THE RIGHT PATH RIDING ACADEMY INCORPORATED

Founded in 1996, The Right Path helps people with unique needs achieve their highest physical and cognitive potential through targeted equine-assisted services. Horsemanship provides pathways to increased core strengths, muscle tone, motor skills and physical resilience, improved mental health outcomes, and the development of unbreakable bonds with the horses. These activities allow each individual that comes through the stables of The Right Path to improve their cognitive, emotional, and physical wellbeing.

The Right Path is a Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.) Premier Accredited Center - one of only two in Oklahoma. This accreditation puts The Right Path programs and facilities under rigorous guidelines that ensure the organization meets standards of safety and excellence. The Right Path instructors are certified through PATH Intl. to provide the highest quality instruction to those served.
The Right Path’s programs include:

- William’s Walk Therapeutic Horseback Riding and Cart-Driving -- The core program has served people with cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, multiple sclerosis, Rett’s syndrome, autism, blindness, speech impairments, and many other developmental disabilities since 1996. Riders (ages 4-18) and drivers (all ages) attend weekly, 45-minute lessons. Several school districts utilize this program as part of their educational experience. Other participants are brought by their family or caregivers for group lessons.

- Horse Tales Literacy Project -- The Right Path supports literacy in low-income (Title I) schools by providing two hardcover books per child (in many cases, the first books owned by the children). The Right Path takes horses to the schools, hands out the first book, and takes pictures of each student with their new book and horse. Later, students come for a day of literacy and horsemanship activities at the ranch. The highlight of the trip is a chance to read to a horse and receive a second book.

- Hooves on the Ground -- This restorative riding experience empowers military veterans, active-duty military personnel, and first responders to develop a strong sense of accomplishment, reduced anxiety, and a trusting relationship with their horses and mentors while learning necessary horsemanship skills. Recent research in the
therapeutic use of equines demonstrates how horses have the innate qualities of being unique partners in healing, both physically and emotionally.

- Mini Adventurers -- Mini Adventurers visit hospitals, nursing homes, schools, The Little Lighthouse - a therapeutic school for children of different abilities, and more. The Right Path takes therapeutic equine benefits to those who can't travel to the barn. The miniature therapy horses offer joy, comfort, stress reduction, and increased socialization.

The Right Path will always insist upon providing services at zero cost to participants. Insurance does not cover equine therapeutic activities, and the vast majority of participating families cannot afford yet another out-of-pocket payment. This has been accomplished for over 27 years with the help of our many volunteers, community donors, and foundations.