GallopNYC (Giving Alternative Learners Uplifting Opportunities, Inc)

GallopNYC began as a way for this horse lover to reconnect with horses in the city—but it became so much more. As a volunteer, I experienced therapeutic riding lessons as a beautiful team sport, with horses, instructor and volunteers working together to help riders achieve victories big and small. I was so inspired by this alchemy that I decided to work toward becoming an instructor myself and was certified this past spring. I couldn’t be more proud to be a part of this organization and feel like the sky’s the limit!

Amazing people who are passionate about the work they do as well as wanting to share the knowledge with others. They are always willing to engage with their community and encourage others to participate in learning more about what equine facilitated learning and therapy can do for others. An amazing team with wonderful horses!

I’ve been volunteering with this organization for 5 years and I honestly can’t speak highly enough about this organization and what they do for New Yorkers with disabilities!! If you love horses and love volunteering this is an awesome place to check out

GallopNYC is one of my favorite parts of living in NYC. The physical strength and mental calm I receive from riding the horses is life changing. And the staff and volunteers dedication makes each rider feel at home and fully supported to reach for our goals and dreams.

I have worked for GallopNYC for three years, first in programs and now in fundraising and development. Working at GallopNYC is an honor - we see measurable progress in our students and this progress transfers over to their daily lives. Many of our riders are often shut out of traditional recreational or sports based spaces - but at GallopNYC, we have given them a place to thrive. With our growing ridership, comes great responsibility and the power to change lives. We now ride at four different sites in New York City, operate two full board barns, and have a large active volunteer base. I encourage anyone reading to take a trip out to see our programs in action and hope to add you to our growing roster of enthusiastic supporters.

The most wonderful organization to work with and be apart of.

As a volunteer, I’ve had the opportunity to see the wonderful work Gallup does day in and day in our for New Yorkers in need.

I have been involved with Giving Alternative Learners Uplifting Opportunities (GallopNYC) from just about the very beginning. I have watched it grow tremendously in many ways. As the program has expanded over the last 11 years, the expansion has been conducted with great care to assure the highest quality of service and the safest and most enjoyable experience for its clients. In addition, management and board governance has developed to top-notch levels, resulting in GallopNYC's winning Governance Matters' Brooke Mahoney Award for Corporate Governance in 2016. Here are some examples of the outstanding impact that GallopNYC has:
- A child who came to GallopNYC as “non-verbal” uttered his very first words – giving commands to his horse.
- A pre-teen rider gained sufficient core strength through riding so that he could finally shower and bathe independently without the help of his parents.
- A young adult in the Leadership and Job Training Program developed the courage to apply for his first job. He is still working for REI over a year later.
- A child who rarely spoke up in the classroom now does so regularly due to the confidence she has developed through riding and commanding her horse.
- One of the participants in the veterans leadership program experienced such personal growth that he now wants to train as an instructor to help other veterans.

My experience with GallopNYC has amazing. I have seen riders far exceed anyones hopes. Kids that were identified by teachers as nonverbal have spoken on many occasions. Riders that never made eye contact start to look into the horse's eyes and then into the instructors eyes. Riders get stronger, more confident, more related. Riding is an activity they CAN do.
Gallop NYC has helped so many people with all kinds of abilities in a kind, caring and professional environment.

My son is on the autism spectrum and has been working with Gallop for 6 years now. He has gained tremendous confidence through riding. With his everyday challenges, especially in sports it is wonderful that he feels he can succeed in horseback riding. The trainers and volunteers are always supportive and enthusiastic.

This organization is one of the best for meeting the challenges of our special needs population. The sessions are conducted as a family event. The recognition given at the year end Ride with Pride event - always brings tears to the eyes of our families. I am proud to be part of this organization for over 10 years and watching it grow

Gallop is an incredible organization that helps so many children and their families.

I've been deeply impressed by the benefit Therapeutic Riding has for people with disabilities! I have MC'd the annual Horse Show in the past and the happy families make it a great day

GallopNYC has done so much for my developmentally disabled child. My daughter Jeanne is intellectually disabled and suffers from anxiety. She loves riding and the caring staff has made this the one activity that Jeanne wouldn't miss! Gallop has helped Jeanne in so many ways. I cannot say enough about Gallop and how it has enriched Jeanne's life. As a mother, it is so wonderful to see Jeanne so happy because of this program and the many people who show how much they truly care. Her smile says it all!

GallopNYC accepted me into their family right after I graduated college in 2014. It has been a joy to share my love of horses with students who love to learn. The confidence that students gain helps them shine in the riding arena, but also in school, at work, and at home.

The staff of GallopNYC has also encouraged me to grow personally and professionally. I have gained the courage to earn new certifications, present at national conferences and plan future research through my Master's degree. In such a short time, GallopNYC has become such a positive part of my life, and I know it is the same for many riders and volunteers.

Being a part of the GallopNYC show team has been an absolute joy. The community of the Gallop staff, volunteers, horses, and other riders is invaluable. I am so grateful for the strength I've gained, partnering with my horse to tackle new physical challenges in such a supportive environment. I am especially grateful for being part of the show team while recovering from a brain injury. Seeing tangible progress has helped both my self-confidence and sense of accomplishment. Thank you GallopNYC for this wonderful experience.

Amazing people with amazing animals would probably be the easiest way to sum up this non-profit but that wouldn't do it justice. GallopNYC has helped me grow so much as a person and has helped me figure out my path in life. I've loved horses for years but finding out that they're used as a form of therapy was mind-boggling. Working with the riders, I've seen amazing success in many different forms. From the child that was terrified to even step near an animal bigger than they were, becoming a confident equestrian, to others who have trouble walking when on the ground but manage to move their horse gracefully through multiple obstacles.The bonds these riders establish with not only their horse but with the friends they make during lessons is incredible.

I love volunteering at GallopNYC. It's very rewarding to see the rider's progress as the develop strength and independence each week. I've witnessed how the therapeutic riding lessons help riders gain confidence, develop social skills and verbal communication, and become more balanced in the saddle as they get stronger. It's truly an amazing experience and I love going each week.

GallopNYC has an incredible vision and excellent execution. The kindness of its staff results in thousands of smiles from children in NYC year after year. Thank you!

GallopNYC is a wonderful non-profit and I am a proud donor. The work they do with children and with veterans is nothing short of amazing - in particular the impact the program has on children with autism. The children seem so connected with the horses - they have a chance to find themselves, to find a different part of themselves, and feel fully comfortable, in control, and it brings out their best. The staff and instructors are so warm and empathetic.

I first heard about GallopNYC from a friend of mine whose son rides in the program. Her son was born with significant physical disabilities and for years had very little core or neck strength. But then he started riding with GallopNYC. There's been a huge difference, far more than the traditional physical therapies he was involved in. He could sit up straighter in his wheelchair. And he had far more neck strength which means he can hold his head high and look at the world he loves so much. But even more important, it brings him great joy. He has the biggest smile on his face when he is riding. He is free and moving! Riding on a powerful horse. It is a beautiful thing to see. He is getting important physical therapy but he is also participating in something that brings him joy.

Love GallopNYC! What a great organization and I am glad I had the opportunity to volunteer with the children and horses at their Forest Hills, NY location. I was so impressed with their program that I wanted to help in other ways besides a monetary donation. They were extremely grateful for my efforts put forth to obtain 2 round trip tickets with an international airline that was auctioned off at their annual fundraising dinner that took place that year. I know that many of the non-profit's goals are to get as many cash donations whenever possible in a given year but GallopNYC puts a large amount of effort into their fundraising planning and events and working with individuals who can help them in all forms of donations...being open to any suggestions and grateful for all the support given to GallopNYC by each and every individual, from the organization's past to present day.

A few years ago, I was feeling like my existence did not make much of a difference. A friend said, "volunteer". So I found GallopNYC. Being around horses was already amazing, but I had no idea that being around the people who make up GallopNYC would change my outlook on life. Watching the joy and the gratitude of the riders and their parents is the best medicine for a lost soul. Being able to give of myself in this way has been a magnificent gift.

I started as a volunteer with Gallop in Forest HIlls over three years ago. I was then hired to work with them on developing an educational/internship program for young adults on the Autism Spectrum sponsored by a grant from Autism Speaks. I loved working with the staff at Gallop and the children and adults who benefited from their patience and experience. This is a great place to volunteer or work!

Watching what happens when a child, with or without disabilities, gets on a horse for a GallopNYC session is life-transforming, both for the child and for you. GallopNYC is doing phenomenal work with some of the most difficult to treat populations, among them those with autism, developmental disorders, brain injury, emotional trauma, etc. It's hard not to get choked up when you see a rider's uncertainty and apprehension turn into joy and pride at sitting tall on a powerful creature. GallopNYC's strength is its leadership, staff, instructors and volunteers -- they are kind, enthusiastic, careful, patient, dedicated, skillful, effective, and so happy to be helping. It is a profoundly moving and rewarding thing to witness.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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!

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.

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.

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.

I work for GALLOP NY teaching therapeutic riding to children with autism and other disabilities. It is truly magic to see what a horse can do to help challenged children relax, relate, recreate, and learn. I wonder if the horses understand what marvelous creatures they are.

Well I am biased, because I run GallopNYC! But I want to tell you that we offer supporters the opportunity to have a seminal role in fostering the growth of a sustainable organization that brings a uniquely effective therapy to people in NY City. By helping GallopNYC, you can truly say you made a difference in New York City. If you came with me to take a look at GallopNYC you might be surprised at the breadth of our program and its efficacy—on any given day you might see a boy with autism finding a his voice to say “trot on” — or a child from an abusive family falling in love with a horse, and sharing her fears — or a high school drop-out gaining the courage to try for his GED, and maybe college — or a boy with Down syndrome finding strength and balance— or an adult with cognitive disabilities finding a purpose in helping others --- or a war veteran calming her anxiety. In every case, as parents, teachers and counselors tell us, GallopNYC changes the lives of people with disabilities and special needs.