HorseAbility
Old Westbury, New York
HorseAbility is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit on the campus of The College at SUNY Old Westbury on Long Island, New York. It offers therapeutic riding, hippotherapy, a summer day camp and other horse-related programs for children, adults and families with special needs.
- Therapeutic riding lessons
- Hippotherapy
- Summer day camp
- Life skills program
- Horse companion visits
- Horse show for riders with disabilities
- College internships
- Children with special needs
- Adults with special needs
- Families
More about this center
About the Program
According to the Long Island Press, HorseAbility was formed in 1993 after founder Katie McGowan lent her horse to a physical therapist who was working with a child with cerebral palsy. The program runs on a 20-acre site at SUNY Old Westbury with three outdoor riding areas, paddock space and a grass track.
HorseAbility is listed by PATH Intl. as a Premier Accredited Center. The Long Island Press describes its hippotherapy as a type of occupational or speech therapy that uses the horse's movement to help patients build motor skills, balance, coordination and communication. The center also runs a goal-oriented life skills program, horse companion visits and a horse show for riders with disabilities. Katie McGowan founded the Long Island Horse Show Series for Riders with Disabilities.
Summer Camp
Camp HorseAbility is a one-week summer day camp held each year at the end of August. The Long Island Press lists horseback riding, sports, arts and crafts, swimming and lunches as part of the camp.
Volunteering
Volunteers age 13 and up help with horse care, barn chores, lessons, treatment sessions, camp, outreach, fundraising, office work and facility maintenance. Horse experience is not required. Volunteers complete a registration and release form and arrange times with the volunteer coordinator at volunteer@horseability.org. College students interested in working with people with disabilities, animals, nonprofits or equine-assisted activities and therapy can apply for internships.
Location
HorseAbility is located on the campus of The College at SUNY Old Westbury, 223 Store Hill Road, Old Westbury, NY 11568. Its mailing address is PO Box 410-1, Old Westbury, NY 11568.
From public records, not yet reviewed by the center · Last updated Oct 2026 Suggest an edit
Common Questions
Answered from the center’s own website and public records.
How do new riders get started?
HorseAbility asks new participants to call the office at (516) 333-6151 to get started. You can also email info@horseability.org.
Who can take part?
The center serves children, adults and families with special needs.
How much do sessions cost?
Call (516) 333-6151 to ask about current rates for riding, hippotherapy and camp. See our guide to equine therapy costs for general information.
Can I volunteer?
Yes. Volunteers must be 13 or older, and no horse experience is needed. Contact volunteer@horseability.org or call (516) 333-6151.
Location
Old Westbury, New York 11568
Questions to Ask When You Call
The center is the best source for these answers.
- Are you running now, and taking new riders?Start here. We couldn’t confirm a current schedule.
- Which ages and needs do you work with?Ask about experience with your rider’s specific condition.
- Is a licensed PT, OT or speech therapist involved?Therapist-led hippotherapy is usually the only kind insurance may cover.
- What does a session cost, and are there scholarships?Many nonprofit programs offer sliding scales or sponsored spots.
- Do you have a mounting ramp or lift?Important for riders who use a wheelchair or need help mounting.