What they reported doing
- #1 primary $274KTHERAPEUTIC HORSEMANSHIP:THIS PROGRAM PROVIDES ADAPTIVE RIDING AND HORSEMANSHIP LESSONS FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS WITH PHYSICAL, DEVELOPMENTAL, AND EMOTIONAL CHALLENGES. CERTIFIED INSTRUCTORS DESIGN INDIVIDUALIZED SESSIONS THAT PROMOTE BALANCE, COORDINATION, CONFIDENCE, AND INDEPENDENCE THROUGH EQUINE PARTNERSHIP. SUPPORTING 60+ PARTICIPANTS EACH QUARTER.
- #2 $106KPATHWAYS PROGRAM:ENDEAVOR PARTNERS WITHLOCAL RESIDENTIAL AND DAY FACILITIESTO PROVIDERECREATIONAL EQUINE-ASSISTED SERVICESTO SOME OF THE REGION'S MOST VULNERABLE CHILDREN AND ADULTS. THESE INDIVIDUALS FACE A RANGE OF COMPLEX CHALLENGES, INCLUDINGADDICTION, POVERTY, RACISM, MENTAL HEALTH DIAGNOSES, DISABILITIES, AND HISTORIES OF TRAUMA.THROUGH THESE PARTNERSHIPS, ENDEAVOR EXTENDS ACCESS TO EQUINE ASSISTEDSERVICES THAT FOSTERCONNECTION, CONFIDENCE, AND HEALING. OUR APPROACH EMPHASIZES DIGNITY, INCLUSION, AND THE BELIEF THAT EVERY PERSONREGARDLESS OF CIRCUMSTANCECAN BENEFIT FROM THE POWERFUL BOND BETWEEN HUMANS AND HORSES.
What they call their work
What they do
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Therapeutic Equine-Assisted Programs 5 activities
- Equine-assisted learning and therapeutic services for incarcerated individuals and womenDelivers a 10-week therapeutic horsemanship program at Bedford Hills and Taconic Correctional Facilities, providing services to incarcerated women. Also offers equine-assisted programs for correctional officers and brings services to correctional facilities when access is limited.
- Equine-assisted programs for neurodivergent and at-risk youth, school groups, and residential facilitiesProvides personalized equine-assisted learning programs for inclusive or self-contained classrooms and neurotypical school groups through partnerships with local schools and districts. Also offers recreational services to vulnerable children and adults through partnerships with residential and day facilities.
- Equine-assisted programs for veterans, active-duty military, and first respondersOffers free weekly therapeutic horsemanship sessions, specialized retreats, and support days for veterans, active-duty military, first responders, and their families. The program, co-founded in 2016, serves over 300 veterans annually and includes on-site and mobile services.
- Mobile and outreach equine-assisted servicesBrings horses and equine-assisted services directly to individuals who cannot travel to the facility, including those in VA Medical Centers, schools, and nonprofit organizations, to expand access beyond the Bedford Corners farm location.
- Therapeutic horsemanship and equine-assisted services for individuals with disabilities and emotional challengesProvides adaptive riding, ground horsemanship, and clinical equine-assisted interventions for children and adults with physical, developmental, and emotional challenges, including conditions such as multiple sclerosis. Offers weekly 45-minute private or small group sessions combining ground work and riding, serving over 115 participants weekly and over 650 individuals annually.
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Equine Health and Welfare Education 1 activity
- Capacity building through equine welfare and organizational standardsRecognized as an Equus Foundation Mentor and Guardian Center, demonstrating adherence to high standards in equine welfare and organizational practices, which supports capacity and credibility in the equine therapy field.
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Financial Aid and Scholarship Access Programs 1 activity
- Financial accessibility and scholarship programsOffers subsidized fees, free services for veterans and first responders, and the Charlie Rose Memorial Scholarship to reduce financial barriers to participation in equine-assisted programs.
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Volunteer Engagement and Capacity Support 1 activity
- Volunteer engagement and managementEngages approximately 75 active volunteers weekly and over 400 volunteers annually, accumulating more than 10,000 volunteer hours in a year to support operations and programs.
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Who runs it
- ALEX HAMER — MEMBER
- ASHLEY ALLATT — SECRETARY
- BOB NIELSEN — MEMBER
- CECILIA WOLFSON — VICE PRESIDENT
- CHRISTINE WALSH — TREASURER
- DENISE SANTOMERO — MEMBER
- EMILY BUSHNELL — EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND MEMBER
- EVAN PEPPER — MEMBER
- JAMES RINI — MEMBER
- KATE OLIVER — MEMBER
- LAURA FAULKNER — MEMBER
- MATT MITCHELL — MEMBER
- PAYSON MURRAY — PRESIDENT
- WIN GHRISKEY — MEMBER
Who they work with
- Chariot Innovations Partner — Collaborates on the MiraColt evaluation tool used during new participant assessments.
- Charlie Rose Memorial Fund Partner — Named fund established at Endeavor Therapeutic Horsemanship in memory of Charlie Rose to support program participants.
- Claremont Riding Academy Partner — Site of prior professional involvement for Sarah-Jane, indicating historical ties to this equestrian institution.
- EAGALA Network — Designated EAGALA Military site, indicating affiliation with EAGALA's therapeutic model.
- EAGALA Network — Staff are certified EAGALA Mental Health Practitioners, indicating programmatic alignment and professional affiliation with EAGALA.
- EQUUS Foundation Network — Recognized as a Guardian by the EQUUS Foundation for commitment to transparency in equine welfare and program operations.
- Eagala Network — Endeavor is an Eagala Designated Military Services Provider, specializing in equine-assisted services for military and veteran populations.
- Eagala Network — Endeavor is an Eagala Designated Military Services Provider, specializing in equine-assisted services for military populations.
- Equus Foundation Network — Endeavor is an Equus Foundation Mentor and Guardian facility, reflecting commitment to the welfare of equine partners.
- Equus Foundation Network — Endeavor is an accredited Mentor and Guardian Center of the Equus Foundation, meeting its standards for equine welfare and organizational practice.
- GallopNYC Partner — Former professional affiliation for Lead Instructor Sarah-Jane, suggesting potential collaboration or referral relationship in the therapeutic horsemanship field.
- Horses Partner — Horses are integral partners in the therapeutic process.
- Interfaith Prison Partnership Partner — Collaborated to launch the Endeavor Equine Program at correctional facilities in April 2023.
- LOCAL RESIDENTIAL AND DAY FACILITIES Partner — Collaborates with local residential and day facilities to deliver equine-assisted services to vulnerable children and adults.
- PATH International Network — Endeavor is a PATH International Premier Accredited Center, reflecting adherence to high standards in equine-assisted services.
- PATH International Network — Endeavor is a PATH International Premier Accredited Center, reflecting high standards in equine-assisted services.
- PATH International Network — Member of PATH International, as evidenced by PATH Premier accreditation.
- PATH Intl. Network — Multiple staff members hold certifications from PATH Intl., indicating organizational affiliation and adherence to its standards.
- PATH Intl. Network — Participates in or aligns with PATH Intl. standards, as indicated by volunteer pursuit of PATH Intl. ESMHL certification.
- Payson Murray Partner — Former Board President and current devoted supporter of Endeavor Therapeutic Horsemanship.
- Prison Relations Advisory Committee Partner — Collaborated to launch the Endeavor Equine Program at correctional facilities in April 2023.
- Santomero Family Foundation Partner — Funded the Veteran Center at Endeavor Farm, providing a dedicated space for military personnel programming.
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Community Access and Outreach Modelmethodology: community-partnership_access_modelBy partnering with residential/day facilities and offering scholarships and mobile services, the organization expands access to therapeutic horsemanship for vulnerable populations because structural barriers such as cost, transportation, and awareness are actively reduced through targeted outreach and collaboration.
- Equine-Assisted Therapeutic Partnershipmethodology: equine_assisted_therapyBy using horses as sentient, nonjudgmental partners in therapy, the organization fosters emotional and physical growth because the horse's instinctive responses provide immediate feedback that enhances self-awareness, builds confidence, and deepens emotional connection in participants.
- Individualized and Inclusive Programmingmethodology: individualized_programmingBy designing personalized, strength-based equine-assisted experiences tailored to individual needs and goals, the organization increases engagement and developmental outcomes because participants are met where they are, fostering dignity, autonomy, and a sense of belonging within an inclusive environment.
- Relational-Healing Model Centered on Human-Horse Connectionmethodology: relational-therapeutic-modelBy prioritizing heart-centered, relationship-driven interactions between humans and horses, the organization supports healing and personal growth because the bond formed with a nonjudgmental, responsive animal fosters safety, emotional regulation, and trust—elements often disrupted in trauma or disability contexts.