Volunteers and participants in last year’s walk-a-thon.

At Centaur Stride, something extraordinary happens every day.

Located at 8488 Jones Road in Sherman, the therapeutic riding center is home to a unique and inclusive program where people of all abilities come together to experience the healing power of horses. Here, horses do far more than carry riders — they help build confidence, improve physical and emotional wellness, and offer hope and connection for individuals and families throughout the region.

Now, Centaur Stride is asking the community to rally behind its mission by participating in the 17th Annual Healing Horses Walk-A-Thon, scheduled for April 12. The organization is currently seeking participants, sponsors, donors, and volunteers to help expand access to its life-changing equine-assisted services. Day of event registration is at 1:30 p.m. with a walk from 2 to 3 p.m.

The Walk-A-Thon is both a fundraiser and a celebration of the riders whose lives have been touched by the program. Participants gather pledges and walk laps in support of Centaur Stride’s therapy horses’ care. Supporters can pledge per lap, set a maximum pledge, or make a one-time donation in honor of a rider or loved one.

Funds raised this year will help meet an immediate and essential need: $10,000 for the horses’ hay supply this June.

Like many nonprofit organizations, Centaur Stride continues to face challenges in the years following the COVID-19 pandemic. Rising costs due to inflation, increases in minimum wage (affecting all wages in fairness), and declining volunteer availability have created additional pressures for organizations that rely heavily on community support.

“Life is very different since COVID,” organizers say. “The adjustments required for sustainability continue, and nonprofits everywhere are searching for ways to strengthen fundraising, outreach, and volunteer engagement.”

Despite those challenges, Centaur Stride remains committed to keeping its therapeutic riding lessons affordable.

Rider fees are only $35 per lesson — well below the true cost of providing the service — so that families can participate without undue financial hardship.

Caring for therapy horses, however, requires significant resources. These horses must be carefully trained and prepared to work with a wide range of riders whose needs may change from session to session. Maintaining the horses’ physical and emotional well-being is essential to creating the safe and supportive environment that makes therapeutic riding so effective. Owning your own horse in today’s economy is unobtainable for many, yet the benefits of the horse are needed more now than ever. Centaur Stride endeavors to make it possible for more people to experience the horse as teacher and healer without the financial hardships of owning your own horse.

Community support helps make that possible.

Early contributions are already helping the Walk-A-Thon gain momentum. Wanderlust donated $124 from a March 4 fundraiser, while Inner Lakes Federal Credit Union contributed $770 through its February Hearts for Horses Fundraiser. In addition, the Westfield Women’s Organization and Rigd-u-Rak have stepped forward as Silver and Bronze sponsors for the event.

Organizers say these early gifts demonstrate the power of community partnerships.

“As you can see, it takes many fundraisers and many people working together to reach our goals,” they said.

Local businesses and community members are encouraged to become event sponsors. Sponsorship levels include:

— Platinum: $500 and above

— Gold: $250 to $499

— Silver: $150 to $249

— Bronze: Up to $149

In-kind donations such as gift certificates or merchandise are also welcome and will be used in fundraising efforts, current and future. Sponsors receive recognition on event and media materials, highlighting their commitment to community wellness and inclusion.

Walk-a-thon participants who raise more than $25 will be entered into a drawing for a gift basket featuring donations from local businesses. To date, donations include gift certificates from Mama’s Pizza in Sherman and fitness drinks from Refresco, awaiting responses from others.

The Walk-A-Thon is especially meaningful for the riders themselves. Many participants gather pledges from friends and family, helping to ensure that others can have the opportunity to experience the same benefits they receive.

“They are our beacons,” organizers say. “They are living testaments to the healing power of horses, and their desire to help others to have the same opportunity is inspiring.”

Centaur Stride continues to raise funds to expand its programming. A new series of clinics will introduce many ways horses support therapeutic growth, offering community members opportunities to learn and engage with equine-assisted activities. Stay tuned for details. After-school Horse Clubs are also launching next week.

Volunteers are vital to making these programs possible, and Centaur Stride welcomes anyone willing to lend a hand.

“No prior horse experience is required,” organizers note. “Just a willingness to learn and a heart for service.”

Those interested in participating in the Walk-A-Thon can register as individuals or teams, sponsor a rider, or make a donation online at:

https://centaurstride.betterworld.org/campaigns/17th-annual-healing-horses-walka

Donations may also be mailed by check to:

Centaur Stride

PO Box 174

Westfield, NY 14787

Contributions can be made in honor or memory of a rider or loved one before April 12, and offline donations will be added to the online fundraising totals.

Supporters can also purchase Walk-A-Thon apparel — including T-shirts, sweatshirts, and hoodies — at:

https://apparel.tripleemfg.com/store/centaur-stride-walkathon/

For additional information about registration, sponsorships, or volunteer opportunities, community members may contact Holly Reslink at holly.reslink@centaurstride.org.

At Centaur Stride, healing happens through the partnership of horses and community–and every stride truly changes a life. Thank you for your support!

Claudia Monroe is founder and president of Centaur Stride.