Started in January 2005 and opened to the public August 2007 (open year-round)
Started by the family of Kenneth and Vickie Burkett who had a dream to help others and give back to their community. Kenneth is the founder and chairman of privately held locally owned American Waste Control (AWC), Tulsa's largest commercial waste hauler.
The Center started with a $2 million land donation, from neighboring company American Environmental Landfill, a division of AWC.
The Burkett Family donated all funds to build and refurbish the facility (office, barn, indoor and outdoor arenas).
Where are we today?
A 501C3 Non-Profit NARHA Center Member(North American Riding for the Handicapped Association)Staff:4 including 1 volunteer, 1 full time, 2 part time, volunteers and program horses Our Riders (clients): Approximately 60 total, ages 2 to 70 Riding Sessions with one to one rider-professional ratio: 30 minutes-$20 per session Financially strapped, ask about our payment plan. Participants in Tulsa's "Capacity Building Program"(for new non-profit organizations)
Our Mission - Our Aspirations
To provide opportunities for people with varying ability levels and physical disabilities to challenge themselves physically and emotionally by setting goals to improve their quality of life through equine-facilitated therapy.
Training professionals to support and facilitate this process, educating the public about the positive impact of the human to animal bond, and setting national standards for safe and effective activities.
Committed to combating structural and neurological syndromes in all ages of children and adults. Our programs individually address each rider's special needs.
To assist and support the therapeutic community of Northeastern Oklahoma, with the unique opportunity for a beneficial partnership between horse and rider.
Our Board
Executive Board: Kenneth Burkett (President), Glen Jones, Paul Ross, Todd Green
Charlie Meyer, Danny Edwards, Douglas Boyd, John & Phyllys Mahoney, Mike Jeffers, Rachael Zebrowski, Ron Ramblin
Our Staff:
Executive Director: Vickie Burkett (Founder)
General Manager: Denise Ward
Riding Program Director: Cheryl West (NAHRA, CHA Certified)
