Dalhart (TX) equine therapy for the disabled

OAT currently meets twice a week in the evening for half hour riding sessions. We have as many as 3 sessions per night depending on the number of participants scheduled. Our Board members make every attempt to best match horses to riders based on their abilities and physical needs. We are working to develop lesson plans geared towards each individual and their needs. All riding sessions encourage social interaction, increased independence and creativity and it is our goal to provide a personal, friendly and caring learning environment.

OAT is in need of a permanent location. OAT has been offered use of an indoor arena for inclement weather and also an outdoor arena/round pen; both of which require trailering to and from. Personal trucks and trailers are used for trailering. It would be beneficial to the program to find a single location to stable the horses and to offer riding sessions. A partially or fully enclosed full-size arena, a barn with tack/feed rooms, stalls, turnout, and perhaps a modest classroom would create opportunities for community service, riding lessons for the public, day camps, therapeutic Staff and Volunteer training, horse shows for the disabled in our program and neighboring programs and the facility could even be used to host events for other local organizations such as 4-H, XIT Rodeo, Play Days, Barrel Races and Roping events. Please keep our organization in mind for your charitable giving in 2011.