Metropolitan Equestrian

06/23/2025

At Metropolitan Equestrian, professional development is a top priority. We are committed to ensuring that our instructors continues to grow and teach at the highest level to support riders of all abilities.

A heartfelt thank you Bernie Traurig for always believing in our program and for dedicating his time this past weekend to mentor the instructors of Metropolitan Equestrian during the 5-Day Progression Clinic at the EquestrianCoach Training Center in West Point, VA.

Having the opportunity to learn from a true legend is invaluable.

Bernie is one of the only individuals in the world to have reached the elite levels in all three Olympic equestrian disciplines: Show Jumping, Dressage, and Eventing. He is the founder of EquestrianCoach.com and is widely regarded as one of the most respected educators in the equestrian world. His mentorship is a gift we cherish deeply.

Thank you, Bernie, for your unwavering support and dedication to the future of equestrian sport and education. 🐴💫

06/11/2025

🌟 Calling All Volunteers! 🌟

Are you passionate about horses, education, and making a difference in your community? Join the Metropolitan Equestrian Volunteer Team at our New York and Washington, D.C. locations!

💼 You may be eligible to DOUBLE your impact!
Many employers participate in Matching Gift Programs and support employees who VOLUNTEER by making a financial donation to the nonprofit of their choice. YOU could be a Leader in Corporate Giving just by giving your time!

🔎 Check if your company participates:
Visit our website and use our Matching Gift Database to find out if your employer is part of the international matching gift program:

👉 https://metropolitanequestrian.org/volunteer-program

🐴 Together, we can change lives through

Double the Donation

At Metropolitan Equestrian, we believe in the power of horses to transform lives—and behind every student’s journey is a community of dedicated volunteers who make it all possible. Whether you’re a seasoned equestrian, a passionate educator, a parent, or someone who simply loves giving back, y...

06/08/2025

🎉 Huge congratulations to our incredible riders! 🎉

🏆 Beatrix Sorensen, one of our Competition Team riders, took home Champion in the Long Island Horse Show Series for Riders with Disabilities Division!

🏅 Meadow Clare, from our Equine Opportunity Program, was named Champion in the Opportunity Walk Trot Division!

👏 A big thank you to our trainer Jaclyn Wigdzinski for your expert coaching, and to Operations Assistant Ariana Nally for your stellar management of our Central Islip location.

🐴 Special shoutout to our superstar horse Morty for helping make our riders’ dreams come true.

06/07/2025

🌟 BIG NEWS from Rock Creek Park Horse Center! 🌟

We are thrilled to welcome Alicia Kershaw, Founder and former Executive Director & Board Member of GallopNYC, to Metropolitan Equestrian as we develop and launch our Therapeutic Equestrian Program at Rock Creek Park! 🐴💙

After founding GallopNYC in 2005, Alicia grew it into one of the nation’s largest therapeutic riding programs, and one of the few based in a major urban area. Her leadership and vision helped change thousands of lives — and now, she’s bringing that expertise to MET.

Together, we’re building a program that will empower:
✔️ Individuals with disabilities
✔️ Veterans
✔️ Trauma survivors of all ages

Our therapeutic program is built on proven results — using the power of the horse to foster self-direction, resilience, and healing.
Stay tuned as we saddle up for a powerful journey ahead. 🐎💫

06/02/2025

A heartfelt THANK YOU to Pamela Cronin and Dechra Veterinary Products for their generous contribution and unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of the horses of Metropolitan Equestrian 🐴💙

Corporate sponsorships like this are vital to the sustainability and growth of nonprofit organizations like ours. We are proud to partner with organizations that share our deep dedication to ensuring the health, care, and the future of horses nationwide.

Together, we are making a lasting impact—one horse, one rider, and one opportunity at a time. 🐎🌟

Dechra Veterinary Group

05/30/2025

🎉 Clinic Registration is NOW OPEN! 🎉

We are thrilled to announce that registration is officially open for the 2025 MET Charity Clinic & Horse Show! Join us August 11–13, 2025 at the iconic USET Foundation Inc. Headquarters in Gladstone, NJ for an unforgettable experience that blends competition, education, and community impact.

🌟 Back by popular demand — Archie Cox returns as our 2025 head clinician!

Don’t miss the opportunity to ride and learn from one of the most respected names in the sport.

📍 Secure your spot, view clinic and horse show details, and learn how this event supports our mission:

👉 Register today by visiting our website:
metropolitanequestrian.org/charityshow2025

Space is limited — register early and be a part of something truly meaningful. 💙🐴

05/27/2025

☀️🐴 SUMMER FUN AWAITS! 🐴☀️

Saddle up for a one-of-a-kind experience with Metropolitan Equestrian's 2025 Summer Programs! Whether your child is brand new to horseback riding or already galloping ahead, our summer sessions offer something for everyone.

🎯 Learn to ride, care for horses, build confidence, and make unforgettable memories
🎓 Hands-on education, horsemanship, and leadership development
💻 Explore tech, STEAM, and equine science tracks
📅 Flexible weekly sessions

🌟 No horse experience required – just bring your curiosity and spirit for adventure!

🔗 Learn more & register today: https://metropolitanequestrian.org/summer-programs

05/24/2025

Help Us Revitalize and Support a National Treasure

In May 2025, Metropolitan Equestrian — a nation wide 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to educational excellence and access to equestrian sports—was honored with the federal concession of the Rock Creek Park Horse Center, nestled in the heart of Washington, D.C.

This extraordinary opportunity allows us to steward a historic landmark and create a thriving hub of horsemanship, education, and opportunity for all, but we can't do it alone.

We are launching this crowdfunding campaign to raise essential funds for:
Capital Improvements: Repairing aging infrastructure, improving safety and accessibility, and preserving the historic character of this federal facility.
Horse Care: Providing high-quality feed, veterinary care, equipment, and all other support for our horses who are the heroes of our programs.

With your support, we can preserve the legacy of this national treasure and bring new life to Rock Creek Park Horse Center—building a future where public land serves public good, where horses inspire learning and leadership, and where access, equity, and excellence remain at the heart of everything we do.

Join us in writing the next chapter of Rock Creek’s legacy. Together, we can turn history into hope—and horses into a pathway for change.

All donations are 100% tax-deductible and will directly impact our launch, operations, and student success. Click here to donate today! https://metropolitanequestrian.org/rcphcdonations

05/13/2025

Big News!

We’re thrilled to announce that Morgan Myles —finalist from The Voice and powerhouse vocalist blending country, soul, and rock—will be performing LIVE at our Horse of Honor Golf Tournament & Dinner!

Join us on July 7th, 2025 at the beautiful Smithtown Landing Country Club as we raise funds to support our Horses of Honor Equine Program, benefiting veterans, Gold Star families, and active-duty service members.

Get ready for a day of golf, purpose, and an unforgettable evening of dinner and music!

Tickets & sponsorships now available at www.meteq.org under the Upcoming Events Tab.

05/09/2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Historic Rock Creek Park Horse Center Concession Awarded to Metropolitan Equestrian, Honoring Legacy and Expanding Access

The National Park Service has officially awarded the concession of the Rock Creek Park Horse Center to Metropolitan Equestrian (MET), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to education and access to equestrian sports for all, across the United States. This transition, which will officially take place towards the end of May, marks a pivotal moment in the legacy of one of America’s most historically significant equestrian facilities, located in the heart of our nation’s capital.

Established by Congress in 1890, Rock Creek Park is one of the oldest federally owned parks in the country. Over the decades, it has served not only as a public green space, but also as a beloved equestrian haven enjoyed by U.S. Presidents including Theodore Roosevelt and Ronald Reagan, both of whom frequently rode horseback along the park’s scenic bridle trails.

The Rock Creek Park Horse Center has long been a cornerstone of this legacy, operated for decades by Guest Services, Inc. With the upcoming concession transfer to Metropolitan Equestrian, the facility is set to enter a new era of revitalization and public service.

MET services all ages and abilities with their programs which include school district programs, Elementary, middle and high school competition teams, Leadership, entrepreneurship and mentorship programs, military family programs, scouts programs, volunteer programs and academic support programs. The organization will also relaunch the Nancy Reagan National Center for Therapeutic Riding, established by First Lady Nancy Reagan in 1984, as a flagship adaptive program for riders with disabilities.

“Our heartfelt thanks goes to the National Park Service and to Guest Services, Inc. for entrusting Metropolitan Equestrian with this tremendous opportunity,” said Jane DaCosta, U.S. Navy Veteran, Executive Director and Founder of Metropolitan Equestrian. “To be part of U.S. history in such a meaningful way is a profound honor. We are dedicated to preserving the legacy of this extraordinary site while expanding access to horseback riding and educational programing for all. We look forward to continuing this work with the National Park Service, not only in Washington, D.C., but also by bringing the full range of opportunities our organization offers to metropolitan cities across the country.”

Lana Ciaramella, MET’s Director of Operations and Riding Programs, expressed her excitement about the expansion to D.C. “As an American University alumna, the growth of this organization into Washington, D.C. holds personal meaning for me. I founded American University’s Equestrian Team and am eager to continue the mission on a professional level of broadening access to equestrian sports and education to the D.C. metro community in iconic Rock Creek Park. “

Elizabeth Kee, President of MET’s Board of Directors, added “This milestone reflects our continued commitment to expanding Metropolitan Equestrian’s national reach. The opportunity to bring our programs to the nation's capital is a testament to our team’s dedication and vision. We are excited for what lies ahead and proud of how far we’ve come in making equestrian sport and education accessible for all.”

Metropolitan Equestrian will begin formal operations of the facility later this month and looks forward to providing access to equestrian and educational programming to the community of the Washington, DC metropolitan area.

For more information, please contact:
Metropolitan Equestrian
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.meteq.org

05/04/2025

Metropolitan Equestrian is proud to celebrate the achievements of our talented riders!

Our team proudly competed at two separate horse shows today—and brought home top honors at both!

Beatrix Sorensen earned Reserve Champion at the The Long Island Horse Show Series for Riders with Disabilities (LIHSSRD) held at DDR Farm, while sisters Mirabel and Laila Guirguis took home Grand Champion at the Parkview Equestrian Center Schooling Show.

We couldn’t be more proud of your hard work, dedication, and sportsmanship in the ring.

A heartfelt thank you to Coach Jaclyn for your expert coaching, mentorship, and unwavering support. Your leadership continues to shape these incredible moments of success.

05/03/2025

A Moment of Honor at IHSA Nationals

We were proud to have our Executive Director and Founder, Jane DaCosta, share a heartfelt message during the 2025 IHSA National Finals in Tryon, NC, congratulating Coach Chris Mitchell of Albion College on receiving the prestigious IHSA Lifetime Achievement Award.

Chris has been more than a coach—he’s a mentor, a father figure, and a champion for every student who’s ever dared to dream big in this sport. His guidance has helped open doors for countless riders, including those in our own Metropolitan Equestrian family.

Watch Jane’s tribute to a true legend of collegiate equestrian sports.

We were proud to have our Executive Director and Founder, Jane DaCosta, share a heartfelt message during the 2025 IHSA National Finals in Tryon, NC, congratu...