Photo by Brett Whysel. If you have ever had the opportunity to volunteer for or observe therapeutic riding lessons, you know the incredible effect that they can have on the lives of not only the riders, but of everyone involved. Alicia Kershaw is the Executive Director of GallopNYC, a New York City-based nonprofit that offers therapeutic riding lessons to children and adults with disabilities.
GallopNYC operates three locations and serves about 230 riders each week. Riders face a wide variety of challenges, including developmental delays, learning disabilities, and cerebral palsy. GallopNYC also offers programs to introduce New Yorkers to horses and basic horsemanship skills, programs for seniors, and programs for veterans who are dealing with conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder or traumatic brain injuries.
Alicia kindly shared a bit about her involvement with GallopNYC.
Can you tell us about how you arrived at your current position with GallopNYC?
I learned about therapeutic riding while living in Hong Kong, where I volunteered at a Riding for the Disabled Center. I came back to NYC and volunteered here, until a group of us decided to start GallopNYC. At the time, of the group members, I had the fewest other commitments, so I agreed to run GallopNYC while we built it up. Later I became a certified instructor.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I enjoy being around horses in a low-key noncompetitive way. I grew up on a farm (fox hunting!) and I don't really like riding around in a circle. But what I really love is the people I have met at GallopNYC - riders' and parents' courage and love, and our very committed volunteers.
What’s one thing that most people wouldn’t know about your profession?
GallopNYC is not just recreational! Therapeutic riding brings real, measurable and important skills to people with disabilities. We have seen non verbal kids say their first words, unsociable kids make friends, and fearful kids find courage. Our kids work hard and learn skills they need to live life as fully, productively and independently as possible.
What is the best advice that you have ever received?
Trust your own instincts.
What would your advice be to someone who wants a career with horses?
Visit GallopNYC! We train instructors and other staff. If you can't come here, be sure to look outside the "norm" at alternative careers, and learn as much as you can about horses (and people).
To learn more about GallopNYC, visit their website.
GallopNYC operates three locations and serves about 230 riders each week. Riders face a wide variety of challenges, including developmental delays, learning disabilities, and cerebral palsy. GallopNYC also offers programs to introduce New Yorkers to horses and basic horsemanship skills, programs for seniors, and programs for veterans who are dealing with conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder or traumatic brain injuries.
Alicia kindly shared a bit about her involvement with GallopNYC.
Can you tell us about how you arrived at your current position with GallopNYC?
I learned about therapeutic riding while living in Hong Kong, where I volunteered at a Riding for the Disabled Center. I came back to NYC and volunteered here, until a group of us decided to start GallopNYC. At the time, of the group members, I had the fewest other commitments, so I agreed to run GallopNYC while we built it up. Later I became a certified instructor.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I enjoy being around horses in a low-key noncompetitive way. I grew up on a farm (fox hunting!) and I don't really like riding around in a circle. But what I really love is the people I have met at GallopNYC - riders' and parents' courage and love, and our very committed volunteers.
What’s one thing that most people wouldn’t know about your profession?
GallopNYC is not just recreational! Therapeutic riding brings real, measurable and important skills to people with disabilities. We have seen non verbal kids say their first words, unsociable kids make friends, and fearful kids find courage. Our kids work hard and learn skills they need to live life as fully, productively and independently as possible.
What is the best advice that you have ever received?
Trust your own instincts.
What would your advice be to someone who wants a career with horses?
Visit GallopNYC! We train instructors and other staff. If you can't come here, be sure to look outside the "norm" at alternative careers, and learn as much as you can about horses (and people).
To learn more about GallopNYC, visit their website.
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