By PRISHA MAHAJAN
Horseability is a therapeutic program that was founded in 1993 by Kathleen Kilcommons McGowan to assist people with disabilities. Located in Westbury, New York, Horseability serves as a form of equine therapy, using horses to support children facing mental, emotional or physical challenges. Horseability gives children with disabilities an opportunity to bond with and ride horses.
The volunteers at Horseability support the children by offering them riding help and assisting the instruction provided by staff members. They also provide encouragement and physical assistance so that riders can feel confident and comfortable during their experience. A long-time volunteer for Horseability Reese Gallagher believes that the children can spend valuable time with the horses. She said, “Children often gain a bond with the horse that they ride.”
Gallagher feels that riding allows the kids to be able to experience a greater range of motion. She said, “One advantage that sticks out to me is the opportunity for people who use movement aids such as a wheelchair or a walker to be independent from their aid while riding.”
After serving the organization for a few years, Gallagher made a college and career decision to pursue Equine Business Management.
Hoseability’s facility houses three large fields with 20 horses, creating a peaceful and welcoming environment for children and their families. When a child arrives, they are assigned an instructor and a volunteer. The instructor guides the the session while the volunteer stays with the child and horse ensuring their safety and offering support.
Each session lasts about 30 to 45 minutes and consists of various exercises designed to help a child engage with a horse. By the end of these sessions, everyone involved leaves knowing a child has been provided with an experience they might never have had otherwise. Volunteer Scott Tepper said, “At the end of each session, I feel like I’ve made a difference. It’s rewarding to see how each child reacts.”
The thought of how much joy the children feel stays with the families, workers and volunteers, filling them with gratitude and appreciation. Volunteer Julia Beattie said, “Coming here is such a rejuvenating experience.”
Equine therapy helps children to build trust, self-esteem and communication skills while reducing anxiety and stress. Horses are incredibly sensitive to human emotions, making them ideal therapy partners. Gallagher said, “Sometimes, the horses can sense the needs of the rider. Horses that are stubborn and challenging with staff members often become tranquil and calm with our students.”
While there are many forms of therapy available for children with special needs, Horseability is unique. It not only provides therapeutic benefits, but also allows children to form genuine connections with animals, develop cognitive skills and build lasting confidence.
Without organizations like Horseability, many of the children served would never have the chance to form this kind of relationship with another living creature, making this program profoundly meaningful.
Excellent article! The person who wrote this is definitely a horse lover! 🙂