A finished arena cover replacement, funded by Ralph C. Sheldon Foundation.

Many hands make light work, and many supporters make it possible.

After 33 years, physical structures need replacements. The smaller things have been done routinely, but the bigger items are just too big, such as the cover to the indoor arena, a very expensive, labor intensive, and intricate planning for timing with weather and program interruption, and availability of contractors.

In 2001, one rider’s parent, Grace Olson, said “It would be great if you had an indoor arena to protect riders from the weather.”

I smiled and agreed. At that time, we weren’t very successful at all at writing grants. We were still unknown as were the benefits of therapeutic riding, and most people were skeptical and commented, “Why would you risk putting someone with a disability on a horse?” Grace agreed to try to write a grant for an indoor arena, and she succeeded, with several foundations funding a portion.

The cover-all was built in 2002, and it had a 15-year warranty. That seemed like a long time then, and we were so excited to be able to offer our programs more consistently without having to work around extreme heat, or inclement weather. Last year, (23 years later), we nearly lost the arena to heavy snow load, the wear on the arena cover along with the heavy amount of snow in a very short period of time, inhibited the snow from sliding off.

Both the Westfield and Sherman Fire Departments, as well as volunteers and staff, came to help us save the arena from collapse. The arena tarp — already eight years beyond warranty, was at the top of the list for immediate action, a significant funding dilemma.

Our COO, Holly Reslink, led a “Building Up Centaur Stride” initiative, an all-in strategic plan to focus on the infrastructure for sustainability.  Holly has always had horses, lives only a short distance from Centaur Stride, and is a Doctor of Physical Therapy. Therapeutic horseback riding has always been her passion. Her optimism was contagious and together, with the Board of Directors, (Karlyn Monroe, myself, Claire Tomassini, Tara Reyda, and Rody Schoener-Zarutskie), we set a course for a grant writing and fundraising plan to encompass all that would be needed for funding the major components for immediate needs leading to greater chances for sustainability.  It was a massive endeavor that included staffing (also paid administrative), horses, facility repairs, and a solid financial plan, including strategic grants, fundraisers, donations, volunteer recruitment and program development, with a sequence of timing and checks and balances for gradual growth, both in services and revenue sources.

Leading the support in the “Building Up Centaur Stride” strategic plan is the Ralph C. Sheldon Foundation, funding full support for the arena cover replacement. With sincere appreciation, it was finally completed last week.

Awareness of our services and our mission and the remarkable benefits of therapeutic horseback riding are paramount to gaining support. Centaur Stride is so grateful to John D’Agostino, editor, for making it possible for the “Healing with Horses” weekly column in both the Dunkirk Observer Today and Westfield Republican newspapers to help bring that awareness to light.

Other components of “Building Up Centaur Stride” include ongoing recruitment of volunteers, Advisory and Board members, recruitment of a Program Director, replacement of arena footing, further trail development, including obstacle course and trail adventures for activities for our riders while on the trails and groundwork, development of unified equine team sports, integrated for people with and without disabilities, and recruiting participants for the E.A.S.E. Growth program for respite for parents with children with disabilities, which runs through September of 2027. That program provides therapeutic horseback riding for their children with disabilities, including siblings, ages 5-21, to promote family unity, stress relief, while enjoying all the benefits from connecting with horses.

 Currently our programs include individual and group lessons, on and off the horse,  for people with or without disabilities, school field trips, after-school Horse Clubs, group events including birthday parties, scout equine badge work, volunteer training for people with or without disabilities, ages 13 and over, Meet & greet intro with horses,  various clinics, Equine Assisted Social-Emotional (EASE) growth program, and customized programs.  

Fees are still much below cost, at $35/person for most programs, or free if covered by a grant. To offset this, fundraising is crucial.

 Our next fundraiser is the Give 716 online fundraiser. Early giving starts July 1st with main giving event on 7/16 for 7-1-6 (WNY Area Code)! To support us in this fundraiser, with matching funds provided by Donna Sedota up to $5000, go to: https://give716.org/give/give716/give716/2026-give-716/charities/centaur-stride-inc

There are so many ways to become a part of our journey. Please check out our website, Facebook page, for other events, fundraisers or information, all accessible through linktr.ee/centaurstride. Email us at info@centaurstride.org.

Centaur Stride is a therapeutic and recreational facility that is inclusive, integrated for people with and without disabilities, and founded on the healing power of horses and nature to enhance overall well-being of mind and body. Thank you for your support!