Golisano Foundation supports EquiCenter expansion with new grant

With the support of the Golisano Foundation, EquiCenter, a horseback riding non-profit for those with special needs, plans to expand its indoor arena to meet growing demands.

“This new arena will significantly expand our capacity, allowing us to serve more participants and offer them a year-round, sensory-sensitive environment for our equine-assisted activities,” executive director Katherine Hatch said

As a part of their initiative to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), the Golisano Foundation awarded the organization a $150,000 grant. This grant will go towards EquiCenter’s five-year strategic plan to expand its infrastructure that will, meet the community’s increasing need for alternative therapy,

From its initial focus on equestrian-assisted activities, EquiCenter has evolved its program to include therapeutic horticulture, natural horsemanship with mustangs, culinary arts, beekeeping, and maple syrup production. The communities served also include veterans, first responders, at-risk youth, and school groups.

The organization operates these programs at its 200-acre facility, which includes nearly 40 horses, indoor and outdoor arenas, and a three-acre organic practice farm.

EquiCenter is currently operating at total capacity, with over 120 individuals on the waitlist, 90% of whom have an I/DD diagnosis. The arena is expected to be operational within the first quarter of 2025, allowing a 30% increase in unique individuals served within the first year.

Genae Shields is the Business & Development Impact Reporter. As a member of the local community, Genae enjoys learning about newly emerging businesses and changes that impact Rochester's BIPOC and LGBTQ neighborhoods. She also enjoys supporting local artists and non-profit organizations. Contact Genae at gshields@gannett.com .

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Golisano Foundation supports EquiCenter expansion with new grant