OPEN TRAIL INC
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Mission Statement
Our therapeutic horsemanship programs help those with special needs reach their Our equine assisted services help those with special needs reach their highest potential, gain self-confidence, and self-esteem, through equine-oriented activities in a safe and positive hill country environment. As a non-profit organization, we strive to give our horses the best care, while working to expand and provide our participants the best possible experience. We use the latest teaching techniques to help our participants learn, and only use instructors that are PATH Intl. certified and certified therapists in both their specific field and through the American Hippotherapy Association. Our employees and our volunteers are our driving force, and without them, what we do would not be possible.
About This Cause
Open T.R.A.I.L. Ranch was founded in 2012 by Kate Vasquez, with a mission to serve those with special needs of all kinds in Kendall, Bexar and other surrounding counties through equine assisted services. The 100-acre property that the facility was built and sits on was solely purchased and provided for the life changing mission that OTR carries out each day. Starting as a one-woman small operation of 1 barn, 1 dirt arena, a few rescue horses and 4-5 lessons per week, OTR quickly grew to meet the needs of the community over the years. OTR now currently offers year-round programming and the facility furnishes 3 barns, 3 sand arenas and a wheelchair mounting ramp, as well as staffs 4 instructors, 1 therapists, 16 equine partners and 5 other vital part time team members, not to mention our many incredible selfless volunteers. Open T.R.A.I.L. Ranch is also overseen by a Board of Directors with at least 5 officers and 10 advisory board members. OTR is a Certified PATH Intl. Member Center. PATH Intl. exists to promote equine-assisted services for individuals with special needs. PATH Intl. serves as the credentialing organization for accrediting centers and certifying instructors and equine specialists internationally. By being a member center, Open T.R.A.I.L. Ranch follows standardized policies and procedures which ensures the safety, management, education, and accountability of all programs offered at OTR. Open T.R.A.I.L. Ranch offers equine assisted services to children and adults with physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges in San Antonio, Boerne, and the surrounding areas. Individuals who benefit from our services have diagnoses such as Cerebral Palsy, Autism, Down’s Syndrome, ADD/ADHD, Fragile X, Multiple Sclerosis, Stroke, Developmental Delays, emotional and cognitive disorders, as well as speech, hearing and vision impairments. Our programs include Adaptive Riding, Equine Assisted Learning, Occupational Therapy incorporating Hippotherapy, and Interactive Vaulting. All lessons are conducted by PATH Intl. certified instructors and licensed therapists also certified through the American Hippotherapy Association. Open T.R.A.I.L. Ranch strives to ensure a diverse population is being served by our organization. Currently, nearly two thirds of our riders are 18 or under, with an additional third of our riders being 19-25 years old. Our records show that approximately two thirds of our riders are male and one third are female. Open T.R.A.I.L. Ranch currently serves 60% Caucasian, 25% Hispanic, 5% Asian, 5% Native American or African American. Additionally, approximately 5% of our riders choose “Non-Specified” when filling out their forms. Many of our riders come from surrounding counties, with the top three being, Kendall, Bexar and Medina. At this time, we currently serve about 20 riders who are a part of DADS program for economically disadvantaged and in need individuals. Our most served special needs population are Autistic individuals, making up nearly 40% of our clients, followed by other special needs like, Cerebral Palsy, Amputee, Downs Syndrome, Intellectual Delay, Blindness, Deafness, among many others. We also serve a large portion of at risk youth being affected by mental health conditions such as depression, social anxiety and other co morbid disorders like ADHD/ADD, Learning Disabilities or the effects of low self worth/self esteem from bullying. We additionally serve fostered/adopted children in our community with a history of mental health struggles including but not limited to PTSD, severe anxiety, and eating disorders coming from abuse and/or neglect in their past.