For Immediate Release
Amanda Picciotto Feitosa for Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
Bedford, NY – March 16, 2022 – Endeavor Therapeutic Horsemanship, Inc. announced exciting plans to construct an indoor riding facility at their farm in Bedford, NY, to further their mission of “empowering individuals with a broad range of needs by providing the highest quality equine-assisted services in an inclusive and welcoming environment.” The new facility will allow an immediate increase in Endeavor’s seasonal capacity by 65% and triple the total enrollment by 2025 to 1,500 individuals.
Highly credentialed, Endeavor is in fact the only center in the United States providing equine-assisted services with the designations of being both a PATH International Premier Accredited Center as well as an Eagala Military Services Provider. Endeavor, a 501(c)3 not-for-profit corporation located at 556 Croton Lake Road, already offers numerous programs including Residential Youth Horsemanship, Equine Assisted Learning, Therapeutic Horsemanship, Veteran and Active Duty Veterans, and Clinical Services, which reach more than 500 people annually. In these programs, certified, trained specialists work with equine partners to guide and teach participants in order to support their development physically, cognitively, emotionally, and socially.
“Endeavor is changing the trajectory of youth that bounced from foster home to foster home,” explained Emily Bushnell, Executive Director, PATH Intl Advanced Instructor, and Mentor of Endeavor. “We’re also able to support veterans that cannot break the cycle of PTSD and addiction, as well as children that find pride and strength in their abilities instead of being defined by their disabilities.”
Currently, essential programs at Endeavor are weather dependent, meaning typical Northeast rain and snow cause complete cancellations. In addition to increasing the overall working capacity of the facility, an indoor arena would allow schedule continuity year round.
To kick off the fundraising campaign for the project, board member Alex Hamer hosted a cocktail party at The Clubhouse at the Palm Beach Polo Country Club in Wellington, FL. Hamer’s initiative is familiar to Endeavor as he helped spark the organization’s beginning in 2014, where he had one pony to help seven children with disabilities in his own backyard. This year’s gathering was reminiscent of a similar party Endeavor hosted seven years ago among the Wellington community. They have since grown exponentially and are looking to continue that escalation with this year’s event as the impetus.
“I hosted this evening for a reason. We all know the impact of a horse on each and every one of us,” expressed Hamer to attendees. “The equine therapy offered at Endeavor provides critical services to those that need it most. I so appreciate your support as we kick off our Barn Raising Campaign.”
Bushnell reflected on the evening, “We have always known that we needed an indoor to reach our potential. I am so incredibly proud and humbled about where we are today. The cocktail party in Wellington was such a positive experience. It was amazing to come back to Florida and share how much we’ve grown and the next steps we are going to take with the facility.”
Now, at this momentous step in Endeavor’s evolution, Wellington’s avid horseman community has rallied to spur the project forward. Among the partygoers were Georgina Bloomberg, Erin Pritzker, and Cathy Zicherman, who all generously contributed to the campaign. Additionally, David and Becky Gochman, who have supported Endeavor from its inception both financially and with their encouragement and belief in the mission, continued to champion the cause.
Becky Gochman shared, “I believe that furthering Endeavor’s infrastructure and vision will allow them to expand the needed spaces to do more of their proactive work within the community.”
The goal is to raise $1,500,000 by the end of the calendar year, which will go towards the construction of the facility. That includes not just the physical structure, but also the landscaping around the building, which will provide even more interactive stations. This funding will also take care of necessary equipment, arena footing, and other fees associated with a major construction project. Most importantly, the funding will allow regular revenue to be directed as usual to maintaining and operating the programs.
The Barn Raising Campaign features different levels of contributions, from buying a fence panel or brick, to perpetual naming rights for donations, to key elements such as a viewing area and solar-compatible roof. Prior to the cocktail party, board members of Endeavor were able give $200,000, and from generous donations given at the party, an additional $50,000 was raised. There will be several more events throughout the year as the Endeavor team works towards their fundraising goal.
“When we started Endeavor, I really believed we could create a place that could impact people’s lives and change them for the better. Through our work with horses, we help those that are struggling, give confidence to those that need it most, and give new strength and independence to peoples with disabilities. Endeavor is truly making our community stronger,” concluded Bushnell.
For more information about Endeavor Therapeutic Horsemanship, Inc., please visit: http://www.endeavorth.org/
For additional information on the Barn Raising Campaign, please visit: http://www.endeavorth.org/barn-raising
To contribute to the fundraising campaign, please click HERE.