The Enterprise: New adaptive carriage program opens in Bridgewater

By Beth McDermott at The Enterprise of Brockton

June 30, 2026

Easterseals Massachusetts hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony June 18 to celebrate the

launch of its new Adaptive Carriage Driving Program at the Equestrian Center in

Bridgewater.

The program features a custom-designed carriage that can accommodate both power

wheelchairs and multiple seating configurations, making it the first of its kind in the United

States, according to a community announcement.

The event brought together community members, state leaders, donors and program

participants for live demonstrations and a firsthand look at how the innovation expands

access to equine-assisted activities for individuals with disabilities.

Easterseals Massachusetts President and CEO Paul Medeiros emphasized the significance

of the new program.

“Our mission is to provide services to ensure that children and adults with disabilities have

equal opportunities to live, learn, work, and play, and this carriage is another step in

removing barriers for people who want to participate in adaptive driving," Medeiros said.

"We used to be able to accommodate about 90% of riders; now we can accommodate

100%.”

State Sen. Bill Driscoll Jr. and state Rep. Dennis Gallagher presented official citations

recognizing the impact of Easterseals’ work at the Equestrian Center.

“The work they do here is so important and truly one-of-a-kind for this area.” Driscoll said.

“This adaptive carriage program will benefit individuals of all ages and abilities and give

them the chance to experience meaningful horsemanship.”

Gallagher added, “Whatever I can do to help this organization in Bridgewater or across the

state, I always will. I’ll continue working to support this facility and help it remain a stateof-

the-art resource for the region.”

Bridgewater Town Manager Justin Casanova-Davis also spoke, highlighting the town’s

commitment to expanding access and supporting community programs that serve

residents of all abilities.

The adaptive carriage was funded through contributions from Bridgewater State University

and CNT Depository Inc.

Bridgewater State University President Frederick Clark spoke about the university’s

commitment to supporting programs that expand opportunities for individuals with

disabilities and reflected on the importance of creating environments where everyone can

participate fully.

Danielle Oliari, COO of CNT Depository Inc., spoke about her family’s connection to

Bridgewater and their dedication to supporting programs that strengthen the community

and create meaningful opportunities for participants at the Equestrian Center.

Program participant and volunteer Aubrie Galinis shared how her involvement at the

Bridge Center has shaped her confidence, sense of belonging and connection to the horses.

She expressed gratitude for the new adaptive carriage and the expanded opportunities it

creates for equestrians like her.

Cindy Conquest, director of the Equestrian Center and Community Engagement, provided

a detailed demonstration of how the adaptive carriage operates, including lowering the

carriage, rolling in a power wheelchair and hitching up Norwegian Fjord gelding Neil.

Attendees were then invited to take a ride to experience the carriage firsthand. Conquest

also explained the carriage’s unique design, its Canadian manufacturer and the extensive

research that led to the selection of a model capable of serving riders with a wide range of

mobility needs.

The new program expands Easterseals Massachusetts’ equine-assisted services by offering:

• Access for individuals who use power wheelchairs

• Multiple adaptive seating options

• Opportunities for carriage driving, horsemanship and mobility experiences

• A barrier-free way for participants to engage with horses and the outdoors

The innovation ensures that every participant, regardless of mobility level, can experience

the joy, confidence and benefits of working with horses, according to the announcement.

Easterseals Massachusetts provides services that empower children and adults with

disabilities to live, learn, work and play. The organization delivers more than 22,000

essential services to over 10,000 individuals across the state each year.

More information is available at eastersealsma.org.

This story was created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were

involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing

process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.

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