Katie Oakland, the owner of TR 4 Heart and Soul first opened this nonprofit in April of 2016. TR 4 is mostly volunteer-run and aims to improve the quality of life for others.

Not only do they offer equine therapy, but they also host different events throughout the year. In just the month of December, they hosted a professional photographer taking family Christmas photos for free will donations, a Christmas sweater contest and a bake sale consisting of donated goods. 

“There are three-dimensional movements the horse provides in both rhythmic and repetitive motion which is very calming for the sensory system,” TR 4 Owner Katie Oakland says.

New people are joining and becoming a part of the TR 4 program, either by volunteering or just riding the horse. TR 4 Heart and Soul currently has about 60 people come in per week, and consists of mainly volunteers. 

“We have just begun our first capital campaign, called ‘Bella’s Dream.’ It will be an addition to the TR 4, with a waiting room/classroom/kitchen and intern suite,” Oakland said.

Bella’s Dream has officially begun due to a donation from Kevin Turnbow in memory of LeAnn Turnbow. This will consist of added sustainability and support for not only the participants of equine therapy but also for the families of those who participate. 

“Our participants do thirty minutes weekly,” Oakland said. “We utilize riding goals to increase physical, occupational, social, and emotional goals.“

Participants have competed at local competitions for prizes. Not everyone wins something, it all depends on their goals and the planning they do. There are fourteen horses currently at TR 4 and the hours frequently change based on schooling schedules. The horses are a commitment for every day of the week.

TR 4 is always trying to meet the needs of the community. 

“We love everything that we do with our entire heart and soul”. Oakland said.