OklahomaHorses Magazine July 2021

22 OklahomaHorses • July/August 2021 let the horse be the therapist, mirroring their emotions back to them, helping the veterans have the opportunity to learn to communicate and get a positive result that they can take back out into their lives.” Many people The Right Path serves are unable to make it to the facility for in-per- son visits or lessons. Fortunately, the Mini Adventure program allows the organiza- tion’s two miniature horses to come directly to hospitals, nursing homes and schools. HORSES Because of the nature of its programs, The Right Path chooses horses wisely to ensure they are the best fit, both physically and in temperament, for the work being done. According to Kirkland, the horses need to be “weight carrying” and 14.3 to 15 hands tall. “We want tractable, quiet horses that seek to be with people,” she says. “They should have a super disposition, both on the ground and when someone’s in the saddle. They need to really listen to what the rider is telling them, rather than doing their own thing.” VOLUNTEERS In addition to the horses, volunteers are integral to the work of the organization. According to Bonnie Weeks, The Right Path’s volunteer coordinator, it’s important for volunteers to be “horse savvy,” capable of understanding the basic needs and wants of the horses and able to read the animals and the situation. “I absolutely love our volunteers,” Weeks says. “We couldn’t do this without them and their love and generosity.” GET INVOLVED In addition to opportunities to volunteer, there are many ways to support The Right Path and its programs. Donating horses is one of them. “We’re very much in need of horses right now,” Kirkland notes. Cart-driving horses are a particular need since they require three to five years of driving experience before they can be used in the program. Jones notes that in the event a donated horse isn’t suitable for therapeutic work, it can still be sold, and the sale proceeds are used to support other aspects of the organi- zation’s programming. This month, The Right Path will host a gala on Saturday, July 24 at Drumright’s Tidewater Winery. “Celebrating the Past – Funding the Future” includes a dinner and auction to help create an endowment to ensure the organization’s financial stability in the future. The evening will also provide opportunities to help fund annual schol- arships for riders and sponsorships for the therapy horses. On Sunday, July 25, The Right Path will host a free open house from 2-4 p.m. at its facility. The event includes live demonstra- tions, cake, crafts and games, and a chance to interact with the horses through groom- ing and photo opportunities. “We’ll demonstrate each of our five programs during the open house. This is a chance to get to know The Right Path,” Jones says. For more information on The Right Path, its programs and upcoming events, visit therightpathok.org. STILLWATER 502 E. 6th Ave Stillwater, OK 74074 405-372-2766 PERRY 205 Gene Taylor Perry, OK 73077 580-336-2168 • Oklahoma owned and operated since 1891 • Over 100 in-state dealers plus TX and AR • Livestock handling equipment, animal health, home and garden, livestock feed, clothing CLAREMORE 721 W. 6th St. Claremore, OK 74017 918-341-0933 DAVIS 205 South A St Davis, OK 73030 580-369-2354 ARIZONA TO OKLAHOMA Premi um Ar i zona Hay WE DELIVER • OTHER HAY AVAILABLE 405.240.6464 WELLSTON & BEGGS, OK Horses that heal. Hearts that care. 16620 Old Shamrock Hwy, Drumright, OK 74030 918-352-4110 therightpathok.org THERAPEUTIC EQUINE-ASSISTED SERVICES