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HORSEBACK RIDING

Gallop NYC, Brooklyn
Aut/Blind/Deaf/Dev/Phys; ages 2 and up
This program serves a wide range of children, including those with cerebral palsy and amputees. “For kids with physical issues, riding is therapeutic because it replicates walking, building core strength and balance, and easing and strengthening limbs,” says Alicia Kershaw, who runs Gallop NYC. In addition to the lessons, Gallop provides hippotherapy—physical therapy on a horse. People with tense limbs see noticeable relaxation; directing a horse to go, turn and stop develops coordination and a sequencing of actions, which is helpful for people with processing disorders. $800 for a ten-week session; subsidies and discounts available. Kensington Stables, 51 Caton Pl at E 8th St (southwest corner of Prospect Park) (646-413-0469, gallopnyc.org)

New York Therapeutic Riding Center, Midtown West
Aut/Blind/Deaf/Dev/Phys; ages 5 and up
At this Saturday program, the instructor teaches three kids at a time, with up to three volunteers per child (one leads the horse, and the others monitor either side). The owners of the center also keep Shetland ponies and a goat, which are popular among little guys. $450 for nine weeks; scholarships and discounts available. Chateau Stables, 608 W 48th St between Eleventh and Twelfth Aves (212-535-3917)

Seaside Therapeutic Riding at Jamaica Bay, Brooklyn
All; all ages
Leery of popping your unpredictable kid on a 1,000-pound animal? You’ve never met Babalouie. “He’s the most bomb-proof horse in the world,” says Daniel Cutler, Seaside’s director, of the program’s senior horse. “Nothing will scare, excite or aggravate him.” The other three horses are equally special-needs-friendly. Not only can the animals deal with tantrums and seizures, but they’re also fine around crutches and wheelchairs. In the two years since she started riding, Sophia Morris, a four-year-old with Down syndrome, has learned to trot and steer. “She rides around the ring waving to everybody,” says Sophia’s Brooklyn Heights mom, Debbie. “It’s done great things for her strength and stability—it’s really complemented all of her other therapies.” No set charge, but donations are welcome. 7000 Shore Pkwy, Mill Basin (718-531-8949, seasideriding.com)

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