Saddle Up with Doug for OATS

There are few places in the world where everyone is seen for what they can do rather than what they can’t. OATS—Offering Alternative Therapy with Smiles—is one of those rare places.

I support OATS because I’ve seen firsthand the way horses and humans connect in life-changing ways. I’ve seen a child who struggles to speak softly whisper to a horse, a teen with physical challenges gain strength and balance with every ride, and adults facing emotional trauma find peace in the quiet rhythm of a horse’s gait.

At OATS, we provide therapeutic horseback riding to individuals of all abilities—especially those with special needs. Riders come for healing, strength, independence, and connection. They leave with more than just improved posture or coordination. They leave with confidence. With dignity. With joy.

This program is more than horseback riding—it’s hope on four hooves.

Why It’s Personal

For me, this isn’t just a charity. It’s a calling. I’ve seen the power of OATS not just as an observer, but as someone who walks into the barn and sees transformation in motion.

There’s nothing like watching a rider’s eyes light up as they mount a horse they trust. There’s a unique magic in the way horses meet people exactly where they are—without judgment, without expectation, with complete honesty and empathy.

I support OATS because I want these moments to continue—not just for those already riding, but for the many waiting for a spot. I want families to keep experiencing that overwhelming feeling of pride when they see their child do something they were once told they might never be able to do.

I want our therapy horses to be healthy, happy, and well cared for. I want instructors to be equipped and supported. And I want every person who could benefit from equine-assisted services to have that opportunity—regardless of their financial situation.

Why It Matters to the Community

OATS isn’t just about individual healing—it’s a resource for the entire community.

We serve children with autism, adults with physical and cognitive challenges, veterans with PTSD, and people of all ages navigating trauma, anxiety, or emotional distress. Families find support. Volunteers find purpose. Riders find freedom.

The barn becomes a place where everyone belongs, where people connect across differences, and where kindness is the common language.

In a world that often feels divided or overwhelming, OATS offers something beautiful: connection, empathy, movement, and growth.

Why Your Support Matters

OATS relies heavily on donations to survive and thrive. While the work we do is powerful, it’s also expensive. Horses require daily care, veterinary attention, feed, and specialized equipment. The riders rely on trained instructors, adaptive tack, safety gear, and a well-maintained environment.

Many of our families are already facing high medical or therapeutic expenses, and the ability to participate in our programs often depends on financial aid and community support.

Your gift—no matter the size—helps keep OATS accessible. It helps keep the horses healthy, the lessons running, and the smiles growing.

When you give to OATS, you're not just donating—you’re investing in something real. You're helping a child sit up taller, a veteran feel calm again, a family see progress they once only dreamed of. You're saying, “You matter. You belong.”

Will You Join Me?

I believe in OATS because I’ve seen the difference it makes. I give because I know how far every dollar goes. And I’m asking you to give too—so we can continue to offer healing through horses for generations to come.

Together, stride by stride, we can change lives—with compassion, with commitment, and with a little bit of horse magic.