Our founders, Bob and Ellen Healey, observed that many children involved in the world of equestrian sports were struggling to overcome personal challenges and obstacles. Some of the children succumbed to unhealthy lifestyle choices, negative behaviors, and/or drug addiction. The Healeys recognized a need for support for those children to help them manage and overcome those challenges.
Bob and Ellen’s involvement in equestrian sports also acquainted them with the need for a secondary career for show horses that were no longer as competitive on the show circuit, but were not quite ready to retire. It became the Healey’s personal vision to create a space where children experiencing life’s challenges can feel valued, supported, learn and grow through caring for and riding horses, while at the same time providing a new career for semi-retired show horses.
Since the inception of the Gleneayre Equestrian Program in 1998, the mission has sought to address a broad spectrum of issues related to adolescent development; such as but not limited to: academics, low self- esteem, substance abuse, single parent households, financial difficulties, learning impairments, children at-risk and mental health issues.
In 2001, GEP hired a full time trainer, Jason Newman and a Program Coordinator, Jason’s wife, Alison Newman now the Managing Director. The addition of these two dedicated professionals has not only led to an outstanding riding program, but also to a very supportive environment for the children of the Gleneayre Equestrian Program.