For Immediate Release
Date: August 30, 2024

Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga Unveils New Indoor Arena and Therapy Space

New Facility Expands Capacity to Provide Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy

Saratoga Springs, NY (August 30, 2024) – Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga (THS), a leading human service organization dedicated to protecting the mental health and well-being of New York State residents, proudly announces the grand opening of its newly constructed indoor arena and group therapy space. The new arena was constructed with the grant funding awarded to THS through DASNY, New York State’s capital project development authority, through the Nonprofit Infrastructure Capital Investment Program (NICIP).  A Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony is planned for Wednesday, September 4th at 10:30am.

The 2024 NICIP round was launched by Governor Kathy Hochul to make targeted investments throughout the State that improve the quality, efficiency and accessibility of nonprofit human services organizations like THS and so many others. THS was selected as an awardee in April 2024. Construction of the new arena began mid-June. This milestone marks a significant expansion in the organization’s capacity to deliver year-round equine-assisted psychotherapy programs.

Event Details:

  • Date & Time: Wednesday, September 4, 10:30 AM
  • Location: Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga, 683 NY-29, Saratoga Springs, NY
  • Ceremony Schedule:
    • 10:30 AM: Guests Arrive, Escorted to the New Arena
    • 11:00 AM: Remarks
    • 11:20 AM: Photo and Ribbon Cutting
    • 11:30 AM: Light Refreshments & Tours Available

Confirmed VIP Guests:

  • Mayor John Safford
  • Assemblymember Carrie Woerner
  • Senator James Tedisco
  • Greg Dixon, Chief Strategy Officer, Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce
  • Robert J. Rodriguez, President & CEO, DASNY
  • Representative from the office of Congresswoman Elise Stefanik

New Indoor Arena and Group Therapy Space:

Thanks to the NICIP grant funds, Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga has constructed a state-of-the-art indoor arena and group therapy space. This facility will enable the organization to expand its essential services throughout all four seasons, meeting the growing demand for intervention-based equine-assisted psychotherapy programs.

Quotes:

“We are thrilled to unveil our new indoor arena, which represents a significant step forward in our mission to support mental health in our community. With this facility, we can now offer our services year-round, ensuring that more individuals and families can benefit from the healing power of equine-assisted psychotherapy.” — Dr. Erin C. Sisk, Founder, Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga

“DASNY is proud to support Governor Hochul’s work to help nonprofit organizations all across New York deliver critical, local services that are tailored to support their communities.  The innovative programs of Therapeutic Horses is a perfect fit for the Saratoga community, and I am pleased that our organization is able to play a part in supporting their important work.”   — Robert J. Rodriguez, President, DASNY

Impact on the Community:

Currently serving approximately 60 clients and providing 680 therapy sessions annually, the new facility will allow Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga, Inc. to expand its reach. Following the completion of this project, the organization anticipates increasing its support to approximately 100 individuals and offering around 1,200 therapy sessions annually.

The new pre-fabricated building features an open equine arena for therapy sessions and an adjoining group meeting area. This setup will facilitate interactions and activities between horses and human participants, as well as provide space for discussions on mental health concerns and treatment needs.

About Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga:

Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga is a 501c3 nonprofit organization which provides a safe and nurturing environment for retired racehorses, utilizing them in therapeutic programs to support mental wellness and personal growth. THS is committed to enhancing the mental health and well-being of individuals and families throughout New York State.  THS provides direct services of equine-assisted psychotherapy for children, adults, families, and veterans.  To learn more about THS, visit www.thsaratoga.org

About DASNY:

Founded in 1944, DASNY is New York State’s capital project development authority. It finances and constructs sustainable and resilient science, health and education institutions that help New York thrive. It is one of the largest issuers of tax-exempt bonds in the nation with an outstanding bond portfolio of approximately $55.8 billion as of March 31, 2024. DASNY is also a prolific public builder with a construction pipeline of approximately 1,000 projects valued at more than $12 billion as of March 31, 2024. To learn more about DASNY, visit www.dasny.org.

Media Contact:
Megan Koloskie
Development Manager
M. 702 379 4098
megan@thsaratoga.org