CALVERTON, NY – On Saturday, July 25th, Suffolk County Legislator Sarah Anker joined elected officials and the Warrior Ranch Foundation volunteers for a ribbon cutting ceremony at its new location in Calverton. The property, formerly the Long Island Beagle Club, was purchased by Suffolk County for preservation and is now leased to the foundation. The foundation coordinated and completed extensive renovations through the support of sponsors and volunteers, and will be used to provide horse therapy programs focusing on our veterans, first responders and their families.
“I commend the Warrior Ranch Foundation for their dedication, not only to our veterans, first responders and their families, but to their efforts in rescuing horses who are also in need of care and attention,” said Legislator Anker. “Through the leadership of President Eileen Shanahan and the partnership with Suffolk County, we have a place where so much good will be done. Horse therapy has proven to provide substantial emotional support and healing, and I know this will be an important contribution in what Suffolk County is doing to support our nation’s heroes.”
“It was an amazing day! We are where we are today because of the support of our elected officials, the community and the incredible veterans and first responders who have pitched in to help renovate and build Warrior Ranch,” said Warrior Ranch Foundation President Eileen Shanahan.
Vice President Tony Simonetti, an expert in the science of horse behavior, will provide horse therapy clinics and demonstrations. His deep understanding combined with the experience of over 500 successful horse therapy and training cases has given Tony the very unique ability to get the job done in a time frame that seems to be impossible. For the past 15 years, Tony Simonetti has been doing clinics, demonstrations, taught classes, been featured on national television with his horses, and has been filmed for numerous training programs.
The Warrior Ranch Foundation was established as a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) corporation in 2016. It was established to provide veterans and first responders with clinics and workshops where they learn from an expert how to work with horses in a number of capacities. Through both riding and non-riding activities, they develop bonds, give guidance, demonstrate leadership, and help horses overcome certain fears. In doing so, participants receive the physical, mental, and emotional benefits of working with animals.
For more information on the Warrior Ranch Foundation, please visit www.warriorranchfoundation.org.
Pictured L-R: Suffolk County Legislator Susan Berland, Suffolk County Legislator Steve Flotteron, Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone, Warrior Ranch Foundation President Eileen Shanahan, Riverhead Town Supervisor Yvette Aguiar, United States Congressman Lee Zeldin, and Warrior Ranch Foundation Vice President Tony Simonetti.