O.A.T.S Offering Alternative Therapy with Smiles

Equestrian Facility in Clarkston, Michigan

5(1 reviews)
(248) 620-17753090 Weidemann Dr, Clarkston, MI 48348View on Yelp

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About O.A.T.S Offering Alternative Therapy with Smiles

O.A.T.S, which stands for Offering Alternative Therapy with Smiles, is a horseback riding facility in Clarkston, Michigan with a perfect 5.0 rating. Clarkston is a well-established Oakland County community with a strong network of health and wellness services, making it a fitting home for a therapy-focused equestrian program. O.A.T.S uses horses as part of a therapeutic approach, serving individuals who benefit from equine-assisted activities. You can reach them directly at (248) 620-1775 to learn more about their programs.

Services

Horseback Riding

Services & Process

O.A.T.S focuses on therapeutic horseback riding, an approach that uses the movement and interaction with horses to support physical, emotional, or cognitive goals. Sessions are typically designed and supervised to meet the needs of each participant, often working alongside therapists or trained volunteers. Riders may include children or adults with disabilities, anxiety, autism spectrum disorders, or other conditions that respond well to equine-assisted therapy. The experience goes well beyond a typical riding lesson, with each session structured around individual progress.

Service Area

O.A.T.S serves Clarkston and the broader Oakland County area, drawing participants from communities like Waterford, Lake Orion, and Holly. Families willing to travel for specialized therapeutic programs often come from across the greater Detroit metro area. The Clarkston location keeps the facility accessible to a wide range of Oakland and northern Macomb County residents.

Frequently Asked Questions

What conditions or needs does therapeutic horseback riding help with?
Equine-assisted therapy has shown benefits for individuals with physical disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, anxiety, PTSD, and developmental delays, among other conditions. O.A.T.S can speak specifically to which populations they work with when you call (248) 620-1775.
Does my child need prior riding experience to participate?
No prior riding experience is needed for therapeutic programs. Sessions are designed for the individual participant, and trained staff guide every aspect of the experience from the ground up.
Is a doctor's referral needed to enroll in O.A.T.S?
Some therapeutic riding programs require a physician's referral, particularly when physical disabilities are involved. It's worth asking O.A.T.S directly about their enrollment requirements when you make first contact.
How long are the therapy sessions and how often do they meet?
Therapeutic riding sessions are typically 30 to 60 minutes long and are scheduled on a weekly basis. Consistency is important for progress, so regular attendance is usually encouraged once a rider is enrolled.
Can adults participate, or is the program only for children?
While therapeutic riding programs often focus heavily on children, many also serve adults with a range of conditions. Contacting O.A.T.S directly is the best way to find out who their current programs are designed to serve.
Is therapeutic horseback riding covered by insurance?
Coverage varies widely by provider and plan, and most therapeutic riding programs are not automatically covered. Some families have success using FSA funds or seeking coverage under specific therapy codes, but you'd need to check with your insurer.

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