Celebrating 25 Years of Changing Lives Through Therapeutic Riding

About COPS Barn

We use the healing power of horses to help riders build strength, confidence, and calm—one ride at a time

At COPS Barn, riders grow through safe, structured equine-assisted sessions led by experienced instructors and supported by a team of dedicated volunteers working together to create steady progress for riders and the daily care our therapy horses deserve.

OUR STORY

The journey

behind our mission

COPS Barn exists to create progress that lasts—physically, emotionally, and socially through therapeutic riding and horse-based experiences. We meet riders where they are, then build from there—one skill, one stride, one win at a time.

A quiet barn. A steady horse. A kid who stands taller after 30 minutes than they did all week.

Confidence and trust you can see

Small wins can stack up fast! Riders feel proud of what they can do with pride.

Confidence and trust you can see

Small wins can stack up fast! Riders feel proud of what they can do with pride.

Confidence and trust you can see

Small wins can stack up fast! Riders feel proud of what they can do with pride.

Riders build skills that continue beyond the Barn

Balance, focus, communication, and self-regulation that follow riders into daily life.

Riders build skills that continue beyond the Barn

Balance, focus, communication, and self-regulation that follow riders into daily life.

Riders build skills that continue beyond the Barn

Balance, focus, communication, and self-regulation that follow riders into daily life.

A horse and rider bond that builds trust

The steady rhythm of a horse creates connection—and connection creates progress

A horse and rider bond that builds trust

The steady rhythm of a horse creates connection—and connection creates progress

A horse and rider bond that builds trust

The steady rhythm of a horse creates connection—and connection creates progress

Why

therapeutic riding works

Horses are honest, intuitive partners. They respond to a rider’s energy, offer steady rhythm, and create a sense of trust that can be hard to find anywhere else. That relationship becomes the bridge to strength, focus, communication, and self-belief.

MOVEMENT

A horse’s gait supports balance, core strength, and coordination

CONFIDENCE

Progress feels real because it is real—every ride is earned

CONNECTION

Riders learn trust, boundaries, and communication

Why

therapeutic riding works

MOVEMENT

A horse’s gait supports balance, core strength, and coordination

CONFIDENCE

Progress feels real because it is real—every ride is earned

CONNECTION

Riders learn trust, boundaries, and communication

FACILITIES

Built

for progress

Purposeful spaces, dedicated care, and year-round access for riders and horses

Thomas J. Foley Indoor Arena

Year-round riding means weather doesn’t pause progress. The Thomas J. Foley Arena keeps sessions consistent in every season—so riders can keep moving forward. Read the Foley story ↓

Sensory Trail

Located in a serene, wooded setting beside the barn, our sensory trail offers a peaceful, shaded ride with visual, auditory, and tactile stations that support focus, calm, and learning.

Honoring the Horses Behind the Healing

Our horses approach every day with quiet courage and endless patience. Your support provides the care they deserve, so they can keep caring for our riders.

LEADERSHIP

Our Board

of directors

Our all-volunteer executive committee and board are actively involved

in both community and the program

Program Director

Derek Drobenak

Executive Committee

Kathy McGovern, President

Dr. Susan Hoerter, Vice President

Steve Bell, Treasurer

Margaret Preis, Secretary

Board of Directors

Kevin McGovern

Sabine Bisson, Ph.D

Jonathan Fisher

Sujatha Sivamoorthy

Mike Carriere

Deborah Allen

Serving Rockland County, Hudson Valley, Northern NJ area since 2001 • Community-funded nonprofit

Stay Connected

Get program updates, events, and information about COPS Barn