Healing Happens in Union Vale, NY

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In the heart of Union Vale, New York, something extraordinary is happening. The PonyUp4Kids Foundation, nestled right here in Dutchess County, is quietly transforming lives through the healing power of horses. This nonprofit offers equine-assisted activities, therapy, and learning for children, veterans, and individuals with special needs—and it’s led by a powerhouse team of visionary women whose work deserves to be seen, shared, and celebrated.

At the helm are Jennifer Barbee, Leah Struzzieri, Dr. Christine Grimaldi and Caitlin Sundbloom—four women whose combined expertise spans neuroscience, equine science, business strategy, and nonprofit development. Together, they’ve built a sanctuary where horses and humans heal side by side. From therapeutic riding sessions that improve balance, coordination, and self-esteem to equine-assisted activities and therapy that foster emotional regulation, trust, and cognitive growth, PonyUp4Kids offers life-changing experiences for people of all ages and abilities.

Equine-assisted activities and therapy are at the heart of the foundation’s mission. This powerful, research-supported approach uses structured interactions with horses—both on the ground and in the saddle—to support physical, emotional, and psychological healing. Whether it’s a child with autism learning to communicate through grooming exercises, a veteran rebuilding trust through groundwork, or a teen overcoming anxiety in the saddle, these programs offer a deeply personal path to recovery. The horses, many of them rescues, become trusted partners—nonjudgmental, intuitive, and profoundly healing.

Dr. Grimaldi, a neuroscientist and holistic psychologist, has developed integrative wellness programs used at Columbia University Medical Center and Memorial Sloan Kettering. Leah Struzzieri, a USEF and APHA Professional Horsewoman and Lifetime Certified Equine Appraiser, ensures every horse is a safe, empathetic partner in healing. Jennifer Barbee, Chairperson of the Board and President/CFO of Applied EarthWorks, Inc., brings strategic and financial leadership to the foundation. Caitlin Sundbloom supports outreach and governance, helping expand the foundation’s reach across the region.

Having these services available right in Union Vale is a gift to our community. Families no longer need to travel far to access high-quality equine-assisted therapy and activities. Local schools, organizations, and residents can participate in programs tailored to their needs—whether it’s confidence-building groundwork, structured riding sessions, or simply spending time with horses in a nurturing environment.

But PonyUp4Kids can’t do it alone. The foundation depends on the generosity of donors and volunteers to keep its programs running. Every contribution helps feed and care for the horses, fund therapeutic sessions, and expand outreach to those who need it most. Donations can be made directly on the foundation’s website at www.ponyup4kids.com and volunteers—whether experienced horse handlers or helping hands—are always welcome.

If you believe in the power of healing, in the strength of community, and in the magic of horses, now is the time to act. Share this story. Tell your neighbors. Post it online. Help spread the word about PonyUp4Kids Foundation so more families can discover the hope and healing waiting in Union Vale’s barnyard sanctuary.

This isn’t just a nonprofit—it’s a movement. And with your voice, your support, and your shares, PonyUp4Kids can continue to change lives, one ride at a time. www.PonyUp4Kids.com