Clarkston’s Offering Alternative Therapy with Smiles, or O.A.T.S., hosted its Mane Event on Sunday Oct. 4.
O.A.T.S, a non-profit organization, offers horse-assisted therapy to children and adults with physical or emotional disabilities.
“We offer activities year-round, even in the winter thanks to a heated indoor riding arena,” Lisa Anderson said. “Our outdoor barn also has a new lift which makes it much easier and safer to mount a horse.?
Staff welcomed visitors beginning at 8 a.m. to coffee, cider and donuts to kick-off a busy fun-filled day. Events included a ceremonial ribbon cutting celebration of the new lift, which helps tremendously get riders on and off horses.
At the outdoor barn, participants showed off riding skills to visitors during the Mane Event horse show and fair, before participating students received awards.
Anderson said the therapy offered at O.A.T.S helps in many ways, both physically and mentally.
It improves balance, flexibility, muscle strength and tone while helping with communication skills and building confidence, she said.
The 50-acre property includes a variety of areas, including indoor and outdoor riding stables. Anderson said staff works with each participant with a goal of each riding independently.
“We also have sensory trails outside created to stimulate the senses,” she added.
For more information about O.A.T.S, including upcoming events, visit www.oatshrh.org or call 248-620-1775.