Evan mounting Beau from the hydraulic lift while Heavyn waits to use the Sure-hands lift, acquired recently through a grant from the Children’s Guild of Buffalo.

“Not my child, not my problem,” I overheard someone say this week.

On Friday, our first day of our new E.A.S.E.Growth Program (Equine Assisted Social Emotional Growth) in collaboration with the Mental Health Association of Chautauqua County, a mother of a 10-year-old boy with Autism said to me, “Thank you for not kicking us out of this program.” Both parents brought their child. At Centaur Stride, we believe the horses will make a difference. How long that takes is yet to be seen.

Life can change in a heartbeat, and no one is exempt.

Are we born with compassion, only to learn to ignore it? Or have we become so overwhelmed by our own burdens that we no longer see beyond them? We may hesitate to help, wondering if our generosity will be taken advantage of. Yet an even more pressing question remains: who is ensuring that essential services — physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and counseling — are delivered effectively and consistently to those who need them?

Providing these services grows more difficult each day, especially when they do not generate profit. Insurance companies rarely absorb financial loss, and as a result, vital therapies for individuals with disabilities are being reduced or eliminated altogether. For many, these services are not optional, they are lifelong necessities. So, who is left to bear the ever-increasing cost? And who truly cares?

Centaur Stride was founded to help fill this gap. In 1990, therapeutic riding was just emerging in the United States as a form of medical intervention. The North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA) brought a therapist from Germany — where equine therapy had long been established — to train professionals interested in incorporating horses into treatment. I was fortunate to be one of just 12 therapists at that first seminar.

Since then, research has consistently demonstrated the benefits of equine-assisted therapy. At Centaur Stride, physical therapists — including myself and Dr. Holly Reslink — volunteer their time to assess riders, train instructors for specific riders’ needs and precautions, and ensure safe, effective programming. While the horses themselves provide much of the therapeutic benefit, and the trained instructors, Tyler, Savannah and Alison ensure the safety and effectiveness of the lessons, the guidance of trained professionals enhances outcomes. And the barn manager, Jean, together with assistant Khloie, staff and volunteers, ensures the care, training and wellness of the horses.

We continue to offer lessons at just $35 — well below operating costs — to keep the program accessible for many who otherwise may have a financial barrier. Donations and fundraising remain essential to sustaining our mission.

On Sunday, April 12, eight riders from the Centaur Stride Therapeutic Riding Program participated in our 17th Annual Walk-a-Thon: Izzy, Matt, Serena, Griffin, Evan, Caroline, Heavyn, and Jessenia. Family and friends joined in support, including Hannah, Deanna, Gemma, Michael, Joel, Savannah, Samuel, Merida, and Leah. For some participants, walking the course was not possible, so they completed their laps on horseback.

Coordinated by Holly, volunteers Kristie, Nikki, Serena, Juan, Tiffany, Penny, and Heavyn, along with staff members Tyler, Alison, and Khloie, ensured the safety and success of the event. Sherri and I assisted with registration. Our sponsors for the Walk-a-thon include Westfield Women’s Organization, Westfield American Legion Post Women’s Auxiliary Unit #327, Rigg-U-Rak, and Donna Sedota. Thanks to the generosity of participants and supporters, the event raised just over $6,400 to help offset program costs. Special thanks to Mama’s Pizza in Sherman for donating gift certificates for the door prize.

For 17 consecutive years, our top fundraiser has been Matthew Tomassini, who raised an incredible $4,445 this year alone. His mother, Claire Tomassini — a Centaur Stride board member — shared, “We can’t let anything happen to this place. It has become such an important part of Matt’s life, and our entire family and our dearest friends can see the impact.”

We are continually inspired by the compassion of families, caregivers, teachers, and volunteers who witness firsthand the challenges — and triumphs — of individuals with disabilities. The physical improvements, emotional growth, and genuine joy seen in our riders, especially in their connection with the horses, are truly remarkable. We only wish more people could witness these moments.

Centaur Stride’s programs are inclusive, serving individuals both with and without disabilities, because the benefits of connecting with horses extend to everyone. While lesson fees are modest, some programs are offered free of charge through grant funding, and volunteer opportunities are always available.

To learn more, visit linktr.ee/centaurstride or follow us on Facebook.

Our next fundraiser, Glow Bingo, will be May 8 at the Sherman Firehall. Tickets are $35 and available at the barn or online. The event will feature exciting prizes, a basket raffle, and a 50/50 drawing.

We extend our sincere thanks to our sponsors of Glow Bingo: White’s Land Surveying, 21 Brix, Target, Wegmans, Runnings, Add Lumber, Tanya’s Pallet Sales, Brightman Construction, Can King, Basil Chevrolet Fredonia, Buffalo Bargains and Friends of Centaur Stride. We hope to see you there.

It takes a whole village to raise a child, and we are so glad to have you join us in making every child matter.

Claudia Monroe is president and founder of Centaur Stride.