How It Works
What Kids Get
What Our Riders Receive
Free Riding Lessons & Attire
Structured horseback riding and horsemanship instruction taught by experienced staff at Sunni-Bell Stables. Proper equestrian safety gear and attire are provided at zero cost to the family.
Free 4-H Memberships
Full annual enrollment in the Penn State Extension 4-H Horse Club. This gives every youth rider an official record of participation and opening doors to a national network of agricultural opportunities.
Transportation & Meals
A reliable program transit van ensures that a lack of transportation is never a barrier to joining. Freshly prepared breakfast and lunch are also provided during every weekend session.
Character & Career Development
Beyond the stables, the program focuses on essential life skills, character development, and unique exposure to professional career paths within the agricultural industry.
Logistics & Schedule
Program Logistics
Where We Meet: All riding sessions take place at the beautiful Sunni-Bell Stables located in Burgettstown, PA (Washington County).
How We Get There: Free transportation is proudly provided by the Ebenezer Baptist Church Outreach Ministries. Their program van safely picks up the youth from the city, drives them to the farm, and brings them back home.
Requirements to Maintain Active Standing
Our program is a mutual investment. To remain eligible for active riding privileges and future scholarship pools, riders must meet two simple benchmarks
Requirements to Stay Eligible
Requirements to Stay Eligible
8+ Meetings Per Year
Consistent attendance anchors the trust and responsibility built between the rider, the mentors, and the horse.
2.8 GPA or Higher
Riding is our hook, but education is our ultimate goal. Keeping grades up ensures academic accountability.
Riders who consistently meet these benchmarks unlock a direct path to real post-secondary grant and scholarship funding ($5,000+/year) starting after their first year of college, trade school, or other post-secondary programs.
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.
Want to Enroll a Rider?
Riding Into the Future is currently enrolling for our seasonal youth cohorts. Space is highly limited to ensure personalized instruction and maximum safety for every child. Contact our coordinator to learn about eligibility, upcoming session dates, and application steps.