Oologah Therapeutic Riding Program Helps Many Improve Bit By Bit

Bit By Bit is a therapeutic riding program in Oologah. It's been around since the mid-90s, but now is undergoing a change.

For years it was part of Rogers State University, but now it's venturing out as its own 501-C3 non-profit organization.

Xander Wyatt, seven, and his horse Romeo are off and walking, so was Alyx, she's also seven. Her horse's name is Berwin. Alyx and Xander take regular riding classes at the Bit By Bit facility in Oologah.

"We pair special needs individuals with specially trained horses," said Bit By Bit founder, Linda Barron.

Barron founded Bit By Bit a couple of decades ago. Therapeutic riding programs and their benefits are well documented, but the Bit By Bit program, is a bit different.

"We use the horse to teach daily living skills; letters, colors, right and left. We do it in the context of riding a horse," Barron said.

Xander and Alyx are finding the letters that spell their names on the walls of the arena. Each time they find a correct letter they get a sticker.

Alyx has Down Syndrome. She's been riding for three years and absolutely loves it. Xander came to the U.S. two years ago from Ukraine, he loves these riding lessons too. He has Cerebral Palsy.

"There are just a ton of things that you can do in the arena with a horse to improve someone's life," said Barron.

Bit By Bit holds its annual fundraiser Friday night at Cain's Ballroom, it's called Boots, BBQ and Boogie.