Anna Gassib (MA ’23) Combines Equestrianism and Entrepreneurship to Harness Health, Healing, and More

The alum of NYU Steinhardt's Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness program creates innovative horsemanship programs that promote personal growth, emotional resilience, and leadership.

Anna Gassib (MA ’23, Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness) is the founder of Bergen Equestrian Center (BEC) in Leonia, New Jersey. (Fun fact: NYU’s Equestrian Team trains here!) Anna worked for many years as a senior executive at leading financial institutions, including Bank of America, where she was part of a group that established Bank of America’s Women’s Entrepreneurial Group.

In that spirit, Anna started her own business, Indian Hills Farm, with a single pony in her backyard in 2004. Since then, Anna has used her background in finance and passion for equestrianism, combining psychology and horsemanship to create innovative programs that promote personal growth, emotional resilience, and leadership, particularly for young people. Her work is rooted in the belief that healing and self-awareness can be powerfully facilitated through the human–animal bond.

At BEC, Anna has also established Our Stable Life, an equine assisted therapy program for families, small groups, and individuals, where dedicated and fully trained staff and therapists work to ensure participants (including individuals struggling with addiction, children with special needs or behavioral issues, and families coping with mental illness) receive a positive experience. The facility is also home to Columbia University’s Man of War Program, which supports the treatment of veterans for PTSD.

Anna herself came from a turbulent, low-income home and lost her mother at the age of 12—formative experiences that instilled in her a deep sense of empathy and determination. Equine therapy has long been recognized as a meaningful and long-term approach to a variety of mental health and medical issues and has been known to “heal the soul,” an outcome close to her heart. An accomplished dressage equestrian, helping others is the driving force in her life, and she works tirelessly to provide a complement of services that will place them on a positive path toward recovery and personal success.

Anna is the author of the book Self-Awareness through Equine Connections, which explores the profound and timeless connection between humans and horses, highlighting how horses have evolved from vital companions in work and warfare to therapeutic partners. Read Anna’s interview from the NYU Alumni Newsletter to learn more about how Anna combined her passion and knowledge of equestrianism and entrepreneurship to support health, healing, and more.

How did you come to combine your love for equestrianism with psychology? What brought you to your master’s program at NYU Steinhardt?

My journey began with a lifelong passion for horses and a deep interest in the human mind. Over the years, I have noticed significant emotional shifts in individuals who spend time with horses, particularly in therapeutic settings. That observation led me to explore equine-assisted therapy more seriously. NYU Steinhardt’s [Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness] program appealed to me because of its emphasis on integrating innovative approaches to mental health with rigorous academic foundations. It gave me the space to connect my two passions—psychology and equine work.

What motivated you to start Bergen Equestrian Center? What goals and initiatives did you hope to achieve?

BEC and Our Stable Life were founded on a desire to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where horses can serve as partners in personal growth, healing, and learning. I envisioned a space where traditional riding could coexist with equine-assisted psychotherapy and leadership programs. The center’s mission has always been to foster emotional intelligence, resilience, and connection through the unique bond between humans and horses.

What was the impetus for you to make the shift from a successful career in finance to entrepreneurship?

While finance taught me discipline and strategic thinking, I realized I was craving a purpose-driven work environment. Horses had always been my refuge and inspiration, and I saw an opportunity to use that connection to help others. Transitioning to entrepreneurship felt like a natural leap—one where I could combine my business experience with a mission that truly resonated with me: using equine work to foster self-awareness and mental well-being.

What’s something you learned at NYU that set you on this trajectory or prepared you for your current work?

NYU taught me to think critically about traditional therapeutic models and to embrace innovation in the field of mental health. The faculty encouraged interdisciplinary thinking, which gave me the confidence to merge psychology with equine-based practices. I also learned how to assess and apply evidence-based methods in non-traditional settings—something that's been vital in designing and evaluating our equine-assisted programs.

What does a typical day look like for you?

My days are dynamic and deeply rewarding. Mornings usually begin at the barn, where I check in with our team and the horses. Depending on the day, I might lead therapy sessions, coach young riders, meet with parents or educators, or write curriculum for our leadership and mental health programs. I also make time for writing and research, especially as our work continues to gain recognition.

Tell us about your recent book, Self-Awareness through Equine Connections.

This book is both a personal reflection and a professional guide, exploring the psychology behind equine-assisted learning and therapy. It illustrates how interactions with horses can reveal powerful insights into our inner lives. Through stories, exercises, and theory, I hope the book serves as a bridge for anyone interested in self-development or integrating animal-assisted approaches into their practice.

Do you have a favorite project or initiative that you’ve worked on?

One of my favorite initiatives has been our youth leadership program, which combines instruction with training in emotional intelligence. Watching young people grow in confidence, communication, and empathy while working with horses is an endlessly inspiring experience. The program has evolved into a model that we now hope to replicate in other communities.

What has surprised you most in your career?

I’ve been most surprised—and humbled—by the depth of healing that can occur in silence, in presence, in a quiet moment between a person and a horse. I always believed in the power of the human–animal bond, but witnessing its transformative effects firsthand has been nothing short of profound.

Do you have a favorite NYU memory that you’d like to share?

My favorite memory of NYU was during our Group Dynamics course—specifically the weekend immersion. It was then that I truly understood what I like to call “the borrowed benefit.” That concept stayed with me and found a home in my equine-assisted therapy practice. For example, I often ask groups to perform a task, such as moving a horse around the arena, without providing any instructions. Actual group dynamics emerge within 10 minutes. It’s impressive to watch it unfold so quickly, mirroring the same insights I experienced in that NYU weekend.