What is The Right Path?
The Right Path’s mission is to empower people with disabilities and challenges to reach for their highest potential with the help of a horse.
The Right Path is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and PATH Intl. premier accredited organization. To provide the highest quality services, our instructors are trained and certified with PATH Intl. We are advised by a board of directors, consisting of local businessmen and community leaders. As a ministry, generous gifts and grants from foundations, businesses, and individuals allow us to provide our services at zero cost to our participants. For more information on each of our programs, watch our video here.
The Right Path was founded by Leslie Kirkland in 1996. Leslie’s unique perspective as a healthcare professional and as a person living with multiple sclerosis provides passionate leadership to the program’s volunteers and participants.
The Ocker family joined as staff in 2013 and oversaw operations until Fall 2020. Their vision, service, and commitment led to incredible growth in our organization. Read their touching story here.
Meet the team! Our staff and board members are committed to the improvement of our community and organization. Each member brings unique skills and talents to the team. We are so thankful for their service!
Why Therapeutic Riding Works…
BALANCE & STRENGTH
Riding and cart-driving cause the participant’s muscles to work together, which often increases balance and core strength, and may reduce muscle tension.
SOCIAL & RECREATIONAL
The horse, as a motivator, promotes an increase in social awareness and personal achievement among participants. They concentrate harder and produce better results in their efforts to please their favorite horse, while also enjoying the fun and educational time spent with classmates.
CONFIDENCE & SELF-ESTEEM
Through the encouragement of the instructors and volunteers, participants grow in confidence and self-esteem as they are empowered to handle a 1,000-pound animal.
JOY & RELATIONSHIPS
Participants build trusting relationships with their horses and team, bringing joy and fulfillment. The smiles and laughter we see and hear in the arena, especially when riders “trot on!”, show the joy and excitement experienced weekly during our classes.
Join our team!
Help us continue changing lives and bringing joy to hundreds of people each year by becoming one of our hearts that care alongside our horses that heal!
How YOU can help:
- Contribute through a one-time or monthly financial donation or in-kind donation
- Volunteer in weekly classes or at one of our special events (no horse experience necessary!)
- Volunteer with your administrative, public relations, fundraising, technical, or support skills
Connect with us today!
Call our office at (918) 352-4110 or email us at walkon@therightpathok.org