, all riding classes at O.A.T.S. are canceled for Wednes...
01/08/2025

🚨 Weather Update: Classes Canceled 🚨

Due to the cold temperatures, all riding classes at O.A.T.S. are canceled for Wednesday. ❄️🥶 The safety and comfort of our riders, volunteers, and horses are our top priority.

Stay warm, and we’ll see you back in the arena soon! 🐴💙

Thank you for your understanding!

Our winter riding session begins this Monday, January 6, 2025. We still have a few openings for riders and we are always...
01/03/2025

Our winter riding session begins this Monday, January 6, 2025. We still have a few openings for riders and we are always happy to have new volunteers!

🎉✨ Happy New Year from OATS Therapeutic Horseback Riding Center! ✨🎉As we step into 2025, we reflect on the incredible pr...
01/01/2025

🎉✨ Happy New Year from OATS Therapeutic Horseback Riding Center! ✨🎉

As we step into 2025, we reflect on the incredible progress and moments of joy that our community has shared over the past year. From empowering individuals with special needs to fostering connections with our amazing horses, your support has made a lasting impact.

We are so grateful for every volunteer, rider, donor, and partner who has made our mission possible. Together, we’ve created a place where strength, healing, and growth are not only encouraged but celebrated.

Here’s to another year of bringing hope, building skills, and making unforgettable memories! Thank you for being part of our journey. We can’t wait to see what this new year brings! 🌟🐴

🕊️ In Loving Memory of Cheval and Motown 🕊️It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of two cherished mem...
12/28/2024

🕊️ In Loving Memory of Cheval and Motown 🕊️

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of two cherished members of our O.A.T.S. herd, Cheval and Motown. These two incredible horses touched countless lives with their love, strength, and unique personalities.

Cheval, with her gentle spirit and calm demeanor, was a steadfast friend and partner to so many riders and volunteers. Motown, full of energy and heart, brought joy and light to everyone he met. Together, they embodied the heart of O.A.T.S., offering comfort and connection to all who knew them.

Their loss is deeply felt, but we take solace in the memories of the joy they brought and the impact they made in our community.

We invite you to share your memories, photos, and messages in their honor as we celebrate their lives and the legacy they leave behind. Thank you for being part of the O.A.T.S. family and helping us carry forward their spirit. Visit our website oatshrh.org to read more about Cheval and Motown.

🕎✨ Happy Hanukkah from OATS! ✨🕎Wishing you and your loved ones a Hanukkah filled with light, love, and joy. May your men...
12/25/2024

🕎✨ Happy Hanukkah from OATS! ✨🕎

Wishing you and your loved ones a Hanukkah filled with light, love, and joy. May your menorahs shine brightly and your celebrations bring warmth to your hearts and homes. 💙

At OATS, we’re grateful for this season of reflection and gratitude, and for the wonderful community we share with all of you. Thank you for being part of our journey!

Chag Sameach and Happy Hanukkah! 🕯️🌟

🎄✨ Merry Christmas from OATS! ✨🎄From all of us at OATS, we want to wish you and your loved ones a holiday season filled ...
12/25/2024

🎄✨ Merry Christmas from OATS! ✨🎄

From all of us at OATS, we want to wish you and your loved ones a holiday season filled with joy, warmth, and love. 🌟 Whether you're celebrating with family, friends, or taking some time to relax, we hope your day is magical and full of cheer.

Thank you for being a part of our journey this year. We're so grateful for your support and can't wait to see what the new year brings! 🎁

Stay safe, stay warm, and have a very Merry Christmas! ❤️🎅

🍂🐴 Thank You for an Amazing Fall Riding Session! 🍁✨As the leaves fall and the season comes to a close, we want to extend...
12/17/2024

🍂🐴 Thank You for an Amazing Fall Riding Session! 🍁✨

As the leaves fall and the season comes to a close, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who made this Fall Riding Session so special.

🌟 To our incredible riders – Your hard work, courage, and smiles inspire us every day. Watching you grow in confidence and skill is why we do what we do.

🌟 To our amazing volunteers – You are the heart of OATS! From leading horses to offering encouragement and support, we couldn’t do it without your dedication.

🌟 To our talented instructors – Your passion, patience, and expertise make every ride a positive and meaningful experience for our riders.

🌟 To our generous supporters – Your kindness allows us to continue providing therapeutic riding programs that change lives. Thank you for believing in our mission!

And let’s not forget our four-legged partners – the horses who make the magic happen! 🐴❤️

We’re so grateful to have such an incredible community here at OATS. As we look back on this session, we’re reminded of the strength, joy, and connection that happens when we all come together.

We can’t wait to see you all again for our next session! Until then, enjoy the season and give your favorite horse a little extra love. 🧡🍂

12/15/2024

Happy birthday to our amazing instructor Ruth Hannam! We hope you have a fantastic day! Thank you for all that you do!!!

12/13/2024

🌟🐴 Happy National Day of the Horse! 🐴🌟

Today, we celebrate the incredible impact horses have on our lives! These magnificent creatures are not just animals—they are our partners, healers, and friends. From their strength and beauty to their gentle and intuitive nature, horses inspire us every day.

At OATS, we’re especially grateful for our amazing herd, who work tirelessly to bring joy, healing, and confidence to individuals of all ages and abilities. Whether it’s providing therapy, teaching life lessons, or simply offering their calm presence, our horses truly make the world a better place.

Take a moment today to appreciate the horses in your life or to support those who make a difference in the lives of others. 🧡

📸 Share your favorite horse memory in the comments or tag us with your photos! Let’s celebrate these incredible animals together.

Thank you High Point Services & Spray Foam for your symbolic adoption of Sam for 2025!
12/11/2024

Thank you High Point Services & Spray Foam for your symbolic adoption of Sam for 2025!

12/08/2024
It’s a beautiful day on the farm! Come on out to OATS and enjoy some time with the animals, take care of some Christmas ...
12/08/2024

It’s a beautiful day on the farm! Come on out to OATS and enjoy some time with the animals, take care of some Christmas shopping with vendors and enjoy some amazing food from D&W’s Street Eatery!

Less than 10 days until our Holiday Hootenanny! Join us for some festive fun, door prizes, visit with animals, photos wi...
11/30/2024

Less than 10 days until our Holiday Hootenanny! Join us for some festive fun, door prizes, visit with animals, photos with the big guy, crafts, shopping, and a fabulous food truck! Don't delay, register today!

Make a donation to O.A.T.S. this Giving Tuesday and help make a difference in the lives of our riders and their horses. ...
11/29/2024

Make a donation to O.A.T.S. this Giving Tuesday and help make a difference in the lives of our riders and their horses.

Thank you to everyone that helps to make this organization so special all year long: our riders and their families/suppo...
11/28/2024

Thank you to everyone that helps to make this organization so special all year long: our riders and their families/support staff/caregivers; our dedicated and hard working volunteers; and our talented staff here at O.A.T.S. (Katie B., Brittan, Ruth, Rita, Laura, and Katie S.). May you all have a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

Address

4920 Groveland Road
Ortonville, MI
48462

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Our Story

O.A.T.S provides equine-assisted activities and therapies (EAAT) for individuals. Each of our instructors has undergone the educational and practical requirements set forth by PATH International (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International) and other accrediting agencies to become certified, and include Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI) and Experiential Learning with Horses (ELH) certifications.

Though our instructors are not certified Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, or Speed Language Pathologists, we are open to working with these professionals in developing activities and plans to ensure we are offering the best value and care for our riders. We welcome their support and input.

Therapeutic horseback riding is recognized throughout the U.S. and other countries as a valuable activity to improve the lives of people with disabilities. Benefits include

· Improves balance, flexibility, muscle strength and tone