Who We Serve
The physical and psychological benefits of sharing time with horses are undeniable, but are too often reserved for those who can afford riding lessons. Saddle Up Scholars has partnered with these existing outreach programs that bring youth from low-income neighborhoods to experience and enjoy horses and horseback riding.
In partnership with five Baltimore-based farms, Bacon Hall, Church Hill, Johnnycake Farm, Olney Farm, and Willow View Farm, the Schuster Foundation provides over 1,000 lessons per year for children enrolled in a variety of Baltimore City Community Organizations.
Founded by Lezlie Hiner and based in Philadelphia since 1994, Work to Ride is a community-based prevention program that aids under-resourced urban youth through constructive activities centered on horsemanship, equine sports, and education. The success of this program has been featured on HBO Real Sports several times. Graduates of this program Kareem Rosser and Shariah Harris have received national acclaim for their accomplishments on and off the polo field.
Charm City Youth Polo brings young riders from Baltimore City to the sport of polo. In conjunction with Garrison Forest School, the teams practice and compete in the interscholastic league under the USPA. This growing program is bringing horsemanship and sportsmanship of polo to new faces, and helping their riders reach new heights in sport as well as school.
Great Strides Equestrian Foundation provides under-resourced teens in the Albany, NY area access to equestrian sports through polo and horseback riding lessons. Thanks to their founder Laurie Scott, Mario Dino of the Saratoga Polo School, and the Boys and Girls Club of the Capital Area for bringing these riders the joy of horsemanship, and with it, values such as discipline, teamwork, and responsibility.
Under the umbrella of the Helen Gurley Brown Foundation and based out of the Southern Blues Equestrian Center, GiddyUP guide young people into a future in which they can take their horseback riding skills and apply these into any future career path, within the “horse world” and beyond it. Their merit-based system of riding standards and levels helps their riders set and attain goals with both their riding and school.
The Ruth M. Kirk Center gives kids in the community a safe place to learn and play and to provide some basic family needs such as food, coats, toys and hygiene products. The Citizen’s United for the 44th District works to develop and strengthen the vibrant community and culture in Southwest Baltimore through the creation of accessible educational, recreational, and employment opportunities.