GallopNYC ‘s riders were honored by two New York Racing Association (NYRA) jockeys, Maylan Studart and Janice Blake, in an end of year mini show in Prospect Park, Brooklyn. The Jockeys gave up an afternoon off to greet the riders and award blue ribbons to them. Conditions were perfect, and while the pace may have been a bit slow for the jockeys – – the participants’ enthusiasm was breathtaking.
State Senator Eric Adams served as Master of Ceremonies. A horse lover himself, Senator Adams instantly made the connection between GallopNYC’s Therapeutic Riding Program, Prospect Park, and NYRA. Senator Adams stated:
“I salute the New York Racing Association and GallopNYC for partnering to encourage and empower children and adults with developmental, emotional, physical and social challenges. Through your endeavors, these courageous riders have shown an increase in their physical strength, coordination, communication – and especially their self-esteem.
“Programs such as GallopNYC should be supported and encouraged so that those with disabilities can rise above their challenges and explore new opportunities.
Senator Adams’ web story on the event is at
and his profile of GallopNYC Board President Suzy Marquard is at
http://www.nysenate.gov/blogs/2011/apr/05/constituent-spotlight-suzy-marquard
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GallopNYC riders were especially honored by the presence of NYRA President and CEO, Charles E. Hayward, who spoke graciously and gave generously of his time for the occasion.
Park Slope Civic Council provided funds for the event and Kensington Stables for provided horses and ponies – Genie, Marshmallow and Fudge. Prospect Park kindly waived the usual permit fee.
About GallopNYC:
GallopNYC uses horseback riding to bring joy and hope to children and adults with developmental, emotional, social and physical challenges. Therapeutic horseback riding has been shown to benefit the body, mind and soul, and GallopNYC brings those benefits to children and adults challenged by disabilities such as autism, visual and hearing impairments, ADHD, cerebral palsy and post-traumatic stress disorder. GallopNYC offers lessons to 150 riders each week in three NYC locations.
About The New York Racing Association, Inc.
Founded in 1955, and franchised to run thoroughbred racing at New York’s three major tracks through 2033, NYRA boasts a lineage that actually stretches back almost 150 years. NYRA tracks are the cornerstone of the state’s thoroughbred business which contributes more than $2 billion annually to New York State’s urban, suburban and rural economy. In 2010, more than 1.6 million people attended the live races at NYRA tracks. Factoring in nationwide off-track wagering, the average daily betting handle on NYRA races totals more than $8.7 million. NYRA has a vast network of websites, including www.nyra.com, www.belmontstakes.com, and www.nyragroupsales.com. You can also follow NYRA on social media platforms Facebook, Flickr, Twitter, and YouTube.
GallopNYC press
Profile of GallopNYC Board President Suzy Marquard on NY State Senator Eric Adams’ website:
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http://www.nysenate.gov/blogs/2011/apr/05/constituent-spotlight-suzy-marquard
GallopNYC volunteers named NYer of the week by NY1: http://www.ny1.com/content/top_stories/120675/nyer-of-the-week–volunteers-help-disabled-riders-saddle-up
GallopNYC in The Horse, an exhibit at the Museum of Natural History (see video entitled “Enduring Bond: Part Three”):
http://www.amnh.org/exhibitions/horse/?section=multimedia
“Citizen of the Week – Alicia Kershaw” on NYC Council Member Brad Lander’s website:
http://bradlander.com/blog/2010/06/23/citizen-of-the-week-alicia-kershaw
CableVision Neighborhood Journal,
