Equestrian access programs that help provide opportunity for young equestrians from diverse backgrounds are doing important work, but they can’t do it alone. From volunteers and donations to funding, connecting these programs with the resources they need is a critical piece of the puzzle.
Strides for Equality Equestrian (SEE) has been mobilizing funds to support efforts that are helping create equitable opportunities for BIPOC equestrians and build a more inclusive equestrian culture. This summer SEE awarded a $2,500 Access Grant to fund the participation of five young people in Detroit Horse Power’s summer camp programming, and recently caught up with Founder and Executive Director David Silver this fall for his reflections on the impact of the Access Grant.
“Detroit Horse Power is extremely grateful to have received a SEE Access Grant. All of Detroit Horse Power’s equine-assisted social-emotional learning programs are free to the under-resourced Detroit youth that we serve and so contributions like this are essential to expanding access to horses for young people who would not ordinarily have the opportunity to learn and grow through working with horses,” he said.
The grant went to cover the average cost per student, about $500 per week, to cover program expenses including staffing, transportation, meals and program supplies.
“Students learn how to ride and take care of horses, learn from guest speakers from different equine professions, and connect the character traits at the heart of our model into their everyday lives,” David says. “We know these life lessons – perseverance, empathy, responsible risk-taking, confidence, and self-control – will stay with our students wherever life takes them in order to overcome adversity on their path to success.”
Detroit Horse Power is working to expand the number of participating youth in their current programs while moving close to constructing an urban equestrian center on a Detroit vacant land site that will scale access to horses for many more.
This week, thanks to generous #GivingTuesday donations from supporters, Detroit Horse Power is less than $500 away from unlocking a $5,000 matching grant. Can you help them on the home stretch? You can donate today here.
You can also support SEE via donation, volunteering, becoming a member or partnering — learn more here.
Graphic courtesy of Strides for Equality Equestrians.
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