We bring the joy of therapeutic horseback riding lessons for people with disabilities in New York City. We work with a wide range of riders: from at risk youth to children on the autism spectrum, from visually impaired teens to a 5 year old with down syndrome. Every volunteer has the opportunity to work hands on with horses and riders.

Description and/or History:
Horseback riding provides real and concrete to adults and children with disabilities, including emotional, cognitive and physical benefits. Gallop was formed in 2005 to provide riding lessons to disabled people in New York City. We currently provide lessons weekdays at Kensington Stables, Brooklyn NY.
Volunteers help, depending on their skills and interests, by readying the horses for riding, by grooming and tacking them up, helping prepare riders for riding (fitting helmets, for example), and then by leading the horses or "spotting" the riders. No experience is needed and we provide training.
All of our riders have a sense of accomplishment and pride in what they learn, a feeling our volunteers share.
WE formed because we saw a need for more therapeutic riding in New York City, and we hope to eventually become a full time "premier" NARHA center. (NARHA is a national organization that certifies instructors and facilities.)
In 2 years we have grown from 2 to 90 riders and offering lessons 5 days a week (but not - yet- weekends).
You can see GALLOP on the website of the Museum of Natural History Horse exhibit at www.amnh.org, in the video "Enduring Bond."

Contact people:

Alicia Kershaw, Executive Director, (646) 413-0469, (email) Marilyn Connor, Volunteer Coordinator, (646) 413-0469, (email)

Address:

51 Caton Place Brooklyn, NY 11218 (See a map)

Directions:

Take the F train to Ft. Hamilton Parkway, take exit at front end of train. There will be a highway on your left and a bridge over that highway in front of you. Walk along th path to the right to access the bridge then go left to take the bridge over the highway. When you are back at street level, walk straight for two blocks to another bridge, which crosses the highway to your right. Access this bridge on a ramp to your left, and cross the highway. When you are back on the street, turn around and walk along 8th avenue along the side of the ramp you walked down and then along side a brick building, which is the stables. At the corner turn left and enter the stables.   Nearest Metro/Subway Stop: Ft. Hamilton Parkway,   Walk distance (in minutes): 5