G.A.I.T. began with a Board of Directors in 1995. In January 1996, G.A.I.T. was incorporated by its founder and Executive Director, Martha Dubensky. G.A.I.T. was formally organized as a Federal 501(c)(3) tax exempt, nonprofit, charitable organization in June 1997.

To learn more about G.A.I.T. via a short video, click here.

We are proud that this year, 2010, G.A.I.T. celebrates 15 years of providing services for our tristate area!

G.A.I.T.'s mission is "To improve the quality of life of children and adults with special needs resulting in a more independent life in society."

G.A.I.T. accomplishes its mission using its 10 specially-trained horses, professional NARHA Certified Instructors and dedicated, highly trained volunteers to provide equine activities and therapies for people with various disabilities.

G.A.I.T. would also not be as effective without the assistance of our state licensed physical therapists, occupational therapists and speech-language pathologists. They are hired by G.A.I.T. to perform Hippotherapy Services.

Who Benefits From G.A.I.T.'s Services?

G.A.I.T. was established so that people of any age with almost any disability could be addressed and aided by our equine activities and therapies. Our services and programs teach the participants to interact with others in positive ways, to communicate more effectively, and to improve their social skills.

Participants ages 2 - seniors with disabilities including but not limited to the following have been helped by using G.A.I.T.'s services:

Attention Deficit Disorder Spectrum (ADD)	Autism Spectrum	Cerebral Palsy
Developmental Delays (DD)	Down Syndrome	Head Trauma
Lupus	Mental Retardation	Multiple Sclerosis
Prader Willi Syndrome	Spina Bifida	Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Additionally, youth identified by their schools with "at risk" behaviors benefit from our Equine Facilitated Learning and Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy Programs.

Our Vocational Training Program helps young adults with special needs transition to other job sites and work opportunities.

And our Volunteer Opportunity Program helps many people gain valuable work experience which can lead to an interest in careers in Equine Science and gainful employment within the Equine Industry. Moreover, working with people with special needs results in priceless "hands on" experience as required by most colleges for students who are interning or who are working toward their mental health career choice.

Additionally, many of our volunteers put their skills to work for us "just for fun" to help make our community a better place. These volunteers range in ages from young adults 12 years old through retirees over 80 years old! We thank them all!

G.A.I.T.'s Instructor Mentoring Program teaches, guides and gives students who wish to become Therapeutic Riding Instructors the practical, educational and hands-on experience to become NARHA-Certified Instructors.