TLC Therapeutic Riding Center
Ada, Oklahoma
TLC Therapeutic Riding Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit south of Ada, Oklahoma. It offers weekly therapeutic riding sessions, the four-week Charlee Horse program and a reading program for children. The center serves children and adults with physical, cognitive, emotional or developmental challenges.
- Weekly therapeutic riding sessions (30 or 60 minutes)
- Groundwork: leading, grooming and building trust
- Therapeutic games and sensory activities
- Charlee Horse program (four weeks)
- Horse Powered Reading® for children
- Volunteer program
- Children and adults
- People with autism
- People with cerebral palsy
- People with Down syndrome
- People with anxiety, PTSD or ADHD
- Children with developmental delays
- Beginners with no horse experience
More about this center
About the Program
Amy Cusack founded the program as TLC Equine Therapy in Stonewall, Oklahoma, in 2009. It now operates as TLC Therapeutic Riding Center at 17910 CR 1590 in Ada. The center received its 501(c)(3) tax exemption in 2014.
Weekly sessions combine mounted riding for strength, balance and coordination with groundwork, therapeutic games, sensory activities and goal-based exercises. According to its website, certified instructors set individual goals with each rider, and trained volunteers help in the arena. Sessions usually run 30 or 60 minutes once a week.
The Charlee Horse program is a four-week experience focused on character, confidence, communication and compassion, with the hope that participants come back as mentors. Horse Powered Reading® uses hands-on activities with horses on the ground to build reading skills such as sounding out words, vocabulary and comprehension.
The Horses and Staff
Amy Cusack is the founder and executive director. The center says she has more than 34 years of experience as an educator and holds PATH Intl. credentials as a Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor and Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning. Learn more about PATH Intl. credentials.
Getting Started
Families can fill out the Participant Interest Form on the website or call 580-559-3084. TLC then schedules an assessment and explains next steps. Depending on the season there may be a waitlist, and the center will reach out when a spot opens.
Riders should wear closed-toe shoes with a heel, such as boots, and long pants, and bring water and any needed medications. TLC provides helmets and adaptive equipment. Sessions may be rescheduled for severe heat, wind or storms, and families are notified by call or text.
Volunteering
Volunteers age 14 and older can serve as horse leaders or sidewalkers, or help with barn care, grounds, events and office work. No horse experience is needed, and the center provides training. The volunteer application is on its website.
Location
TLC Therapeutic Riding Center is at 17910 CR 1590, Ada, OK 74820, south of Ada. Contact the center at 580-559-3084 or acusack.tlc@gmail.com.
From public records, not yet reviewed by the center · Last updated Oct 2026 Suggest an edit
Common Questions
Answered from the center’s own website and public records.
How do I enroll a rider?
Complete the Participant Interest Form on the center's website or call 580-559-3084. TLC schedules an assessment to make sure the program fits the rider's needs and goals.
Does my child need riding experience?
No. The center says no horse experience is required and most riders are beginners.
How much do lessons cost?
Call 580-559-3084 or email acusack.tlc@gmail.com for current rates and funding options. Scholarships are available, and families who need help with the cost can apply. See our guide to equine therapy costs.
How long is each session?
Weekly riding sessions usually last 30 or 60 minutes.
Location
Ada, Oklahoma 74820
Questions to Ask When You Call
The center is the best source for these answers.
- Are you running now, and taking new riders?Start here. We couldn’t confirm a current schedule.
- Which ages and needs do you work with?Ask about experience with your rider’s specific condition.
- Is a licensed PT, OT or speech therapist involved?Therapist-led hippotherapy is usually the only kind insurance may cover.
- What does a session cost, and are there scholarships?Many nonprofit programs offer sliding scales or sponsored spots.
- Do you have a mounting ramp or lift?Important for riders who use a wheelchair or need help mounting.