GallopNYC to Celebrate Therapeutic Horsemanship at the Central Park Promenade

May 11

2022 Central Park Promenade. Photo by Diana De Rosa Photo

May 10, 2023 – New York – The GallopNYC Central Park Promenade is an opportunity to celebrate and connect the programs and riders of GallopNYC and the New York community through a glorious mounted walk along the Central Park Bridle Path. The event will be held on Sunday, May 21, beginning at 10 a.m. at Central Park West at West 62nd Street near the Heckscher Playground adjacent to the Pinebank Arch.

GallopNYC is a therapeutic horseback riding organization that serves children and adults with disabilities and a community of veterans and seniors at three locations in Queens and Brooklyn.

The organization helps hundreds of New Yorkers each week with life-enhancing therapeutic horsemanship.

Twenty of GallopNYC's riders will stroll along the bridle path of Central Park, accompanied by volunteers, staff, friends and family. Activities during the Promenade will include a reading with Joy, a miniature horse, family-friendly sensory activities and sing-a-longs and adaptive riding equipment demonstrations for those unfamiliar with therapeutic riding.

Immediately following the Promenade, a ticketed reception at Felice Columbus will be held, with drinks and light fare. Riders and family members will share their GallopNYC stories and community members will have the opportunity to mingle and network with each other.

The programs at GallopNYC provide measurable benefits for people with developmental, emotional, social and physical disabilities. Sessions with PATH International-certified instructors teach new skills, inspiring riders to live life as fully, productively and independently as possible. GallopNYC serves low-income and middle-income families and provides therapeutic horsemanship at subsidized rates.

GallopNYC has a passionate community of people who care about uplifting and effective services for people with special needs and fully understand the healing power of the horse-and-human bond. The Promenade will connect the GallopNYC community of riders and horses with fellow New Yorkers in Central Park by sharing GallopNYC's mission, inviting new members into our herd and forging new connections.

Liz and Sally, GallopNYC's beloved paint mare, at the Central Park Promenade. Photo by Diana De Rosa Photo

Four Champion riders are raising awareness for GallopNYC through crowdfunding before the Promenade. These Champion riders are avid GallopNYC's supporters and understand the importance of sustaining vital programs for the community.

"Although I am a recreational rider, I also suffer from scoliosis, and I, too, have experienced firsthand the transformative power of riding," shared Liz Gallagher, GallopNYC Champion."Not only has it helped me improve my physical abilities, but it has also given me a sense of community and belonging. Through GallopNYC, I have made lasting friendships with other riders and volunteers and have felt supported and encouraged every step of the way."

GallopNYC is grateful to Gallagher, as well as the other Champion riders and supporters. The Promenade and Celebration is a moment to reflect on the power of achieving new abilities through the supportive community and the unique bonds that humans have with horses.

Tickets and More Info

Fast Facts:
When: Sunday, May 21, 2023

Where: Central Park Promenade ~ 10am-12pm
Spectators assemble inside Central Park, close to Columbus Circle entrance

GallopNYC Celebration ~ 12pm-2pm
Ticketed Reception at Felice Columbus
240 Columbus Avenue (at 71st Street), New York, NY 10023
10 minute walk from the end of the Promenade to the restaurant

Who: GallopNYC Riders, Volunteers, Staff and Supporters

Why: To share GallopNYC with the community