GallopNYC Celebrates Pathways to Possibility During the Central Park Promenade

May 31

New York City's only therapeutic horsemanship organization connects with New Yorkers and demonstrates its life-changing program.

New York - May 26, 2023 - The bridle path that winds through New York City's Central Park was designed to be enjoyed from the back of a horse and on Sunday, May 21, riders from GallopNYC did just that. Seeing people on mounted horseback is increasingly rare in the park, so what better way to draw attention to the needs of New Yorkers with disabilities and special needs than a majestic promenade with beautifully groomed horses. Promenade riders included children and adults with disabilities, seniors, veterans, sponsors and champions of GallopNYC. The organization is New York City's only therapeutic horsemanship organization and serves hundreds of New Yorkers each week. The event connected GallopNYC with the broader New York City community and celebrated how unique programs for people with special needs create pathways to possibility that had yet to be imagined.

Riders enjoyed the bridle path surrounded by volunteers, GallopNYC riding instructors and supporters. In the park, GallopNYC staff and volunteers organized a sensory-friendly family zone for New Yorkers to learn more about the benefits of therapeutic riding and equine-assisted programming. Demonstrations included adaptive riding equipment used during mounted therapeutic sessions and a "sensory buffet" offered the opportunity to see, touch and smell objects found in the barn. Everyone's favorite GallopNYC ambassadors, miniature horses Priscilla and Joy, were on hand to delight attendees with a reading program.

Also in attendance were New York City Councilman Erik Bottcher and New York Assemblyman Tony Simone.

Councilman Erik Bottcher meets Gallop NYC horses and riders at the Central Park Promenade.
Photo by EQ Media

"We in government can only do so much," Councilman Bottcher said. "We rely on nonprofit programs like GallopNYC to do this in-depth transformative work to really fill gaps in the social service system. You've got GallopNYC transforming lives and helping people with special needs, helping vets with PTSD in ways no other group can. That's why it's so important that we scale up this work to reach even more people."

Following the two-hour promenade, a celebration was held at Felice Columbus. GallopNYC Executive Director Marcos Stafne introduced several speakers. The first to speak was Vivane, whose daughter Trinity participates in the GallopNYC program.

GallopNYC Executive Director Marcos Stafne and Vice Board Chair and Founder Alicia Kershaw.
Photo by Snap Photography and Cinema

"My daughter was having so many challenges," Vivane said. "She was very angry, very restless." She explained that the GallopNYC instructors were patient with Trinity, whose behavior was initially a challenge. "At no point did they decide that she would have to quit the program. I'm just really thankful to the entire organization for helping us reach our goal."

Then Trinity spoke.

Vivane and Trinity. Photo by Snap Photography and Cinema

"I've been riding with GallopNYC for the past seven years," she said. "When I initially got there, I was shy and nervous. But the great staff helped me to overcome my fears. They're so wonderful. I've grown so much over the years. My goal is to attend college, to study therapeutic riding."

Next, Stafne introduced Oreste, one of GallopNYC's veteran riders. Oreste thanked GallopNYC for creating a supportive environment for veterans. "Being a veteran is an interesting experience," Oreste said. "We live in two worlds - one of war and one of peace." He shared how transitioning from combat to civilian life can be challenging for veterans. "GallopNYC makes it easier," he said.

Oreste participates in GallopNYC's veteran program.
Photo by Snap Photography and Cinema

Stafne thanked the many people who helped organize the Central Park Promenade and recognized the many hours of volunteer effort it took to make the event possible.

"This event is an opportunity to say, 'Hey, New York, we're here to help people with disabilities, with differences, with challenges thrive and grow and find their pathways to possibility through therapeutic horsemanship and horseback riding,'" Stafne said. "That heart-and-horse connection - it's important to shine a light on it at an event like the Central Park Promenade. We know that lives are changing every day at GallopNYC!"

Upcoming GallopNYC events include the Ride with Pride Horse Show at Sunrise Stables on June 24 and the GallopNYC Barn Dance at the Tribeca Rooftop on Sept. 28.

If you were unable to attend the Central Park Promenade and wish to support GallopNYC in achieving its annual fundraising goal, click the link below.

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Watch the videos from the 2023 GallopNYC Central Park Promenade