Drumright Couple Uses Horses To Help Military Veterans

An Oklahoma couple is combining a love for horses with concern for retired service men and women.

The two have helped launch a therapeutic riding program in Drumright called The Right Path, Hooves On The Ground.

"We're introducing horsemanship to the veterans, and as they learn horsemanship skills the horse is actually the therapist in this program," said Ralph Henderson, program founder.

Henderson said, "A lot of things that Post Traumatic Stress takes away from a veteran, these horses give it back."

"The horse mirrors you so if you're having an aggressive day the horse is going to be all uptight and that's your mirror," said Leslie Kirkland, Executive Director, "So you need to just say 'I need to mellow out' and your horse will just mellow out. So it's really excellent mirror."

"Our plan is to start off with six veterans, do a proof of concept, prove that what we're doing really does make a difference for them and then work up the levels." 

Visit The Right Path web site.

The program is located at 16620 Old Shamrock Highway in Drumright. You can call 918-352-4110 for more information.

Click the video above to a story by News On 6 photojournalist Michael Woods on the program.