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October 22, 2011

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1 previous review
October 20, 2010

To see a disabled child come into the stable for the first time, look around in wonder, and at the end of their ride, thank the horse with a carrot and a pat on the nose, is more than wonderful. The... text

October 22, 2011

I was a volunteer with this wonderful organization for over 2 years before I had to stop. I moved and the trip was now 1-1/2 hours each way. But let me tell you, it's really worth it: GALLOPNyc helps alternative learners to ride. Seems deceptively simple but what it also does is teach the students to listen, follow direction, stretch, give direction, builds confidence like you wouldn't believe and friendships. As a weekly volunteer, I could follow the progress of the "Friday riders" which I helped. From not wanting to get on a horse, to trotting and waving to mom in a matter of weeks, from never saying a word to shouting commands, well, you get the idea. It's a truly remarkable organization. Everyone who helps out is there because they want to be. We all share stories, cheer on our students, share in the ups and downs, progress and fall-backs. I am a much better human being for having participated with GALLOPNyc.

The Great!

I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...

So many ways - see my review above!

Ways to make it better...

If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...

grow as best they could - so much need for programs like this.

More feedback...

Would you volunteer for this group again?

Definitely

For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?

Life-changing

Did the organization use your time wisely?

Quite well

Would you recommend this group to a friend?

Definitely

What one change could this group make that would improve your volunteer experience?

Maybe volunteer get=togethers every now and then to discuss our experiences and make suggestions.

Did your volunteer experience have an effect on you? (teaching you a new skill, or introducing new friends, etc.)

Yes - again, see my review.

How did this volunteer experience make you feel?

changed my life.

When was your last experience with this nonprofit?

2011

October 20, 2010

To see a disabled child come into the stable for the first time, look around in wonder, and at the end of their ride, thank the horse with a carrot and a pat on the nose, is more than wonderful. There are children who don't want to get up on the horse, but after a few minutes of patting the horse and getting to know them, the joy on their faces as they have their first lessons is breath-taking. It's miraculous. It's the best volunteer job one could ever have. It's real, right in front of you. Change in one person's life equals two, three or four - the teacher and us volunteers too.

The Great!

I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...

watching the children open up as they learn to ride. They follow direction, exercise their bodies and minds.

Ways to make it better...

If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...

be in touch with all appropriate agencies with videos, stories and seminars to show the positive changes that can happen when a child is exposed to this kind of therapy. The love, positive reinforcement and forward-thinking that is exhibited in this one small arena touches so many lives, this is what society is lacking.

October 29, 2010

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October 29, 2010

Gallop is, quite simply, the most outstanding and innovative program to aid, educate and enhance the lives of mentally and physically challenged individuals that I have ever had the privilege to be a part of. Watching the physical and emotional progress of the riders is proof positive of the overwhelming value of therapeutic riding. Therapeutic riding is significant not only for its experiential value, but also for its transformational ability. I have personally observed the change in the physical strength and cognitive capabilities of the program's participants even after a single session with the program's talented and committed instructors.

The Great!

I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...

Every rider I worked with met and/or exceeded the goals set forth in the individual progress plans created by the instructors. The riders were able to focus on the instructions given, were able to gain physical strength and most importantly were able to have fun.

Ways to make it better...

If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...

I would not change the organization, but more funding would help the program continue to grow.

October 27, 2010

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October 27, 2010

Our six year old daughter Emma has mild sensory integration dysfunction. She is a sensory seeker, and has had a difficult time sitting still for long periods of time, as well as following directions. She began riding horses with Gallop almost two years ago, and began showing improvement almost immediately. While on the horse, Emma is attentive and alert. She is able to follow multi-step instructions from her therapist during her 30-minute sessions. Hippotherapy is very beneficial for postural control and core stability, both of which Emma is deficient in. As Emma rides the horse, she constantly has to shift in the center of gravity in response to the horse’s movement, causing her to gain control over the muscles required to maintain equilibrium and balance. She now has a wonderfully increased sense of balance (sits up very erect) and a whole new sense of control. All of this she does with an infectious smile on her face and a look of great pride and accomplishment. She looks forward to her lessons every Monday, and comes to us eager and ready to work.

The Great!

I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...

Our daughter has shown marked improvements while participating in this program.

Ways to make it better...

If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...

I do not know of any changes that I would make at this point - it is working for us.

October 27, 2010

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October 27, 2010

I have two sons involved with the GallopNYC riding program. The growth I have seen in each of them is beyond what I could have imagined. One of my sons was terrified of animals for years, and with the help of incredible GallopNYC therapists was able to find connection with beautiful ponies and horses. Both boys have experienced a growth in confidence that is immeasurable and affects so many other areas of their lives. If one can ride a horse, then certainly other challenges can be tackled! It's had such a direct impact. The therapists and teachers are always encouraging and give such sensitive treatment to the children and families, and in turn teach them to care more for the generous ponies and horses. This program is so empowering to these young people and I can only imagine the impact those memories and accomplishments will have on their future endeavors. The organization is a genuine gift, particularly for children previously unaccustomed to feeling successful.

The Great!

I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...

My boys have grown in so many ways.

Ways to make it better...

If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...

I would love for a facility that could allow for more outdoor riding experiences. A larger riding area in the stable would be great too. These are all funding and space issues. The teachers and therapists need not change a thing in what they provide!

October 27, 2010

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October 27, 2010

Gallop is wonderfully effective therapeutic riding program operating out of Brooklyn's Kensington Stables. It's very diverse youth ridership has benefitted both phscially and emotionally from their Gallop experience. The organization has been able to attract an equally diverse cadre of committed volunteers, as well as a well-connected and highly engaged board of directors. Plus, Gallop's Executive Director is very strong. I'm fully confident that this young organization will soon be realizing its full potential.

The Great!

I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...

Site visits, public programs, one-on-one meetings with staff.

Ways to make it better...

If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...

Make sure that it had a dedicated year-round space.

October 26, 2010

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October 26, 2010

Gallop is an excellent program providing therapeutic horseback riding to persons with disabilities.

The Great!

I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...

To see the growth and development of each rider both physical and emotional has been amazing. For those with emotional difficulties the connection with the horse provides an outlet they otherwise would not have.

Ways to make it better...

If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...

Provide more funding to make riding available to all those who would benefit from our program.

October 21, 2010

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October 21, 2010

I came to GallopNYC as a volunteer in April 2009, and it is a truly amazing therapeutic horseback riding program. The joy, confidence, strength and ability that the riders who participate in our program develop is readily apparent. I have watched children with autism spectrum disorder arrive at a lesson, showing signs of being 'disconnected' from their environment and the people around them -- and then 20 minutes later, they are exhibiting improved posture on horseback, responding to instructions, and making eye contact with the volunteers. Each individual benefits in unique ways from therapeutic riding. And as a volunteer, working at GallopNYC is the highlight of my week as well!

The Great!

I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...

helping every individual make progress at their own pace.

Ways to make it better...

If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...

find more funders to support GallopNYC's programs.

More feedback...

Would you volunteer for this group again?

Definitely

October 21, 2010

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October 21, 2010

A teacher accompanying her class of 4,5 and 6 year old autistic children said to me the other day as we were steadying a child on a horse, "This amazes me. The level of eye contact. The verbalization. I am already seeing changes in these children after two sessions." Therapeutic riding certainly is no miracle cure, but in my experience as a volunteer, and as a horseperson, I see what the contact with these animals can help accomplish.

The Great!

I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...

Seeing the progress made in children with learning issues and autism.

Ways to make it better...

If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...

Have it receive more funding, so that it can keep pace financially with its extraordinary growth.

October 20, 2010

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October 20, 2010

Just to see a smile on the face of our riders is so rewarding. Most of these riders face nearly insurmountable obstacles throughout their daily lives, but when they come to ride at Gallop, they all find something that they can do. They all connect with the horse in one way or another, giving them a valuable boost in self esteem at the very least. Those who have developmental challenges make progress in learning new skills, and those with physical challenges develop strength by using muscles they don't normally get to use. Students with emotional challenges get instant feedback from the horse which puts the student in contact with their own feelings.

The Great!

I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...

As an example, I have personally witnessed a rider with sever cerebral palsy, who was not able to hold himself up in a sitting position at first, eventually gain the strength to sit up on the horse without assistance for the entire half-hour lesson.

Ways to make it better...

If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...

I would not change anything about this program's approach or mission. I would only like to provide more funding so that Gallop could expand its services to a larger community of people with developmental, emotional, social or physical challenges in New YOrk City.

October 20, 2010

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October 20, 2010

My son has rejected participation in every physical activity I have presented to him: soccer, baseball, tennis, gymnastics, karate, rock-climbing, you name it. His impairments in visual tracking, motor planning, muscle tone and processing speed hinder his skill development and create a sense of failure and frustration, rather than enjoyment. Horseback riding has been a miracle for him. It is the only activity he has been successful at and actually looks forward to! Horses are patient and require clear communication which allows my son the time to coordinate his movements in a no-risk situation. He has always loved animals and has developed true affection for the horses he has ridden. His physical strength has improved and his confidence level has soared. Gallop has truly been a gift to my son, as it has to all the people it serves. The benefits it brings are priceless.

The Great!

I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...

The increased strength, confidence and skills of my son.

Ways to make it better...

If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...

Increase it's funding to support outreach and infrastructure.

More feedback...

How would you describe the help you got from this organization?

Life-changing

How likely are you to recommend this organization to a friend?

Definitely

How do you feel you were treated by this organization?

Very Well

How did you find this group?

Prior knowledge over a long period of time.

What, if any, change in your life has this group encouraged?

See above.

When was your last experience with this nonprofit?

2010

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3 hours of volunteer time for this nonprofit will...

Help lead horses or escort and coach riders during a lesson