Not-for-profit group to offer horseback riding to the disabled, veterans, seniors on Staten Island

Gallop, Staten Island, N.Y.NYC is extending its stables to Staten Island, creating a community of people who can ride horses, including first responders dealing with trauma, elders, and those with impairments.

The Ocean Breeze Athletic Complex’s Ocean Breeze Stables will be taken over by the non-profit organization. Within the five boroughs, it will be the third version of the program.

Scenes from Staten Island’s GallopNYC. (Photo credit: Maddy Falkowitz)With thanks to Maddy Falkowitz

“We want to provide our transformative programs to more New Yorkers,” stated Alicia Kershaw, founder of GallopNYC. This wonderful facility is a blessing to our community. We can reach more people in need of the special advantages GallopNYC’s programs offer in the Ocean Breeze stables, which are a lovely and useful location.

According to an announcement announcing the opening, the programs that will soon be offered at the Ocean Breeze stables will serve veterans recovering from trauma, first responders dealing with stress, older adults seeking connection and wellness, and children and adults with impairments.

Scenes from Staten Island’s GallopNYC. (Photo credit: Maddy Falkowitz)With thanks to Maddy Falkowitz

The New York City Parks Department offered GallopNYC the chance to establish itself on the Island after it was the top-ranked bidder in a spring 2022 proposal search. The NYC Parks Enforcement Patrol Mounted Unit will continue to use the site, but the organization will be the primary operator of Ocean Breeze Stables under a pending temporary use permission.

Riders are now being scheduled for GallopNYC’s opening, which is expected to occur in the middle of this month.

Scenes from Staten Island’s GallopNYC. (Photo credit: Maddy Falkowitz)With thanks to Maddy Falkowitz

More abut GallopNYC

GallopNYC also has sites at Howard Beach’s Sunrise Stables in Queens and Prospect Park in Brooklyn. Together, they provide weekly service to about 500 riders.

The courses have earned certification from the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) International.

Visit the website at gallopnyc.org to find out more about GallopNYC, including volunteer possibilities.