Venture Together celebrated a $50,000 New York State investment in its Venture Equestrian, our therapeutic riding and animal care program, during a check presentation ceremony on August 5.
The grant was made possible through the partnership of Assemblyman Pat Carroll, who has been a staunch supporter of programs for people in our community on the intellectual and developmental disability spectrum.
“Venture Equestrian is a unique and powerful program, serving people on the I/DD spectrum from across Rockland County and beyond. The Venture team is so proud to serve as the home of a program that has impacted so many lives over its 16-year history, and we’re deeply grateful to Assemblyman Carroll for his commitment to ensuring everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”
Equestrian therapy brings countless benefits — both physical and emotional — for participants, from conveying a sense of empowerment and mastery, to connection with animals, to improved physical strength, mobility, balance, and coordination.
Venture Equestrian is based at our North Campus in Stony Point, with an indoor riding center, viewing area, classroom, stables, and more. In addition to Venture Together program participants, the center is used by our partner organizations throughout the region, and is open to the public for individual private lessons.
Program participants help to care for Venture’s six horses, 2 miniature horses, and a sheep—Shiloh, Bailey, Chipper, Biscuit, Monty, Pepe, Cash, Jazz, and Toastie— who live at our North Campus stables.
