From left are Tyler Muka, instructor; Holly Reslink, Director; Claudia Monroe, co-founder; Jodi Gray, volunteer; Jean Lozier, barn manager. Absent from photo, Savannah Chicora, instructor.

Several years ago, I decided to write a book about Centaur Stride. I had two target audiences: families of children with disabilities, and those who wanted to start a riding facility for people with disabilities. I wanted to tell about all the little miracles that we witnessed over the years, and the heartwarming stories of our riders and volunteers.

The ultimate goal of the book was to find a way to help with the financial sustainability of Centaur Stride. Thinking outside the box, I had dreams that this book might even turn out to be movie material, the proceeds which would be granted to Centaur Stride so they could operate without having to work so hard seeking donations, enabling us to focus on programs instead of fundraising.

The first thing I learned was that writing a book is no easy task. The second thing was that you probably have a better chance of winning the lottery than making enough money from a book to make a significant financial difference.

The goal of royalties and book sales lost momentum, but the other goals remain. We are so fortunate to be given space in our local papers for a column on Healing with Horses. Maybe no book or movie, just little tidbits of information or stories to gain more awareness of what we do and how much we need our community support in order to bring such hope and joy to so many. No huge windfalls, just grassroots community pride!

Now in our 32nd year, we still do not have a secure financial sustainability plan. What we do have at Centaur Stride are compassionate staff and volunteers, parents of children with disabilities who know how important our services are, and a history of perseverance. We have many people who make up our donor base, for which we are very grateful, and without whom we would not be here. Many small donations add up, and even faster for the larger ones.

After 32 years at the helm, we found my successor, Holly Reslink, a Doctor of Physical Therapy, a resident of Ripley and an avid horse lover, owning her own horses for over 30 years. Over the past year, she has been learning all that I can teach her, but bringing so much more to the table. She has the optimism, ambition, and excitement that I had when I was younger, and with community support, can build the capacity and potential that we have only been able to dream about.

We are fortunate to be the beneficiary of two Endowment Funds at the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation for which we receive the interest every year. They are the “Animals for Individuals with Disabilities Fund” by Doug and Lamae McCullor, and “Centaur Stride Therapeutic Horseback Riding Fund” by Lyle and Gladys Peterson and family.

There are many ways to make an endowment gift. One way is with the IRA Rollover. If you are age 70 ½, the federal government permits rollover to charities without increasing your taxable income or paying additional tax. Please contact the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation (716) 661-3390 for other ways to contribute to the Centaur Stride Endowment Funds.

As always, please support our fundraisers, and come to see our center in action. We always need volunteers. For other ways to help, please contact us at info@centaurstride,org or (716) 326-4318. Thank you! https//linktr.ee/centaurstride

Claudia Monroe is president of Centaur Stride.