GallopNYC comes to Wellington for essential fundraiser
In the flight path of JFK Airport, a charitable organization is working against the elements to bring the therapeutic power of horses to those in need. Based in Queens, GallopNYC is New York City’s largest equine assisted nonprofit, providing access to equine therapy for individuals who might otherwise never experience the healing impact of horses.
This week, GallopNYC arrives in Wellington for its fourth annual fundraiser, hosted by Amanda Cain, Jeanie Dello Joio, and Jessica Springsteen at Wembley Farm. For Amanda Cain, Vice Chair of GallopNYC’s Board of Directors and a lifelong equestrian, the mission is deeply personal.
“Riding is the one place where you have to be fully present,” Amanda said. “The horse knows everything, feels everything. Once you get involved, you become very passionate about seeing these small wins that truly change people’s lives.”
GallopNYC serves individuals with disabilities, children with autism, veterans coping with PTSD, seniors, and young people facing anxiety or developmental challenges. Amanda has witnessed nonverbal children speak to horses for the first time, wheelchair users experience physical freedom, and riders with severe anxiety develop confidence and independence. One young woman, once completely dependent on her family, began functioning autonomously after years in the program.
“It’s far beyond what can be produced in an office,” Amanda said. “Motor skills, confidence, and emotional regulation make it extraordinarily powerful.”
Among those attending the Wellington event will be one of GallopNYC’s most celebrated success stories, Lauren Reischer. Born with cerebral palsy, Lauren’s parents pursued numerous therapies. When she turned three, they were persuaded to bring her to GallopNYC.
“Lauren’s legs did not separate – she would describe them almost like a mermaid tail,” said Amanda. “Her father brought her, advising trainers to be careful and to try taking the saddle off the horse so that we could hold her on her knees. She took one look at the horse, her legs separated, and she was able to ride astride.”
Lauren’s transformation continued beyond her toddler years. She had many surgeries but continued to be involved with GallopNYC. Today, while she walks with the aid of crutches, she is a fully functional professional rider who captained the Brown University equestrian team, works with Special Olympics NY training fellow riders with disabilities, and serves on GallopNYC’s Board.
As a result of its impact, GallopNYC operates at full capacity, serving more than 450 riders each week, with a waitlist nearing 1,000. The organization relies on 18 carefully selected horses, each vetted for temperament, trained in-house, and placed in a month-long trial period. Every participant receives some level of subsidy, making fundraising essential to sustaining access.
Operating beneath JFK’s flight path in Howard Beach presents unique challenges. “We are right underneath the airport,” Amanda said. “One hundred and twenty-four days of precipitation in New York City routinely forces cancellations.”
To ensure greater continuity of care, GallopNYC is preparing to launch a capital campaign to build a covered indoor arena. The addition would increase operating time by approximately 30 percent and provide more consistent year-round services for riders and families.
Under the leadership of Executive Director Jennie Bucove, GallopNYC continues to deepen its programming for veterans and their families while integrating a research-informed approach into its curriculum. The organization is also partnering with a major university to strengthen and inform program development.
“Our focus is always on delivering high quality, consistent services to the people who depend on us,” Jennie said. “The mission drives every decision we make.”
Jeanie Dello Joio welcomed the opportunity to support GallopNYC by hosting the fundraiser in appreciation of what horses have given to the lives of those in the Dello Joio family. “We want to share our love of horsemanship with those who do not have access to this world, especially children,” Jeanie said. “We know the positive impact this can bring to children with challenges and we want to help in bringing life-changing moments to those who need this.” The fundraiser takes place on February 11 at 6pm.
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