LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending STEP, Saratoga Therapeutic Equestrian
Program, upon the occasion of celebrating its 25th Anniversary

WHEREAS, Organizations which serve the interests of the people of this
Empire State merit the commendation of this Legislative Body; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend STEP, Sara-
toga Therapeutic Equestrian Program, upon the occasion of celebrating
its 25th Anniversary to be celebrated at its home stable in Glenville,
New York, on Sunday, June 5, 2011; and
WHEREAS, Established in 1986, the Saratoga Therapeutic Equestrian
Program (STEP) is a charitable not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization,
registered in New York State, that is dedicated to helping special needs
individuals achieve a maximum degree of freedom, independence, and
mobility through tested and innovative methods of equine assisted thera-
py and medical rehabilitation; STEP's therapists, instructors, and dedi-
cated core of volunteers collaborate to provide equine assisted thera-
pies and activities; and
WHEREAS, Under the luminous direction of its Executive Director, Karen
"Kay" White, STEP serves individuals with physical, cognitive and/or
emotional disabilities; children and adults with disabilities such as
Asperger's Syndrome, Down's Syndrome, spina bifida, cerebral palsy,
mental retardation, multiple sclerosis and sensory integrative dysfunc-
tion benefit from equine assisted therapy; and
WHEREAS, For some, equine assisted therapy is a first opportunity to
experience the control and freedom of physical movement, thereby improv-
ing muscle tone, balance, posture, coordination, and motor development;
through interaction with the horse, instructor, and volunteers, students
also grow both mentally and emotionally; and
WHEREAS, Volunteers are truly the backbone and foundation of STEP,
assisting as side walkers and leaders in therapy sessions, helping with
barn chores, wish list tasks, and providing support for fundraising
activities; STEP volunteers give selflessly of their time, talents and
expertise, and possess experience in physical therapy, occupational
therapy, speech and language pathology, psychotherapy and animal husban-
dry; and
WHEREAS, STEP fully trains volunteers who desire to work with the
horses and/or in equine assisted therapy sessions, and provides educa-
tional seminars throughout the year; and
WHEREAS, STEP's nine therapy horses are truly measured resources,
their experience, compassion and unending patience provide learners with
the opportunity to realize freedom and mobility; each animal is evalu-
ated as to how its specific characteristics match students' needs; hors-
es, like people, are individuals, and students' abilities are challenged
by adjusting to the feel of a different horse from time to time; and
WHEREAS, Students do not always fit neatly into one category or anoth-
er, which is why Kay White developed STEP UP, its exclusive program in
which physical and occupational therapists work in conjunction with a
riding instructor to bridge the gap between Hippotherapy and Therapeutic
riding; the goal is for the student to progress along the continuum;
first as a passive participant, in which the horse influences the rider,
and eventually as an active participant, in which the rider influences
the horse; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when organiza-
tions of such enduring courage and accomplishment are brought to our
attention, it is appropriate to publicly proclaim and commend those
organizations for the edification and emulation of others; now, there-
fore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend STEP, Saratoga Therapeutic Equestrian Program, upon the occasion
of celebrating its 25th Anniversary; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to STEP, Saratoga Therapeutic Equestrian Program.