In an open house on Dec. 3 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m., OATS (Offering Alternative Therapy with Smiles) Therapeutic Riding Center and Pine Tree Place Assisted Living welcome the public to enjoy the breeze in their hair during cart rides that are part of the ElderCart Therapy Program, an ongoing project between the two organizations.
OATS? Executive Director Nancy Heussner and Pine Tree Place Owner Sandy Mabery were brought together through the Clarkston Chamber of Commerce. The goal of the ElderCart program is to bring some therapeutic riding elements to adults and children who are unable to ride a horse.
Heussner’s Belgian draft horse, Bess, provides the muscle for the ElderCart program. Bess tours participants around the OATS facility in a cart and harness Mabery donated through Pine Tree Place.
‘I was really excited about the program. Especially when Nancy pointed out that it would be great for some of the elderly residents at Pine Tree Place,? said Mabery, in a press release.
The release goes on to say the ElderCart Therapy program is free to Pine Tree Place residents, but is also be available to any elderly resident in the area who want to experience some of the independence they may have lost.
At the open house on Dec. 3 cart rides are available with a tax deductible donation to OATS, a 501 (c)3 corporation. Free refreshments and snacks will be provided. Wedding carriage rides will also be available for a nominal fee.
OATS is located at 3090 Weidemann Drive off M-15 just south of Seymour Lake Road.
For more information, call OATS at 248-620-0505 or Mabery at 248-535-6203.