State Senator Joseph Addabbo recently paid a visit to a Forest Hills horse riding organization to learn more about their services and help them connect with local veterans.
GallopNYC, located at 88-03 70th Rd., specializes in helping children and adults who have developmental, physical, emotional and social challenges overcome their disabilities through horseback riding.
In addition to teaching participants how to ride a horse, the trained staff at GallopNYC helps the riders develop a bond with the horse and learn life skills through therapeutic horsemanship.
“When I visited the Forest Hills stable, I saw firsthand the amazing work that GallopNYC does,” Addabbo said. “I saw children and adults excited to get on their horse and take it for a spin around the stable. I heard stories from volunteers about how GallopNYC helped them overcome their issues with physical ailments like multiple sclerosis.”
GallopNYC also assists veterans who are suffering from PTSD and other ailments. After speaking to Nicole Cicogna, the executive director of GallopNYC, about how he can assist the organization grow, Addabbo agreed to help them expand their presence in the veteran community.
Addabbo, who currently is the ranking member of the Senate Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs Committee, invited GallopNYC to speak at his annual Veterans Barbecue on Sept. 29.
“When I heard that GallopNYC works with veterans and helps them deal with the stresses of life after service, I was immediately interested,” Addabbo said. “Helping the men and women who put their lives on the line to protect our freedoms is something I look to do every day, and hearing about the innovative ways that GallopNYC helps our veterans was fantastic.”
For more information about GallopNYC, visit gallopnyc.org.
