Horses Helping People – Pal-O-Mine Equestrian

When I worked at JPMorgan Chase, one of my co-workers owned a horse and always mentioned Lisa Gatti, the Executive Director of an amazing organization that helps people with disabilities, with the help of horses.  As an animal lover and active supporter of many animal non profits, I always remembered the story about this organization. Almost 4 years later, this same organization was mentioned to me again.   But this time I wanted to take the time to learn more

Pal-O-Mine Equestrian is an organization dedicated to teaching therapeutic horseback riding to individuals with disabilities.  Riders benefit through stretching both mind and muscle.  They have the opportunity to improve their posture, balance, coordination, muscle tone, focus, confidence, and self worth.  For someone who cannot walk, see, communicate or succeed at the simplest tasks, riding a horse allows them to experience a new sense of freedom and the openness to fulfilling their dreams.

Pal-O-Mine has a 20 stall barn on 8 acres in Islandia, NY, an indoor arena, and plans to create a state of the art therapy and conference room.  They have a stable full of specially trained horses to meet the needs of all of their riders.

The inspiration for this innovative non profit came from the Danielle Steele book Palomino.  The book prompted Lisa Gatti to integrate her passion for riding horses with her passion for teaching.  In turn Lisa wrote to Danielle Steele, letting her know about the impact of her book. Ms. Steele unexpectedly and graciously funded some initial Pal-O-Mine programs. Lisas kind gesture and proactiveness in writing to Danielle Steele and letting her know about the unique and inspirational impact of her book, led to an unexpected financial donation to help make her dream come to fruition.

I asked Lisa what advice she might give to an entrepreneur with a dream.  Lisa explained that she never gave up. Through the good and bad, she kept going and never gave in because her passion far outweighed anything that might have come her way. Determination and persistence are critical to the success of any business, whatever type of business you are pursuing. I am confident that the many parents, adults and children who have been positively impacted by Pal-O-Mine are very grateful for Lisas determination and persistence.

Check out Pal-O-Mine at www.pal-o-mine.org and learn about the diversity of therapeutic programs they offer.