| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Meg Koloskie SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY, January 22, 2026 – Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga is proud to announce a new partnership with The Dake Foundation for Children, made possible through the Foundation’s Community Grant Program. This collaboration will provide Equine Assisted Psychotherapy sessions for children and young adults up to age 21 who face financial barriers to accessing mental health care. Founded by Gary Dake, President of Stewart’s Shops, The Dake Foundation for Children has supported local children with disabilities since 2009 with a focus on inclusion, independence, and fun. In addition to providing individual support to children and families, the Foundation’s Community Grant Program assists local nonprofit organizations in expanding access to inclusive and accessible spaces and programming. Through this latest round of Community Grants, Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga was selected as one of the nonprofit recipients. Through this partnership, participants will engage in Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy alongside a licensed clinician from ECS Psychological Services, P.C. These sessions offer a unique and experiential approach to therapy, helping individuals process emotions, build confidence, and develop coping skills within a safe and supportive farm environment. “This partnership ensures that every child and young adult in our community who could benefit from Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy has the opportunity to do so regardless of their family’s financial situation,” said Dr. Erin Christopher Sisk, Founder of Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga. “We are deeply grateful to The Dake Foundation for recognizing the importance of accessible mental health support and for helping us expand our reach to those who need it most.” The program is modeled after Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga’s successful Freedom Rein Project, which provides Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy to Veterans and Service Members. This youth focused initiative reflects the organization’s ongoing commitment to making mental health support accessible to individuals of all ages. Sarah Burns, Executive Director of The Dake Foundation for Children, shared, “We are excited to partner with Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga to bring the healing power of horses to children and young adults in our community. Our goal has always been to create opportunities for inclusion, independence, and growth, and this program reflects that mission in a meaningful way.” Through collaboration between Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga, ECS Psychological Services, and The Dake Foundation for Children, the program will maintain a strong focus on transparency, documentation, and measurable impact. The number of children and young adults served through these sessions will serve as a key indicator of success, ensuring that every contribution directly supports accessible and effective mental health care. For more information about Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga and its programs, visit www.thsaratoga.org. To learn more about The Dake Foundation for Children, visit www.dakefoundation.org. |
### About Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga (THS): Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga is a 501c3 nonprofit horse sanctuary accredited by the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries. THS is dedicated to providing mental wellness through horse and human connection. THS works in partnership with local certified equine therapists to offer equine-assisted therapy to individuals and families facing mental illness, social difficulties, trauma, and other challenges. About The Dake Foundation for Children |
