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Our Story
The genesis of Great Oak starts with the story of a boy, Alan Corey IV. Alan enjoyed adaptive riding on Long Island, New York. More than 20 years ago, while visiting his father in Aiken, he asked if there was a similar program available. When the answer was “No,” he questioned, “Why not?” That is when Specialized Therapeutic and Recreational Riding (STAR Riding) was born.
Today under the protective branches of a Great Oak, that dream is carried forward by a dedicated group of passionate individuals and reliable horses under the professional affiliation of PATH (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship). The future holds so many possibilities for unbridled success.
Our advantage is our knowledge and experience. We leverage our assets in a state-of-the-art facility that is supported by generous contributions from many of our local patrons and students.
Over the last 15 months alone we have served over 200 unique individuals through creative programming, dedicated volunteers, certified instructors and our fantastic herd of award-winning GO Ponies. Great Oak now manages a facility that allows for transformative growth through equine assisted activities in all seasons.
We believe that riders aged 4 years and older with emotional, cognitive, and physical challenges will find that equine interaction may improve their condition. Prior to programming all potential participants must complete a screening session with Great Oak PATH certified staff. As we grow in our community and beyond, we look forward to the new adventures and journeys that our students will go on with us, and we know we cannot do it alone. It can take up to three volunteers and an instructor for reach individual session. We provide thorough training for volunteers assisting with therapeutic riding lessons, barn management, office administrative tasks, fundraising efforts, or community outreach.
Great Oak is located on a picturesque 40-acre farm five minutes from downtown Aiken, South Carolina. Aiken is among the foremost equestrian communities not only in the Southeast, but also in the nation. It seems imperative that Aiken should be home to one of the PATH certified riding programs. We share our expertise to empower individuals with special needs and their families. We aim to see our students discover a new relationship with the horses through thoughtful programs that guide and nurture the riders.
Simply put, we change lives. Help us build the next 20 years and beyond at Great Oak.
Great Oak is PATH Certified
The Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.®), is a federally-registered 501(c3) nonprofit. The organization leads the advancement of professional equine-assisted services (EAS) by supporting its members and stakeholders through rigorously developed standards, credentialing and education. At 881 member centers, more than 66,000 children and adults, including 6,200 veterans, may find improved health, wellness and a sense of pride, independence and fun through involvement with horses. EAS at member centers may include therapeutic or adaptive riding, interactive vaulting, driving, adaptive equestrian sport, equine-assisted learning and therapy services. Through a wide variety of educational resources, the association helps individuals start and maintain successful programs and professional careers. There are nearly 62,500 volunteers, 5,011 instructors, 7,800 equines and thousands of contributors from all over the world helping people at PATH Intl. Member Centers.
GO Ponies
Boomer genuinely enjoys our most independent riders and thrives when teaching trotting and autonomy with our participants. Boomer loves a few carrots after a day of good work. 
Buddy, PATH Region 3 Horse of the Year, enjoys ring work and connecting with his riders. You will always catch Buddy looking out for his herd, in and out of the ring, whether it be riders or ponies. 
Monday, our resident paint and only gaited horse, does his best work connecting to his riders through ground work. Being our youngest, he has a goofy personality and loves a challenge. 
Quarter Pounder (QP) , adores all riders but has a special place in his heart for our youngest participants. QP can be easily spotted in the arena playing games or with balloons. 
Blazer is a retired mounted unit horse, who loves making goofy faces and seeing people smile. At any moment, you will find him with his tongue out, enjoying a good groom or a snack. 
Woody is his best self when he is in the ring with our participants. He always gives his all to every student. A day in the life of Woody would definitely include a trail ride and a Magna Wave session.
View Great Oak’s 990s below
Careers
Great Oak Equine Assisted Programs
Position Description: Bookkeeper
Great Oak Equine Assisted Programs (Great Oak) is located on a 40-acre farm five minutes from downtown Aiken, South Carolina. The document below describes the position at this time.
Great Oak’s mission is to provide equine assisted activities that promote the physical, emotional, and psychological health of individuals with special needs.
Status: Independent Contractor
Hours: Part-time (8-10 hours per month)
Reports to: Executive Director
Compensation: Range commensurate with experience
Position Description
The bookkeeper is responsible for assisting the Executive Director in their efforts to ensure long-term financial stability and enhance Great Oak’s ability to pursue its mission. The bookkeeper reports to the Executive Director, working with them to conduct day-to-day financial operations, provide financial data for grant applications, daily and monthly reports, and create and monitor the annual budget.
Responsibilities
• Perform all accounts receivable functions including invoicing, data entry, the donation system, deposits, and collections with appropriate internal controls
• Perform all accounts payable functions, including timely bill, and payment processing • Prepare, analyze and summarize data as requested for grants, and other projects in conjunction with the Finance and Development Committees
• Maintain an accurate record of all transactions in Quickbooks Online
• Reconcile monthly bank statements for all accounts and provide to Executive Director when requested
• Prepare monthly financial statements and others as required by Executive Director and Treasurer
• Verify and pay invoices and maintain financial files
• Assist with management of accounting, auditing, and budgeting within the organization • Reconcile accounting inaccuracies or imbalances
• Monitor revenue generated from programs and donations
• Provide clerical and administrative support to management as requested • Other duties as assigned
Qualifications
• Excellent skills in math, accounting, and financial processes
Version 1.2: September 2, 2021
• Ability to use Quickbooks Online and work efficiently in PC and Apple operating systems • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong critical, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Detail-oriented and highly organized
• Skilled in time management and ability to prioritize tasks
• Willing to work a flexible schedule to meet programming and staffing needs
Experience Preferences
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or equivalent training
• At least 3 years of experience in bookkeeping
• Proficient knowledge in Quickbooks and Quickbooks Online
At-Will Statement
Great Oak Equine Assisted Programs reserves the right to modify, interpret, or apply job descriptions in any way the organization desires. The job descriptions in no way imply that these are the only duties, including essential duties, to be performed by the employee occupying this position.
THE JOB DESCRIPTION IS NOT AN EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT, IMPLIED OR OTHERWISE, THE EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP REMAINS “AT WILL,” MEANING THAT EITHER THE EMPLOYER OR THE EMPLOYEE CAN TERMINATE THE EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP AT ANY TIME FOR ANY OR NO REASON