Fall 2025
Rosa’s Story
Can I share little 5 year old Rosa with you? A sweet youngster on the autistic spectrum, with an attention span of 5 seconds and little to no connection towards the humans in her life. Rosa would create patterns of walking and touching an innate object for a few seconds, then move on to the next object. She was in her own little world as she repeated these patterns over and over. Rosa sought sensory stimulus through touch, repetitive movement of objects and water. Oh how she LOVED water. Our experience as instructors has shown us how valuable the horse smell, feel, gentle breathing movements can be for sensory dysfunctional children.
We devised a plan involving water in an attempt to draw her near to Velvet, the miniature pony. The plan worked, and as you can see by the picture, Rosa found much comfort as she wrapped herself around Velvet. The instructor, at this point, gently lifted Rosa on and off of the pony, much to her delight. Velvet now became a motivator for Rosa to attempt interaction with humans, in order to have more of that sensation that she loved. All of this happened within one semester of 10 weeks.
The goal is to have Rosa keep a helmet on long enough to allow her to actually experience the movement of Velvet walking in the arena. A lofty goal for a child with sensory processing disorder. Once again, as experienced instructors, we have seen children overcome in order to ride.
Rosa’s mother is beyond thrilled as she witnesses the positive changes in her child’s behavior. Mom has 2 younger children affected with sensory processing disorder that she hopes to have in our program in the future.
The Joy of Volunteering After Retirement
I’m just going to be right up front with you, this article is probably going to seem like a love letter to our volunteers at The Right Path, mostly because that’s exactly what it is.
If you have ever volunteered at a nonprofit organization, you know exactly what I’m talking about. People of all ages show up to give their time, energy, and skills, willingly knowing that the only compensation is the joy of serving others. Although if you’re lucky, you might get to witness the difference you’ve made in someone else’s life.
The Right Path has been in operation for over 26 years. The programs are designed to strive consistently to achieve the mission~ “To empower people with disabilities and challenges to reach for their highest potential with the help of a horse.”
During my involvement as a volunteer in the programs over the last decade, and more recently as a full-time employee, I’ve noticed there is one demographic of volunteers that shines a light on its own~our retired crew.
A significant amount of our volunteers are retired from their major roles as nurses, teachers, police officers, mechanics, military, and a variety of other vocations. Together they dedicate themselves to sharing their approach, knowledge, and life experience, continuing to make a positive impact on all those they can reach.
The benefits for participants and other volunteers to be on a team laced with retired professionals and potential mentors is obvious however, my curiosity was aroused~ What’s in it for them?
According to Second Wind Movement (and several other sources), the advantages of volunteering after retirement are exponential. Not only do they get to maintain their sense of purpose (if they choose an organization that is meaningful to them), they put themselves in a position to grow new relationships with people that share their passion. Other benefits include keeping their mind sharp, continuing to learn new skills, promoting happiness and longevity and my personal favorite is the opportunity to bridge generation gaps.
If I stood in the middle of the barn at The Right Path and looked for the brightest light, there would be no doubt that I would be staring directly at Leslie Kirkland. She is a retired physical therapist who has returned from retirement to once again take the reins at The Right Path. This non-profit organization is designed so that there is no cost for riders to participate. The programs William’s Walk (that serves children and adults with disabilities and challenges) and Hooves on the Ground (that serves the Veteran Community), started with her dedication and continues to grow because of her drive to leave a legacy that is about bringing people and horses together as a team, to serve others.
As the Executive Director she has created an environment where the details matter, standards are understood, and applied, as well as reviewed if necessary. Nothing is taken for granted when it comes to the safety of the participants, horses, volunteers, and staff.
If you have ever worked alongside Leslie, you know that “It is all about the kids“, everyone else is just along for the ride. It is a beautiful experience to watch Leslie one on one with a struggling child, riding in the cart behind Bud. Even as the child is asking a hundred questions, she is studying their every move, taking note of their responses, looking for ways to advance their social and cognitive skills, then communicating with a team to make a plan of action and celebrate the progression. She also takes time to grow their life skills, confidence, and self-worth while maintaining her own. All that positivity through teaching them horsemanship.
Armed with a cause, the illumination cast by Leslie, her team of volunteers, and the staff is truly inspiring. It is no wonder that so many retired professionals choose the Right Path as their “make a difference“ destination. As a child, I spent lots of time with my grandparents, soaking up their combined knowledge. Even as the herd of siblings scattered, I gravitated toward my elders. Now as an adult, it has been over 20 years since all of my grandmothers passed on, and our horse whisperer Grandpa Dale Strickland was laid to rest last year.
I believe they would be both happy and proud that I landed at a horse ranch surrounded by volunteers, focused on serving the disabled community and veterans.
I would like to send an abundance of appreciation to the pillars in our community that weren’t satisfied with having acquired knowledge they choose to share it with the next generation.
If you or someone you know is looking for a volunteer home or just seeking purpose. The light is on at The Right Path. Please contact our Volunteer Coordinator Stacy Hagins at (918)352-4110 for all your volunteering opportunities or the website for information on donations, events, or becoming a participant. ~With Love Amanda
Volunteers Make a Difference
How Could YOUR Unique Skill Set Fit in at The Right Path?
Do the bleak days of winter leave you searching for a meaningful outlet for your energy and talents? Do you have time on your hands and want to feel connected to a community of people making a difference in the lives of others?
Whatever your hobbies and interests, you might be surprised to find that The Right Path has a place for you! Over the years, our programs have grown to include much more than just arena work directly with horses and riders. Do any of these possibilities ignite a passion in you?
- caring for animals
- investing in young people
- tutoring budding readers
- teaching equine education classes
- preparing wholesome meals for veterans and first responders to share
- cleaning and organizing workspaces
- capturing beautiful moments through photography and videography
- creating engaging graphic designs and online video content
- getting your hands in the soil, cultivating attractive landscaping
- painting, building, and doing repair projects outdoors or in the shop
- advocating for challenged individuals in our community by connecting local businesses, churches, and groups with our programs and mission
Of course, we always need experienced horse handlers to train for the Horse Leader position. In addition, reasonably fit people can fill Sidewalker positions (previous horse experience is not necessary). We are also looking to groom new instructors-in-training to fill the boots of our seasoned PATH instructors as they begin easing into retirement. But there are many more opportunities for service at the barn and around the ranch!
This past semester, especially, presented challenges with a shortage of volunteers for our classes. When the cold and flu season hit, staff members stepped away from their regular duties to fill positions in the arena. Sadly, we even had to cancel classes a few times because there simply were not enough people available to provide safe services for our students.
Would you consider coming on board to help provide an enormously beneficial activity for these children and adults with specialized needs? We continue to receive positive feedback from parents, caregivers, physicians, and therapists about the improvements they see in our students. Still, it’s crucial to maintain consistency in their weekly sessions as much as possible. Even an hour or two out of your week could make a difference in whether we can offer a class or have to keep potential students waiting for life-changing services.
Our next volunteer training is Tuesday, February 8th, from 6-9 pm at the barn. Our spring semester begins the following Monday, February 14th. Spring classes can only be confirmed once we have adequate volunteers.
We are committed to doing all we can to accommodate as many students as possible each week. However, the critical need right now is volunteers and horses. If you or a friend would like to help, or if you know of an equine candidate that would make a great therapy horse, please call the office at (918) 352-4110. We would love to hear from you!
May you stay safe and warm this new year!
Blessings,
~ Bandy
Dreams Becoming Reality
A Wounded Warrior Rides Again
“I wasn’t supposed to make it, but God had other plans.”
In this season of giving thanks, we would like to personally thank you, our generous supporters, for helping us provide therapeutic horsemanship at NO COST to people with disabilities and challenges, like U.S. Air Force veteran Cindy.
Desiring to further her education after high school, but lacking the financial resources to do so, Cindy joined the Air Force in 1977 for a chance to qualify for the G.I. Bill. She was eager for adventure, so she chose Hahn Air Base in West Germany as her first assignment. Cindy remembers the political unrest in that era but said the threats never concerned her.
Two years later, a few months before being shipped back to the United States, Cindy and a group of airmen decided to attend Oktoberfest. As they entered, an explosion ripped through the crowd. A bomb, placed in a trash can, exploded. Two hundred were injured, and 13 lost their lives. Cindy was so close to the explosion it burned hair and eyelashes. Fragments from the bomb cut her face, nicked her spinal cord, and severely injured both legs.
“I wasn’t supposed to make it, but God had other plans.” Nine months after the bombing, Cindy walked out of Oak Knoll Naval hospital on prosthetic legs. Cindy lives a full life – enjoying her children and grandchildren, traveling the United States, and finally obtaining the college degree she desired. But Cindy wanted to return to horseback riding. Entering the Hooves on the Ground program was a dream come true. Cindy rides Bud, a Haflinger, each week with a smile that never ends.
Your support ensures Cindy and other veterans can come to The Right Path. You play a part in making their dreams a reality.
Thank you!
In HIS Grip,
Julie Jones
Joiner, J. (2020, January 21). Refusing to let evil win – Oklahoma State University. Oklahoma State University. https://news.okstate.edu/articles/business/2020/cindy-crenshaw-martin-f2f.html
Celebrating the Past ~ Funding the Future
The Right Path Riding Academy is celebrating 25 years of service to children and adults living with disabilities, youth facing challenges that increase the risk of dropping out of school, veterans/first responders learning to cope with life after trauma resulting from their service, literacy support for first grade students in Title I school, and mini-horse visits to those who cannot come to the ranch.
The Celebration begins on Saturday, July 24th at 6 pm. The historic Tidewater Winery will host a fundraising gala. 100 tickets are available for those who want to celebrate all The Right Path has done and contribute financially to the future by helping us start an endowment. More Information is available by clicking here.
Sunday, July 25th at 2 pm the celebration continues with an Open House at the ranch. This FREE family-friendly afternoon will introduce you to our five programs through live demonstrations, crafts, games, and more. Check out the full schedule of events here.
To find out how you can help prepare for this momentous weekend, email Bonnie at volunteer@therightpathok.org
A Veteran’s PTSD Recovery Story
“I wouldn’t be as well off as I am today if I didn’t have horses!”
Bryant Turnage served in the U.S. Army for 5 years. After being diagnosed with PTSD, he joined a horsemanship program at Oklahoma Baptist University. When that program shut down, his psychiatrist recommended finding another horsemanship program in light of the improvement he had already observed in Bryant.
That search brought Bryant to The Right Path’s Hooves on the Ground program for veterans and first responders. Before long, he had a unique bonding experience with Okie, a draft cross horse who is blind in one eye.
During a riding lesson, Okie was spooked by the sound of an ATV starting behind him in his blind spot. The sudden noise also triggered Bryant’s PTSD. However, after a tense moment of fear, horse and rider both realized it wasn’t something truly dangerous. In unison, they exhaled and relaxed.
That moment taught them that they could trust each other even with their shared traumatic backgrounds. Okie knows he can rely on Bryant for extra guidance to compensate for his blind eye. Bryant knows Okie is a safe place to process and heal.
Bryant states, “Horses are a complement to what my doctor is doing. They push me to grow mentally and get in better shape physically. They provide an avenue for me to process what’s going on in my head, and they never judge me for it (unless I don’t have a treat or grooming for them).
Thanks to Hooves on the Ground, I have a better mood, reduced the medications I take, more flexibility, improved health, and lost almost 100 pounds. I wouldn’t be as well off as I am today if I didn’t have horses!”
If you are interested in joining or supporting Hooves on the Ground, please contact (918) 612-0002 or HOTG@therightpathok.org.
Why Horses?
Have you ever wondered why we use horses? Unlike many other animals, horses have the unique ability to perceive the cognitive and emotional state of humans. According to PATH Intl.,
“Equines are able to perceive, respond to, and learn from the impressions they receive from minimal sensory stimuli. The stimulus may originate from changes in human biochemistry, body language, or vocal intonations.” (www.pathintl.org)
Each horse has its own individual personality, likes, dislikes, habits, and responses to its surroundings. Some are social and playful, others are loners, leaders, or challengers. When we pair a horse with a participant, we take these characteristics into consideration.
This partnership is often the most impactful part of an equine-assisted activity. As our participants work with their horse, they are learning to build a trusting relationship. The horse, as a motivator, promotes an increase in social awareness and personal achievement. They learn to concentrate harder and produce better results in their efforts to please their favorite horse. It is incredible to watch them grow in confidence and self-esteem as they are empowered to handle a 1,000-pound animal!
This is why we choose horses to help our participants reach their highest potential!