“At GallopNYC, I learned that horses tell us how they feel with their ears. Also, we have to pet them from the front, not from behind them. I like riding all horses, but my favorite horse to ride is Eli.”

- Brendan

“Therapeutic riding directly improves Brendan’s speech skills and helps him socialize more. In the time we’ve been attending Pony Club, we’ve seen Brendan develop friendships with the other riders. The impact this program has had on our son’s development is so powerful; it is difficult to put into words.”

— Brendan’s Parents, Joan and Brendan

Pony Club is a specialized extension of GallopNYC’s therapeutic riding program, designed to support the unique strengths and needs of children and youth on the autism spectrum. Open to participants ages 6-21, the program provides structured, 90-minute weekly sessions that foster confidence, social skills, and meaningful connections—with both horses and peers.

Held after school on Wednesdays from 4:00–5:30 p.m., Pony Club runs during all GallopNYC program terms.

Each session includes both mounted and unmounted activities. Participants learn grooming and tacking, explore horse breeds and care, and practice foundational riding skills—all in a fun, supportive group setting. Through shared tasks and team-based exercises, riders build communication and cooperation skills.

Taking pride in barn chores is more than just keeping things clean—it’s a chance for GallopNYC riders to learn responsibility and build bonds with their equine partners.