There are many programs throughout the Hudson Valley that help people with special needs, but not many that use horseback riding as therapy.

Nancy Puchniak has been riding horses almost her entire life. Once a week she comes to the Venture Equestrian Center in Stony Point, hops up on a horse, and begins her therapy.

Like Nancy over 150 special needs adults and children come to the center every year.
Riding horses, or in some cases a mule, can provide countless therapeutic benefits. Nancy says riding has helped her gain “self-confidence, self-esteem, and comradeship.”

The people who work at Venture Equestrian say the benefits of riding therapy can be amazing. “I've seen the results. I've seen people that have come in here and can't talk and come out talking. I've seen people come in here who couldn't mount a horse, they can mount a horse. The families, the parents, have tears in their eyes after seeing their children,” says Ken Freson.