(Cushing, Okla.) Leslie Kirkland and her staff of volunteers are hoping the weather cooperates this year so the riders from Right Path Riding Academy will be able to “let their little lights shine” at this year’s rodeo.
For the past 8 years, Right Path Riding Academy has been given the opportunity to do the opening routine for the Cushing Rodeo.
“It just fits in with the rodeo,” John Bryant, President of the Cushing Rodeo Association, said. “Leslie does a great job with the kids and they seem to really like it, too.”
Last year, unfortunately, the arena was too wet to do so. Instead, they brought their miniature horses for people to pet, giving them the opportunity to share what it is Right Path Riding Academy does. Weather permitting this year, Right Path will be there both nights with riding and cart driving exhibitions.
Founder Leslie Kirkland established Right Path Riding Academy 15 years ago as a way to help children and even adults with special needs. ‘We started out working more with adults, but we had to cut back,” Kirkland said. “It’s harder -physically – so now we work primarily with children.”
Right Path Riding Academy serves children with conditions such as Autism, Cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, Spina Bifida, speech impairments, Rhett Syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, ADD/ADHD and a variety of brain impairments and other developmental disabilities.
“I don’t like diagnosis,” Kirkland said. “I prefer to call them differently-abled.”
Right Path’s mission is to help the ‘differently-abled’ achieve their highest potential – physically, emotionally and cognitively – through the unique avenue of therapeutic horseback riding, cart driving and other equine-assisted activities. Since its inception, hundreds of children in Northeast and Central Oklahoma have been served by Right Path.
Of course, the kids aren’t the only ones who are being served by Right Path. “It really is rewarding,” Kirkland said. “One of the things it does for me – it energizes me.”
Lack of energy or fatigue is one of the side effects of the illness Kirkland suffers from – Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
“Sometimes I feel like I just can’t do it,” she admitted. “But then I go down to the barn and I see the kids. Pretty soon, I’m energized.”
Volunteers, a vital part of Right Path, are also recipients. “The simple miracles that occur with the students keep our volunteers loyally engaged and our staff dedicated and excited for each class.”
Due to the family’s sometimes extraordinary medical expenses to care for their child, Right Path looks primarily to outside gifts to fund the program and for underwriting the direct cost per child. No child is turned away; the Right Path provides therapeutic riding services regardless of their ability to pay. However, they are limited in the number that can be accepted based on the financial support available to Right Path.
If you are interested in learning more about Right Path Riding Academy visit their website at www.rightpathridingacademy.org
If you are interested in donating a horse, please call 918-352-4110 or email [email protected]
Right Path Riding Academy is located at 16620 Old Shamrock Highway, Drumright, OK
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