New York City’s Central Park, one of the most iconic urban parks in the world, offers a relaxed reprieve from the busy city atmosphere of Manhattan. Popular activities in Central Park range from walking, rollerblading, and cycling, to concerts, events, picnics — and even interactions with horses. This is exactly what GallopNYC provided on May 18, 2025, by hosting the Central Park Promenade, a family-friendly event sharing the magic of horses with New Yorkers. 

Central Park Promenade “is an opportunity for Manhattan to meet GallopNYC, the largest therapeutic barn in New York City,” said Emma Downey, GallopNYC Marketing and Development Manager. “We have over 450 riders and 150 volunteers that come to GallopNYC,” she added.  

“Few days capture the spirit of GallopNYC quite like this one. This year’s Central Park Promenade reminded us how impactful our work can be — especially when shared so openly with the wider New York Community,” GallopNYC Executive Director Jennie Bucove continued. “With perfect weather, joyful families, and the unmistakable energy of New York all around us, the 2025 event was a celebration of community, inclusion, and the transformative power of horses.  

“From arts and crafts to the thrill of riding in one of the world’s most iconic parks, it was a day that reminded us why our work matters — and how deeply it resonates with children and families across the city,” she added. 

Raising awareness of the benefits of therapeutic riding is one of the main goals for the Central Park Promenade. In addition to meeting the horses, visitors were able to participate in numerous activities including coloring pages from the USEF Kids Club Stable Stars, a crowd favorite in the arts and crafts area. The educational materials were all hands-on and fully immersed the kids in the equestrian world, from learning about different breeds and disciplines, to understanding feeds and hay. 

“My favorite thing about horseback riding is that you get to ride an actual horse! You get to feed them, groom them, and I learned so much more about them,” said one of GallopNYC’s youth participants.  

The GallopNYC horses that participated in the event were all outfitted in LeMieux tack. The bright colors of the matching saddle pads, boots, and bonnets reflected the vibrant atmosphere felt throughout Central Park. Having the New York Community come together to celebrate the horse aligns with the mission of USEF “to bring the joy of horses to as many as possible.”  

“The smiling faces and deep connections with the horses make this event so impactful,” said Vicki Lowell, USEF Chief Marketing & Content Officer. “We are so proud to partner with organizations like GallopNYC that are transforming lives through the power of horses.” 

GallopNYC is one of 40 organizations that are part of the USEF Community Outreach Program (COP), which recognizes groups throughout the United States that provide equine-based learning opportunities and support the positive impact horses can have within their local communities. In order to be accepted and remain in the program, organizations must meet certain standards of horse and human welfare, follow USEF Safe Sport requirements and abide by the USEF Non-Discrimination Policy, as well as offer their services for free or on a sliding scale of fees based on financial need. To learn more, visit www.usef.org/opportunity.