The members of the Long Island Elite have proudly announced HorseAbility Center for Equine Facilitated Programs as their 2025 Charity Partner of the Year. HorseAbility seeks to improve the lives of individuals with special needs through equine facilitated interactions. Their vision, as a leader in the field of equine facilitated therapies, is to continue to advance the implementation of quality programs and education, while further developing innovative community partnerships. By embracing and sustaining the best business practices in the equine therapeutic industry, and with the help of Long Island Elite (LIE), HorseAbility is on track to do just that!
Long Island Elite, also a 501c3 nonprofit organization, is dedicated to fostering the growth and development of local Long Island business professionals and emerging regional leaders. Individually and collectively, the members of the organization are committed to meeting the needs of the communities where they live and work, leading to the partnership with HorseAbility.
The funds raised by Long Island Elite will give HorseAbility the opportunity to enhance the programs offered at the organization’s facility located on the campus of the State University of New York at Old Westbury. With the support of Long Island Elite, HorseAbility will be able to design and create a fully accessible (all-ability) playground on property. An accessible outdoor lab/classroom space, including a covered horse care area, will be developed. Funds will also cover the utility hook up for two mobile locker rooms/classrooms. All of this construction requires special equipment, supplies, and resources that can now be realized because of the support received from Long Island Elite.
“The Long Island Elite is thrilled to be partnering with HorseAbility this year,” said Long Island Elite President Benjamin Cooper. “We have a long track record of providing meaningful support to those we select as our Charity Partners, and expect like we always do, we will form a long-lasting relationship that will continue to pay dividends to both organizations. During an incredible 2024, our membership was able to provide $145,000 in funding to our Charity Partner. We hope to exceed that amount this year by providing HorseAbility with significant funding to achieve the growth that they need!”
During the 2025 charity partnership year, members of Long Island Elite will visit HorseAbility to learn more about the services offered, understand the challenges the organization faces, as well as experience the life changing events that occur at the farm every day.
“We are extremely grateful to all the members of Long Island Elite for their generous support,” said Founder and Executive Director of HorseAbility Katie McGowan. “Not only do we appreciate their fundraising efforts, but we are excited to partner with the members and have them engage with our community – the participants, families, volunteers, and of course, our horses.”
For more than 20 years, Long Island Elite members have supported many not for profits. The organization has donated over $1.2 million dollars to charity partners, including Eden II, Paws of War, United Cerebral Palsy, ACLD, SIBSPlace, The Safe Center LI, New Ground and Long Island Alzheimer’s & Dementia Center. Long Island Elite members’ efforts have positively impacted thousands of lives on Long Island and their work with HorseAbility will continue to expand their impact.
For information on how to support the Long Island Elite and HorseAbility, visit www.longislandelite.com, www.horseability.org, or email info@longislandelite.com and info@horseability.org
