October
Newsletter

For 30 years this September, Islandia has been home to a place which offers an abundance of respite and connection for populations that too often find themselves rationing such feelings. Pal-O-Mine Equestrian, located on Old Nichols Road, is a 13 acre ranch that specializes in assisting veterans and the differently abled to grow and heal through animal therapy.

Having received mounted therapy to treat cerebral palsy as a child, I recall a distinct sorrow when I aged out of the ability to continue the practice. I could no longer be assisted onto “Rusty,” my old steed, without specialized equipment, like the Sure Hands lift at this facility. Mobility is no barrier here, only advertising budget and hours in the day.

As a private non-profit, Pal-O-Mine relies on word of mouth and networking to connect with clientele, an estimated 75 percent of whom are disabled. Upon encountering staff at a meeting of the Suffolk County Rehabilitation Council, I felt obliged and privileged to shed light on their mission and mindset.

Speaking with Alexandra Cella - former Administrative Service Coordinator who worked at the facility from 2010 until summer of 2025 - quickly revealed just how focused the organization is on optimizing their methodology, even though Pal-O-Mine offers services and opportunities to such a diverse population.

The intake begins with "matching each individual to the correct specialist, and animal, then goal setting with that individual," Cella said. This is done in a controlled and calm environment; no visitors are allowed without an appointment as “maintaining low foot traffic is important.”

Adherence to these rules is obvious as one enters the facility. Flanked on all sides by trees, an almost contagious tranquility affects one as you walk, or ride, the grounds. It’s difficult to believe the ranch is minutes away from Long Island’s bustle.

You may feel your heart rate drop as horses, or the occasional chicken, pass you by. This is reflective of the long symbiosis between people and the animals we domesticate. "A horse’s heartrate and breathing is low compared to us, they can sense human heartrate from about 100 ft. away," Cella remarked.

The sensitivity of horses to human behavior means that Pal-O-Mine must carefully select and train each horse, determining their physical attributes through a process called “confirmation.” Once this is complete, a horse finds its role, as each client is specifically matched to the one that best fits their needs and demeanor. An equine student with autism, for example, may be paired with Teddy, a Paint-Cross breed. Teddy is often paired with students that have vestibular and sensory seeking needs.

In contrast, Espresso, an Appendix horse, is much taller. They are often used by more independent riders for the walk and trot activities, which is more typical than what a student might receive from a horse like Teddy.

The horses sourced by Pal-O-Mine come into the facility on a 3-month trial period; this gives staff adequate time to gauge how each one reacts to stimulus under different circumstances. The strict screening process means that about 80 percent of the horses brought in don’t make the cut for adaptive lessons. Donations are welcome; Pal-O-Mine is always on the lookout for horses that fit its specific needs.

Few things on the ranch display this more starkly than the 7 miniature horses. The minis were friendly and docile when I was introduced. I was sad to not be able to feed them, but for a great reason. At Pal-O-Mine, no horses are hand-fed; this prevents the development of poor manners and the association between human hands and nourishment. They do, however, love peppermint, and mint water is used to encourage drinking. Turns out that old saying doesn’t account for tempting horses with a refreshing treat.

The miniatures are used for psychotherapy programs, since for them, “patience is innate,” Cella said. This year, they participated in a program that brought them to local dementia centers. Even the smallest horses at Pal-O-Mine can have a big impact on people. “One student initially felt uncomfortable around others with disabilities, but since doing the programs at Pal-O-Mine, she has become an enthusiastic participant in groups. She works alongside those with all abilities and has greatly matured and grown.” Cella notes this example with a hint of well-deserved pride.

Rachel Gearwar, the Assistant Clinical Director at the ranch, asks that anyone unsure about their eligibility in Pal-O-Mine programs to reach out and see. "We work with people of neurodivergence and normative development," Gearwar says. And the breadth of programs available to clients means that there’s almost certainly a place for you, on or off horseback. October boasts an on-site woman’s retreat at Pal-O-Mine's therapy center, which can accommodate up to 10 guests overnight. This is so popular it demands a waitlist, as anyone in the country is welcome to sign up.

Rachel is also the liaison to Pal-O-Mine's military programs, which include the Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) program. “Available to military personnel and first responders, as well as anyone in need, the EAP program knows no barriers from ages 5 to 95,” Gearwar said. She reflects on the natural therapeutic value horses hold: “Horses know intuitively what a therapist needs to discover. They invite us to be curious, mindful, and present. When you have that, the client becomes more aware of the question: What do you need to work on?”

Even if you’ve never considered animal therapy, a visit to Pal-O-Mine might be of great value, even just as an opportunity to give back. Volunteers are welcome, as they enable the mission of the ranch.