A Penn State Extension 4-H Horse Club
Riding Into The Future
Kids meet horses. Horses teach trust. Trust changes everything else.
A Penn State Extension 4-H Horse Club
Riding Into The Future
Kids meet horses. Horses teach trust. Trust changes everything else.
Free to every participating family
8 meetings/year minimum to stay eligible
2.8 GPA keeps a rider on track for scholarships
$5,000+/year in potential post-secondary grant funding
Free to every participating family
8 meetings/year minimum to stay eligible
2.8 GPA keeps a rider on track for scholarships
$5,000+/year in potential post-secondary grant funding
Free to every participating family
8 meetings/year minimum to stay eligible
2.8 GPA keeps a rider on track for scholarships
$5,000+/year in potential post-secondary grant funding
Our Program
A Reason to Leave the City
For a lot of kids in Pittsburgh, "the country" isn't somewhere they've ever actually been. Riding Into The Future changes that one Saturday at a time — free horseback riding lessons on a real farm, in a place that looks and sounds and smells nothing like home.
But the riding lessons are really just the entry point. Founded in early 2026 by Dorothea Leftwich, this is a 4-H program at its core. Consistent attendance and a 2.8 GPA put a rider on a real path to post-secondary scholarship funding — money that can go toward college, trade school, or whatever comes after high school.
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The Three Pillars
How It Works
01
The Ride
Free horseback riding lessons and proper equestrian attire on a real working farm—a genuine change of pace from city life.
02
The Mentorship
A trusted adult presence built around patience and consistency. Kids build a relationship with the horse, and with mentors who show up alongside them.
03
The Scholarship
Consistent attendance (8+ meetings/year) and a 2.8 GPA unlock real post-secondary grant funding to invest right back into their future.
What the 2026 Season Looks Like
Step 1: Join – 20 youth riders are accepted into our summer pilot program.
Step 2: Weekly Lessons – Riders gain free annual memberships, horse riding lessons, and meals.
Step 3: Field Trips – Exploring multiple Washington County ranches and equestrian centers.
Step 4: County Fair – Preparing and submitting a hands-on project into the Washington County Fair.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Riding Into The Future really free for kids to join?
Yes. Riding Into The Future is completely free for every participating family. There's no cost for lessons, equestrian attire, or weekly meetings — the program is fully funded through donations and sponsorships so financial barriers never keep a rider from participating.
What age group is this horseback riding program for?
The program is designed for youth riders through Penn State Extension's 4-H Horse Club, welcoming beginners with no prior riding experience. Riders join as part of a structured 4-H club, so no horse ownership or background is required to get started.
Do riders need their own horse or riding gear?
No. Riding Into The Future provides horseback riding lessons and proper equestrian attire on a real working farm, so families don't need to own a horse or purchase gear before joining.
How do kids qualify for the scholarship funding?
Riders become eligible for post-secondary scholarship funding by maintaining consistent attendance (a minimum of 8 meetings per year) and a 2.8 GPA. Meeting both requirements unlocks access to $5,000+ per year in potential grant funding that can go toward college, trade school, or other post-high-school plans.
Where is Riding Into The Future located?
The program serves families in the greater Pittsburgh area, with lessons and field trips taking place at farms and equestrian centers throughout Washington County, PA.
