GallopNYC to Expand Services to Equestrian Facility in Staten Island
GallopNYC to Expand Services to Equestrian Facility in Staten Island
GallopNYC Emeritus Board Member Sol Reischer and Founder Alicia Kershaw at Ocean Breeze Stables, GallopNYC's new location. Photo by EQ Media/Maddy Falkowitz
New York – Jan. 3, 2025 – GallopNYC, a nonprofit that provides therapeutic riding and experiences with horses for children and adults with disabilities, older adults, veterans and first responders, is proud to announce the expansion of its services to a facility in Staten Island. This marks an exciting milestone in GallopNYC’s commitment to serving New Yorkers through life-changing experiences with horses.
Ocean Breeze Stables, a modern equestrian venue located near the Ocean Breeze Athletic Complex, will become GallopNYC’s third location, joining Sunrise Stables in Howard Beach and Prospect Park in Brooklyn. The addition of Ocean Breeze enables GallopNYC to increase its capacity to serve more individuals and families, offering them the opportunity to experience the remarkable quiet power of horses.
GallopNYC currently serves nearly 500 riders each week through its life-changing PATH Intl. (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship, International) certified programs. GalopNYC benefits from a robust network of dedicated donors, support from elected officials and volunteers who help make its mission possible.
Ocean Breeze is a facility of NYC Parks. In the Spring of 2022, the New York City Parks Department issued a request for proposals to identify a new operator for the Staten Island facility. GallopNYC, a nonprofit organization founded in 2005, was the highest-rated bidder. It will operate Ocean Breeze under a Temporary Use Authorization pending the finalization of a license. The license agreement for the operation and maintenance of the stables is pending approval from the New York City Law Department and registration with the NYC Comptroller.
The NYC Parks Enforcement Patrol Mounted Unit will continue to occupy the facility.
“Our goal is to serve more New Yorkers with our transformative programs,” said GallopNYC Founder Alicia Kershaw. “We are fortunate to add this great facility to our community. The Ocean Breeze Stables offer a functional and beautiful space where we can reach more people who can benefit from the unique benefits GallopNYC’s programs provide.”
The new Staten Island location will enable GallopNYC to expand its reach and provide opportunities for additional riders to experience the physical, emotional and social benefits of therapeutic riding. Programs at Ocean Breeze Stables will cater to children and adults with disabilities, veterans overcoming trauma, first responders managing stress and older adults seeking wellness and connection. The new site will also create opportunities for community engagement through volunteerism.
GallopNYC’s programs are rooted in the belief that horses empower individuals to live fuller, more independent lives. By fostering resilience, confidence and a sense of community, GallopNYC makes a lasting impact on New Yorkers across the city. The expansion to Staten Island underscores its unwavering commitment to inclusivity and access for all who can benefit from engaging with horses.
For information about riding at Ocean Breeze, indicate your interest by following the links HERE.
We need volunteers! If interested, sign up HERE.
GallopNYC's new Staten Island facility, Ocean Breeze Stables, offers an indoor arena.
Photo by EQ Media/Maddy Falkowitz