We offer therapeutic horseback riding to people in New York City. We use the horse to provide physical, psychological, cognitive and educational therapies that help people who have learning disabilities or are disabled to gain skills and have fun in a safe, supportive and dignified manner, and at all times based on good horsemanship and respect for both people and the animal.
What is Therapeutic Riding?
Therapeutic riding uses the recreational pleasures of horseback riding and care of horses to set social, emotional and physical goals for individual riders. Under the direction of a NARHA-certified riding instructor and with the guidance of an experienced physical therapist, GALLOP clients learn to sit their horses properly, use their reins to command the horse, and ride at a walk and trot.
Examples of riders we teach include individuals with autism, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, traumatic head injury, post-stroke, pervasive developmental disorders, mental retardation and individuals who have suffered emotional trauma such as first responders (NYPD, NYFD, EMS) and their families. We also offer lessons to Veterans, under the NARHA Horses for Heroes Program
"I can't begin to thank you enough.... Horseback riding is just about all
[my students, who have severe autism] can talk about....They are in control
when riding (instead of begin told what to do by teachers, parents, and
peers) and the feeling of empowerment is obvious.....When we began talking
about and writing about our lessons with GALLOP, the word began to flow...
All of a sudden my students were communicating fluently because they want to
talk
and write about something they love."
-Ms. Sandra, teacher
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A recently completed study concludes that children with autism between the
ages of 7 and 12 showed improved cognition, communication, and motivation
after participating in specific equine assisted activities (EAA). The
research shows that riding, grooming, and interacting with horses had a
noticeable, positive effect on study participants.
Horses & Humans Research Foundation Study:
The Effects of Equine Assisted Activities for Children with Autism
Download Our Brochure
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