I was able to volunteer with this organization and attend one of their fundraising events over the last year, and it was eye opening. It's abundantly clear that the instructors and regular volunteers care deeply not only about the horses in their care, but also about the relationships developed between the animals and each one of their riders. I've always believed in the therapeutic abilities of horses, but to see it at work is truly remarkable. I hope more people will be exposed to this organization and be able to reap the benefits of equine assisted therapy.
This organization is fantastic with extremely dedicated volunteers.
I have been following this organization for several years now and love seeing their growth.
I have been with Gaits of Harmony for almost 4 years and cannot stress enough how important it is to have such a program serving our communities. People every day are benefitting physically, mentally, and spiritually, by partnering with animals to achieve long lasting goals. Supporting this organization means caring about the population that needs services the most, and advocating for their well-being each and every day!
First time going to an event with the organization after hearing about it for years. Everyone seems so friendly and would be glad to attend another event the barn.
Great place..All the volunteers work really hard at making this non profit organization a successful one.
I recently joined this organization and have been enlightened by the selfless commitment of the leadership, the staff, and the volunteers. Their passion and the resulting benefits to those served have no limits. I’m proud to be part of such an incredible organization.
As a volunteer and board member, I experience all facets of Gaits of Harmony Therapeutic Riding Inc, a truly incredible non-profit. Clients as well as family members are happy to be at the farm interacting with the horses, instructors, and volunteers. Each client is treated as a unique individual and given a specialized, tailored program that meets their needs. The animals are well-cared for and loved by all; the farm is well-maintained and a perfect setting for such a program; and the staff and volunteers are genuinely passionate about the work that they do.
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I have taken my son to try out several therapeutic riding services in Ri/Ct/ Ma and gaits of harmony is by far the best in the New England area. The staff/volunteers are so caring and kind hearted. It’s always been a exceptional experience coming here for his sessions. My son Channing , who’s now 3 , is in love with his horse Abby and coming here. If your looking for therapeutic riding for your child look no further!
Gaits of Harmony is my favorite place. Their new facility is a perfect location. They have trails to take the kids in and lots of open space to expand their program!
Watching the kids grow and reach their goals is amazing to see.
GOH is an amazing facility with an even more amazing staff. The volunteers put their heart and soul into each and every day with every rider.
My girlfriend works here. This organization has become a huge part of our lives. I never knew how much horses could help people. All the staff and volunteers are extremely knowledgeable and helpful.
What happens at GOH on a daily basis is nothing short of amazing! The instructors are dedicated, certified professionals who are truly gifted at working with the clients. It is a close knit family of professionals, volunteers & clients. I absolutely love my time volunteering here.
Amazing hard working group of people who strive daily to achieve goals with riders, horse safety and health, volunteer appreciation, and overall satisfaction of everyone involved in the program.
I was fortunate enough to find this program when they moved into the barn I was at and I'm so glad they did! It's amazing to watch the kids they serve grow, learn knew skills and break barriers that may have been holding them back. This program really cares about creating a relationship with each family it serves and it shows!
Gaits of Harmony is hands down the top non profit providing services to individuals with disabilities. They will work on each child's individual goals at a pace the child is comfortable with. They listen to the parents and child to be sure they are meeting their client's needs.
My daughter, K who is now 16 and autistic has been receiving services through this non profit for a few years. She began attending wanting to "see" the horses, but no experience on a horse or around horses. Every instructor was patient with her. Explaining in terms she understood and showing when she needed that versus verbal language.
Additionally, she has been fortunate to also have the opportunity to volunteer as work study two summers. There are few opportunities for teens with autism and this is just one more reason to support this non profit. She is home schooled this year and we both now volunteer one morning a week. It's given both of us the opportunity to see the dedication of everyone that works and volunteers. You can see how much they love what they do.
K has sensory issues and whether its riding a horse, grooming a horse, or simply doing farm chores it calms her. She feels a self of accomplishment and its built her self esteem.
Call or visit, you will be glad you did.
I am very fortunate to be a volunteer at Gaits of Harmony over the past 4 years. As a volunteer who works in lessons, does barn chores and sits as a board member, I see the dedication that this organization has to helping children and adults "educate, enrich, and empower themselves in order to cope with the challenges of their daily lives through interaction with horses." I have worked with some clients since they began with Gaits 4 years ago. To witness their growth both physically and behaviorally is truly amazing. The staff, instructors, and volunteers work very closely with family and caregivers to help all clients meet their individual goals in a friendly, caring, and fun environment.
Such an amazing organization. I had the pleasure of attending one of their fundraisers and I had the chance to meet some of the staff. Everyone was so kind and they really had a passion for what they where doing. I also had a chance to meet some of the people there therapeutic riding benefited and the smiles they had on their faces was proof enough of how beneficial this program really is!
Gaits of Harmony is an amazing place. Working with the kids,horses, goats, and Lucy pig is a great experience. I have lead and sidewalked for all the instructors there and they are all genuinely caring people. They are simply the best.
Gaits of Harmony serves a diverse population with an equally diverse animal herd. Lucy pig is always known to welcome visitors with a warm greeting and wag of her tail (she's my favorite!) Think of the feeling you get when your dog is extra excited as you walk in the door after a long day. That feeling is replicated at Gaits, and is a big reason why they succeed!
My good friend Haley brought me to volunteer at Gaits of Harmony and thats where I found yet another love, but for horses, aka big dogs. Going to gaits was therapy to be around these giant, kind, playful animals. And of course the warmth of the people there. Volunteering and being there is always a great time, you leave feeling lighter in all the stress of daily life and the world.
I have volunteered with this program for the past year. It is well managed and well run. The horses a receive excellent care and the area is well maintained. The client benefit cannot be described by mere words. To see the response of the riders to the horses is profounder. This is a non profit that is well worth supporting.
I have volunteered and worked here for the past 4 years. It is amazing what using the horse as a therapy tool can do.
Gaits is a family, the volunteers, staff, clients and their families work incredibly well together to achieve goals
Gaits is an amazing organization that helps so many people. The staff and volunteers truly put there heart and soul into this organization and it shows. The work they do is truly amazing.
I have been in the mental health field for some time now, and truly believe in the benefits gained through equine interactions. Gaits of Harmony promotes physical, behavioral, and emotional growth as it strives to teach every client valuable skills like respect, patience, and self-awareness. I highly recommend their program as a replacement or supplemental piece to traditional therapeutic practices.
An absolutely amazing nonprofit that I have the pleasure of volunteering for. The work they do to enhance the lives of children and adults is incredible!
This is an amazing organization. The staff are educated and compassionate, the horses are well trained and sweet. It's the dedication and heart of the team at Gaits of Harmony that has changed many lives.
I have been involved with riding as well as therapeutic riding for over twenty years. It may be hard for people who are not horse enthusiasts to understand how valuable and successful a program like this can be. People of all ages and challenges can benefit and learn so much from spending time around qualified, caring staff and these wonderful, loving animals. It has been my pleasure to witness the "magic" first hand at Gaits of Harmony recently. This is a nonprofit which truly deserves your consideration and support.
Gaits of Harmony is a wonderful organization, doing very important work! What a fantastic, passionate group of staff and volunteers!
Best nonprofit around, everybody involved from volunteers to board members focus is on the clients and helping them get what they need out of their time at the barn.
What a wonderful place, I can't say enough good things about the staff and the horses here. Amazing to see the results of the program, and the joy of all who visit!
As a Board member of this wonderful organization, I can attest to the scrupulous ethics that rule every action behind the scenes. As a PATH registered Therapeutic Riding Instructor, I have worked in this field for over 20 years and can truly say this is a committed, enthusiastic group of professionals and volunteers totally dedicated to improving the lives of others.
I have the pleasure of serving as a Board Member for this amazing organization and can't say enough about it. All the staff, volunteers and the animals form an team like no other. They break through and bring out things in these riders that amazes everyone involved.
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Due to my physical disabilities I am unable to be a side walker during a lesson so my way of giving back is to help in the background. I serve on the Board of Directors and help to keep this wonderful organization going. I have been involved with therapeutic riding for the last 5 years and it still amazes me every day as to how much this therapy helps both the riders and the volunteers. Non verbal clients leave talking and singing, unsettled clients leave calm and those with physical disabilities are gaining core strength and balance. The volunteers also reap the benefits by being witness to these miracles unfolding. It is so rewarding. Our volunteers and donors are what helps us to help others.
This is an amazing nonprofit that works very hard. The staff, volunteers, riders, and board members go above and beyond to ensure that safety and fun are met in all aspects of the farm life. As a spouse of a staff member I see the daily labor, sweat, tears, and heart that goes into this program! Thank you everyone!
The group of board members and volunteers that make up the staff are among the most professional, energetic and caring group of individuals I have known. A top run organization who’s main goal is helping those in need.
My daughter is involved with Gaits of Harmony and I have had the good fortune of hearing the many great achievements made by their clients. I have heard from the parents sharing the strives that their child has made due to the therapy. It is definitely an organization that I love to support!!
I love what this organization is doing to bring joy back into the lives of their clients and families. They have a great program and follow PATH standards with great instructors and volunteers. Keep up the good work!!
My friend volunteers at Gaits of Harmony and it has not only changed her life but also has had great rewards for the children and their families!! What a wonderful place!!
BT
There is something magical about the love affair between little girls and horses. My daughter was no exception and at 9 years old her birthday present of choice was a riding package. Each year she would be delighted to find another series of lessons among her birthday gifts. However, due to the reckless choice of another, her dreams of riding horses ended before her 13th birthday. In fact, all of our hopes and dreams were shattered when she was struck by a hit and run drunk driver while walking home from her school bus.
A traumatic brain injury left her unable to walk, to talk or to eat. This active little girl now relied on others for her every need. Her life, now void of horses and other things little girls love to do, was filled with doctors appointments, durable medical equipment and therapies.
Until that is, Pat O’Leary and Gaits of Harmony entered our lives. Working with my daughter for 2 years to increase her trunk and head control, September 22nd she rode again.
As a mom who has watched her child struggle not only to thrive but to survive for the past 12.5 years, the sight of seeing my child back on a horse evoked such strong emotion. In addition to the benefits she will receive from the movement and the sensory input of riding, we have renewed hope.
Just last week as she was riding back towards the ramp we were gifted with a giggle and a great big smile. I never thought I would get to witness my child experience the joy of riding again. Thanks to the dedication and perseverance of a committed group, I can - at Gaits of Harmony.
I've worked with most of the staff at Gaits at a now closed therapeutic riding organization, and they are truly the cream of the crop that moved onto a wonderful place to share their talents!
This is a marvelous facility with great people and very gentle horses. The instructors are extremely professional and the volunteeers are very caring and careful people. If you are contemplating using their services, rest assured that you are in good hands--oth literally and figuratively.
I am so impressed with the work of Gaits of Harmony. LIz, her crew, and volunteers are committed to reaching as many folks as possible. They work hard at raising funds to keep their work going...more people need to know about their contributions to our communities.
This non profit is amazing.they work very hard to earn every penny and this organization deserves a lot of recognition!!! Liz is an amazing instructor and her team of volunteers is amazing! Love you guys!
One of my close friends has been a volunteer at Gaits of Harmony since its inception. I am extremely impressed with the organization's mission and with its caring, professional staff.
Gaits of Harmony is a wonderful place. My children, with disabilities ride there. They are treated with respect. The horses are awesome, very gentle. Abby is my favorite. The workers are kind and knowledgeable. My children leave there calmer and happier.
My wife volunteers here and I accompany her quite often. The staff is professional, caring, and a lot of fun. It's not "therapy" to the students..... it's just fun!
This place is unbelievable! All the staff and volunteers are very educated on disabilities and the benefits of therapeutic riding. They tailor each lesson to the abilities of the riders and set goals as the riders progress. PATH certified instructors, and educated volunteers made this program run smoothly!
I could go on for hours on how gaits of harmony has impacted my child's life and my family. They are amazing good of people who touch so many people's lives.
I have been volunteering /teaching here almost since the beginning.they are a great group of people to work with and I am excited to see the program continue to grow!
I am impressed daily with every aspect of this program! They care so deeply about their clients, their horses, each other. I am blessed to be a part of this!
I met the Gaits of Harmony founders and volunteers at their first fundraising dinner several years ago. Their vision and dedication impressed me then and continues to impress me as the program has grown. This is a very worthy organization.
David Chidakel
Gait's of Harmony is an amazing place to volunteer at. Everyone is so friendly and the opportunity to work with horses is amazing. It is a great feeling being able to watch how much horses help the clients!
My friend volunteers here, and has brought me along as well. I've gone so much I know all the horses by name as well as the staff. This staff is very welcoming and personable. I'm glad to have had the luck to be involved and volunteer my services. They are a great group of people who are welcoming and inviting. If anyone wants to get over a fear, ride, go theraputically, I would highly recommend this establishment as first choice.
Nicole
I have personally seen the effect on autistic children who engage with Gaits of Harmony. Under the guidance of GOH a one hour ride can change from out of control screaming to relating to the horse.. and absorbing that calming presence of the horse and the GOH handlers.
Everybody at the farm is super friendly. I have heard so many wonderful stories about the successes of therapeutic riding. I would like to enroll my special needs son in the spring. He really enjoyed his visit with the horses and other animals. The interactions the staff has with their clients is inspiring!
My daughter receives therapeutic horse riding at Gaits of Harmony. The staff and volunteers are always friendly. They take the time to know your child and to know what works with each child.
My daughter has autism and sensory issues. just arriving at the barn, she has a feeling of calm. Being calm is a constant challenge for her. Riding the horses sensory regulates her body and the effect lasts 2-3 days. The most effective therapy or intervention we have ever tried.
I recall after her first lesson. She normally verbally recites movies and lines from movies non-stop, more-so when her sensory system is unregulated. She was so quiet on the ride home that I had to keep asking if she was okay. She was just finally regulated mind and body.
When I ask her how horse riding helps her she replies, "It makes me calm. My brain works".
Best non-profit you could support
I was a boarder at the farm where Gaits of Harmony resides and was blown away daily by the witnessing the progress of the various clients. The children & adults that utilize the program grow, change and evolve in ways I didn't believe possible. The GOH staff, certified instructors/therapists and selfless volunteers create a wonderful, welcoming, safe, fun, happy environment for everyone that enters the barn.
Gaits of Harmony is easily the greatest nonprofit I've had the pleasure of volunteering at. The therapy is truly ground-breaking and its effects know no limits. The horses and animals have a calming effect on all they come in contact with, whether you are a client, staff, or volunteer. They pay such close attention to detail to ensure every ride is safe, effective, and FUN! Gaits of Harmony has opened up so many doors for me, and allowed me to connect with some amazing, compassionate individuals. I highly recommend riders and volunteers of all ages to take advantage of this experience. It has had an incredible impact on my life! Thank you for all you've done for your clients and volunteers, Gaits!
I am still a new volunteer yet I have seen the incredible acts this nonprofit performs. I can say that the therapy they have provided to their clients has not only changes their lives, but mine as well. Volunteering at the farm as expanded my knowledge of not just others but myself. It offers a unique opportunity to help people in a unique way. I am so honored to be one of the people that gets to be a part of this amazing mission.
Caring staff create a safe place for children with special needs to experience horseback riding which provides much needed therapy and learning opportunities
Gaits of Harmony is a wonderful agency! Their staff and volunteers are so caring and they truly all work very hard to help make positive differences in the children's lives who attend their program.
I've never met a more dedicated organization to the children and to their horses. They always have a smile for you. The barn is kept spotless which is not easy to do! The horses are so amazing. Stop in and visit you will not be sorry!
My son Jarred loves going to hippo therapy at Gates of Harmony. He started 2 years ago and not talking that much. Now he talks up a storm. They work on using sentences to request for items. They sing songs. We are so happy we found Gaits of Harmony!!
Best,
Sam
Gaits of Harmony's professionals and volunteers are very hard working and dedicated. They truly love working with the clients who come for horse related therapy. I've seen first hand how benefitial it is to the population GOH serves.
Therapeutic riding here is great; kids are happy, parents are happy AND it's a therapy that welcomes/includes siblings. The BARN and indoor ARENA have great space, great animals and great people ...all supporting great programs.
This is an incredible organization with passionate, dedicated professionals and volunteers. They are truly changing the lives of riders of all abilities through the power of the horse!
Gaits of Harmony has a professionally run program. All of the instructors are either Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH IN't) certified instructors, licensed therapists or both! Safety and quality of service are a priority. Qualities that are especially important when choosing a facility to get involved with.
There is also something very special about the relationship of horses and humans that is therapeutic for all who get involved.
Call or stop by to get involved! There are many ways to, and whatever way works for you or the person(s) you care for to participate are plentiful. The rewards for all with be great!!
kpailthorpe 10/17/2015
Great review Pat!!! Thanks for adding those very important points about this amazing organization.