There are many organizations in Chautauqua County that serve those with true need, and there are just as many charitable individuals caring enough to assist these needs. One such individual was Lyle Peterson and one such organization, for which he held an affinity, was Centaur Stride in Westfield. While Lyle passed away in 2005, Centaur Stride continues to benefit from his charity though his prior establishment of the Centaur Stride Therapeutic Horseback Riding for the Handicapped Fund. 

Most people in this community knew of Lyle Peterson as a long-time Jamestown resident, who was the vice president and part owner of Jamestown Electro-Plating, a member of many community organizations, and a great volunteer. If you knew of Lyle, you knew where his interests lay. He held a deep pride for his Swedish ancestry, was passionate about baseball, and loved his family and grandchildren affectionately. Yet, those who truly knew Lyle also knew two other affinities for which he dearly cared…horses and the handicapped. 

Lyle’s love for horses began from the moment he visited his grandfather’s farm as a young child. This love extended into adulthood and Lyle, along with his wife Gladys, owned five horses of their own at one point. Often, he would spend time riding the trails on his property with his family or in solitude. Lyle felt being on the back of a horse was good for his inner soul, and he would continue to ride until he sold his property in 1992.

Lyle’s caring feelings toward handicapped individuals also stemmed from childhood. One of Lyle’s good friends was born with Cerebral Palsy (CP). At that time, there were few therapies or treatments available for young ones with CP, so Lyle watched his friend struggle. Lyle would often bring his friend to school in a wagon and carry him to his classes, as walking was a great challenge to this friend. While the friend improved and developed over time to the point of leading a normal and great life, these childhood experiences left a great impression on Lyle. 

Understanding Lyle’s caring for horses and the handicapped brings Centaur Stride into the equation. The Centaur Stride Program originated in 1994, in Westfield, New York. Centaur Stride carries a philosophy of serving disabled individuals and their families. Centaur Stride follows this philosophy by providing therapeutic horseback riding programs to disabled attendants on a weekly basis. As soon as Lyle learned of the program, he immediately knew that this was where he needed to direct his resources. That is why he and his wife Gladys established the Centaur Stride Therapeutic Horseback Riding for the Handicapped Fund at the Community Foundation in 2003.

The Centaur Stride Therapeutic Horseback Riding for the Handicapped Fund was created to provide financial assistance to help offset the costs to clients and families for therapeutic horseback riding. In the event no financial assistance is needed, the fund income is then used for the care of the horses. While Lyle Peterson has passed on, his passion for helping the people and animals he cared about remains. If the Centaur Stride Therapeutic Horseback Riding for the Handicapped Fund serves as part of his legacy, then it is truly one to be proud of. 

For information about the Centaur Stride Program call 326-4318.