Centaur Stride is a therapeutic horseback riding and equine-assisted learning facility for individuals with and without disabilities. Real activities are offered in an inclusive and integrated setting using certified,seasoned instructors and much-appreciated volunteers. Equine programs provide connection, physical stimulation, growth and healing.

Over the past 33 years, Centaur Stride has impacted the lives of over 800 children and adults with disabilities, physically and emotionally. Many still participate. The parents of these children have also benefited from a support system that serves as respite, a platform for networking with other parents with a common bond, and encouragement. We haven’t measured all the benefits for people without disabilities, but I would venture to say they are equally amazing.

Having spent countless volunteer hours helping Centaur Stride develop and offer programs, very little time or focus was devoted to developing a long-term strategy. Success and participation just flowed from the need for programs with only “word of mouth” promoting our existence. Strategy is strength was the message at a recent Scenario Planning Workshop hosted by The Capacity Lab, in partnership with the Nonprofit Support Group and Lynne Scalzo Consulting.

“Be prepared. You don’t have to do it alone. Find and embrace the generosity of people in your community as well as other non-profits. Shared services and collaborations meld leadership and management skills. Those who understand will help support your mission. Everyone benefits.” This was a message I needed to put on the top of the “Take Action Now/ No regret moves” list.

At Centaur Stride, survival has never been easy. We operate without the cushion of State or Federal funding. We are sustained by rider fees (which are offered at less than half the actual cost), fundraisers, donations, occasional small local grants, and perhaps most critically, volunteers. Creativity, resilience, and community have been our lifelines.

But our approach has often been reactive, scrambling to solve problems as they arise, always hoping someone would appear with the time, talent and funding to guide us to a more sustainable future. Dreams of strategic planning and administrative support are always eclipsed by the reality of just getting through day-to-day challenges.

I would often think, “If the kids with physical disabilities do not have the option to quit trying to do their best amid difficult challenges, then neither should we. We are all interconnected and in this together.” Perseverance, integrity, tenacity, compassion and love define us.

Lynn led us through critical thinking for moving forward. The “be prepared” mantra of scenario planning became even more important as we understood that a good strategy should pave the way for continued provision of services even in changing and uncertain times, and especially with an increased demand for services.

Rising mental health challenges, reduced support services for individuals with disabilities, and a shrinking pool of providers mean services at Centaur Stride are more vital than ever. Challenges lie ahead, but a community working together can make a difference.

For Centaur Stride, regardless of future scenarios, access remains a barrier. Our horses don’t leave our property, and many potential clients can’t get to us. Transportation is a long-standing hurdle. We’re adapting not just to survive, but to improve outreach.

Plans are in motion to bring after-school programming closer to the communities we serve. In good weather, programs are offered at the barn. During colder winter months, we hope to offer programs offsite. Using our Equicizer (a mechanical horse simulator) to facilitate engaging programs indoors, we can still offer structured programs. Topics like horse science education, centered riding techniques, social-emotional learning, fun, hands-on activities, team building, and a reward system can keep kids motivated until they can return to the barn in the Spring

Taking the possibilities even further, collaborations with local schools and other non-profits are in the works. With support from the BOCES Co-Ser program, schools could be reimbursed by the State (if that funding is not cut), and provide transportation, as we align our programming with their educational goals. These partnerships could change lives, not just by teaching horsemanship, but by cultivating an air for motivation, attendance and achievement, fostering resilience, confidence, and self-worth. These attributes will serve students their entire lives.

Yes, challenges are many, but solutions are possible.

But we can’t do this alone. Centaur Stride is actively seeking individuals interested in applying for our Board of Directors, particularly someone with a background in law, finance, or fundraising. We need leaders who can help us address strategic planning while remaining committed to our shared vision and mission. Board members are volunteers, but their impact gives meaning and purpose to community life. Helping others brings true joy.  

Strategy doesn’t require certainty, it requires commitment. At the heart of everything we do is a simple but powerful mission: To help people heal, grow, and connect–one hoofbeat at a time.

Claudia Monroe is founder and president of Centaur Stride.