An upcoming horse trail ride will benefit the Bit-By-Bit Therapeutic Horseback Riding Center at Rogers State University.
The 4th Annual North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA) Trail Ride-A-Thon will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, June 7 at the McFarlin-Ingersoll Ranch north of Inola. The 12-mile ride will provide participants with scenic views that will include Claremore and Pryor. A barbeque lunch and live auction will be held during the ride. The cost is $25 before June 1, and $30 after June 1 or at the gate.
Bit-By-Bit, a collaborative program between RSU and Oologah-Talala Public Schools, promotes physical and mental health for those with special needs through horseback riding. The riding sessions help improve balance, walking, language and cognitive skills for participating clients.
The program currently serves 73 riders, using 15 therapeutic horses and more than 120 volunteer hours donated by members of the surrounding communities each week, said Linda Barron, Bit-By-Bit director. The McFarlin-Ingersoll Ranch is located about 2.8 miles north of Inola on Highway 88. From the highway, turn east on EW 56, cross the railroad tracks and follow the gravel road to the clubhouse. The ranch gates will open at 8 a.m. A signed entry form and waiver is needed before participation.