The Oxley Foundation of Tulsa has provided a gift of $100,000 to help support the Bit by Bit Therapeutic Horse Riding Program at Rogers State University.
“The foundation is pleased to support the important work this program is providing to help disabled children gain mobility on horseback,” said Konnie Boulter, program director at the Oxley Foundation.
The gift will be provided to the program over a period of five years, said Dr. Danette Boyle, RSU vice president for development.
The Bit by Bit Therapeutic Horse Riding Program is a cooperative endeavor between RSU and Oologah-Talala Public Schools to promote physical and mental health for children and adults with disabilities through horseback riding. The highly-regarded program operates at the RSU Equestrian Center, located between Oologah and Collinsville on Highway 169.
The program provides riding sessions and other therapeutic interaction with the horses, which improves balance and enhances strength, coordination, language, and cognitive and behavioral skills for participating clients. The program currently serves 74 students.
The program has received support from several other foundations, individual and corporate supporters and the Oklahoma State Department of Education.
For more information on supporting the program, contact the RSU Office of Development at (918) 343-7773.