LETTER FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
AswegointooursecondyearsinceWinLewisandIcofoundedSaddleUpScholarsandbeganopeningourvirtual doorstostudents,wehavesomuchtobeproudof.As careereducators,WinandIseetheparallelsbetween horsemanshipandacademicsuccess,andweare motivatedbythestoriesofpeoplelikeKareemRosser, ShariahHarris,DeonteSewell,andDominickMerrittwho foundtheirwaytopersonalsuccessthroughthelifelessons uniquelytaughtbyhorses.AtSaddleUpScholars,by blendingthehorseworldintotheacademicworld,wehave adistinctiveopportunitytohelpyoungridersacrossthe countryrealizetheirfullpotential.
Lookingbackandconsideringthedevelopmentswe havemadesincewewelcomedourfirststudentsinthe Summerof2023,wearefilledwithgratitudeandthedesire tokeepgrowing.Itwasbothdauntingandexhilaratingto leaveourprofessionsandstartthisnewventure,butour achievementsinjustoneyearhavebeenmorethanworth thechancewetook.Inoneyearwegrewfromlittlemore thanadreamtonowservingmorethanfiftystudents representingsixdifferentequestrianoutreach organizationsacrossfivedifferentcities:Albany,Baltimore, Memphis,Ocala,andPhiladelphia!Inweeklyvirtual academicsupportmeetings,wehavewatchedour studentsthriveandbecomestudentcouncilpresidents, sciencefairwinners,recognizedscholars–andbestofall; confidentlearners.Wehopeyouenjoyreadingaboutour successesinourinauguralyear.
Sincerely, JennieTowner,PhD
OUR PHILOSOPHY Mission
We provide individualized educational support services to students involved in equestrian outreach programs. We aim to empower under-served youth by channeling the passion for horses into academic excellence. We believe education will allow our students to overcome challenges, embrace their potential, and build brighter futures for themselves and their communities.
Vision
We are committed to promoting social justice through educational opportunities and equine-assisted activities. We strive to promote equity and inclusion in horse sports by increasing representation and by helping students find strengths to forge a pathway to success.
BY THE NUMBERS
830
Cities Riding Partners
Students
3.4
Average GPA
Students
Tutoring hours
Outings
Students by Grade
OUR PARTNERS BridgeUP GiddyUP
Memphis, TN
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. Christian and McKrell Baier’s merit-based system of riding standards and levels helps their riders set and attain goals with both their riding and school.
Charm City Polo
Baltimore, MD
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 OUR PARTNERS
Schuster
Baltimore, MD
In partnership with six Baltimore-based farms, the Schuster Foundation provides over 1,000 lessons per year for children enrolled in a variety of Baltimore City Community Organizations. Instructors include Karyn Rainey at Bacon Hall, Patti Fenwick at Church Hill and Olney Farms, Sarah Stein at Johnnycake Farm, Edwin Segovia & Leslie Deering at Mooreland Farm, and Brenda & Maggie Herzog at Willow View Farm
Albany, NY
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.
Foundation
Second Chances OUR PARTNERS
Ocala, FL
The Florida Department of Juvenile Justice and the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation run this program at the Lowell Correctional Institution to provide youth an opportunity to gain hands-on training while receiving the benefits of equine assisted therapy. This service is part of a specialized treatment plan and allows youth to grow and build upon their skills to ensure a successful transition back into their home communities.
Work To Ride
Philadelphia, PA
Founded by Lezlie Hiner in 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. Graduates Kareem Rosser and Shariah Harris have received national acclaim for their accomplishments on and off the polo field.
ACADEMICS: WHAT WE DO
SaddleUpScholarscreatesanindividualizedplanforeachstudent’s academicneedsandinterests.Studentsmeetwithtutorsinweekly, one-on-onevirtualsessionstoreviewacademicprogress,develop learningstrategies,andplanforcontinuedengagement.Ifastudent doesnothaveaccesstoalaptoporwifi,wewillprovidethistechnology.
Allparticipantsinourpartnerprogramsareabletoreceivethe academicservicesfromSaddleUpScholarsatnocost.Aslongasa studentisregularlyinvolvedwiththeridingprogram,ourtutoringand guidancewillbeavailabletothem.
ACADEMICS: HOW WE DO IT
GUIDANCE
Navigate options for school choice
Discover scholarship opportunities
Plan for college and technical schools
Assist with financial aid and FAFSA
ENRICHMENTPROGRAMS
FinancialLiteracy
WorkplaceLiteracy
StrengthsDevelopment
SummerExploration
ACADEMIC COACHING
Literacy & Subject-Based Tutoring
Executive Functioning & Study Skills
Standardized Test Preparation
ENRICHMENT: OUTINGS
FIELD TRIPS
Students have been able to enjoy a range of educational trips, including these fan favorites
PIMLICO RACECOURSE
During Preakness week, students went to the Sunrise Tours to see some behind the scenes activity at the racetrack
AUTHOR TALK
Students spent a day at the Maryland Horse Library meeting with equestrian author Rennie Dyball to discuss her recent book Good Boy, Eddie
FARM VISIT
Country Life & Merryland Farms opened their doors to several groups of students to show their Thoroughbred breeding and training operation.
ENRICHMENT: VIRTUAL & SUMMER PROGRAMS
In addition to providing educational materials for in-person camps, we were able to enrich our students’ learning in the summer by offering online enrichment programs. Our students were able to enjoy virtual workshops that included science projects, watercolor painting, health & wellness, and summer reading.
OUR IMPACT: ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Our scholars are learning to believe in themselves thanks to the confidence they gain through their tutorials and their time in the saddle. Some notable accomplishments include: Matriculation:
College-bound high school graduate (UMBC)
8th grade graduates (accepted to top-choice high schools)
Academic Awards:
1st & 3rd Place Science Fair
State Robotics Qualification
9th Grade English Award
Olympiada Russian Medal
Q3 High Score Math Award
OUR IMPACT: TESTIMONIALS
“I have achieved so many great things such as getting high scores on tests, putting more effort into things like homework and classwork, and winning first place in research for my school's science fair. Saddle Up Scholars helped me in more ways than just academics. Through setting goals related to school and horses, I noticed improvement allaround.” Sofia R. Grade 6
“Saddle Up Scholars made the difference between my child repeating or passing to the next grade. Their consistency and hard work paid off and is still making quite the difference where teachers at school don't have that personal one on one time.”
“Saddle Up Scholars has profoundly impacted my personal growth both inside and outside the classroom. Their approach to tutoring has not only developed my academic performance, but also instilled in me a deeper sense of self-discipline and time management.” Tolu T. Grade 9
“My son looks forward to tutoring every Wednesday. I’m starting to see his growth and love for learning again. I’m would like for my son to continue with this program!”
SPONSOR STUDENT PROGRESS WAYS TO CONTRIBUTE
$5,000 x three year commitment = $15,000
Becoming an “Academic Advisor” is a way for donors to invest in a student’s future by making a long term commitment to Saddle Up Scholars. Many of our students begin riding in Middle School and are making the pivotal transition to High School and beyond. Help us ensure that these students will receive our continued support by pledging to fund their annual tutoring costs of $5,000 for three years.
What does $5,000 cover?
100+ hours of tutoring
Academic advising Goal setting and much more!
Contact learn@saddleupscholars.org
SUMMER RIDING
WAYS TO CONTRIBUTE FIELD TRIPS
$1,000
As an incentive for our students to accomplish their academic goals, we provide additional riding activities as year end awards for students who demonstrate dedication to their school work. We are lucky to be able to send students to summer camps at Cheshire Hunt, Full Moon Farm, and Olney Farm. A gift of $1,000 will cover the costs for one student to attend a week at riding camp.
$500
Excursions to discover different aspects of the horse industry are vital for young riders to see how horses can advance their futures. Trips to local competitions, racetracks, and museums show our students the opportunities that are available through the horse community. A gift of $500 will cover the costs associated with a single field trip.
FUNDING SOURCES & BUDGET GIVING
GIVING: THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS
FEI 5* ($100,000+)
Schuster Foundation
Nisha A. Kirk Foundation
JuniorHunter
($10,000-$5,000)
AdamsFoundation
GRAND PRIX ($45,000+)
Elizabeth Andon
OpenJumper($25,000-$10,000)
Anonymous
BoudinotFoundation
DavidD.SmithFoundation
ShortStirrup
($5,000-$2,500)
ThePlaidHorse
Walk/Trot($500-$225)
Taylor Cowles
Kelly Ford & Lori Moxley
Erin & John Fulton
LeeAnn Gennett
Carol Copeland
Dr. Hans & Charlene Cooper
Amanda Cutter
Jennifer DePaola
Dawn Friend
Mary Beth Heiser
Adam Hines & Jennie Towner
Priscilla Hoblitzell
Crossrail ($1,000-$500)
CatherineJackson
CharlesE.Noell
Elizabeth Harrison
Natasha & Steve Peacock
Karen Simmons/Trial Run Farm
Jasmin Wells & Family
Leadline($225-$1)
Sarah Hoffdahl
Leila Jackson
Lisa Knudtson McIntyre
Win Lewis
Martha Nevins
Pam & Walter Ornberg
Diannah & Brandon Perry
Catherine Phipps
Debbie Prince & Mark Scanga
Celaine So
Corey & Michelle Towner
Linda and Harry Towner
Tiffany Wandy & Brian Roberts
Kim Weir
Julia Wright
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Kim Weir, Saratoga Springs, NY, President
Kim is the current Director of Strategic Growth for Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga. She served as the Director of Donor Engagement at the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation. Prior to the TRF, Kim’s professional experience included a range of industries including independent school education, international private banking, technology, export promotion, foreign direct investment/ economic development, venture capital and trade association management. Kim holds two B.S. degrees from the University of Virginia as well as an MBA through the Mason School of Business, at the College of Williams & Mary.
Libby Andon, San Diego, CA, Secretary
Libby is the VP of Operations at Attune Agriculture. Prior to her work at Attune, Libby grew TIC Gums into a multi-facility operation committed to local growth and economic stability in Maryland as well as overseas. Libby’s experience growing a local family business into an international corporation allows her to share her expertise in streamlining operations and expansion to Saddle Up Scholars.
Elizabeth M. Harrison, Baltimore, MD, Treasurer
Betsy is currently the VP of Finance for Scoutlogic and has experience as a financial professional in the startup & technology industries. Betsy brings her skills in management, process improvement, audit, and financial analysis. As an accounting professional with an active CPA & an MBA from the University of Maryland's Smith School of Business, Betsy provides a host of services to the Saddle Up Scholars board.
Gabrielle Barnes, Houston, TX, Liaison, Outreach & Media Committee
Gabbi works as a creative technologist for streamlining workplaces and their integration of technology with expertise in CRM implementation. Outside of her professional career, Gabbi has been an advocate for diversity in horse sports; she has been a facilitator and co-host of online discussions through The Plaid Horse about initiatives regarding inclusion and representation of people of color in the horse show world. She was a founding member of the U.S. Hunter Jumper Association Diversity Task Force.
Dr. Sharon Griffin, Memphis, TN
Sharon is the current Executive Director of Kindred Place and serves on the School Seed Board of Directors. She is a two-time graduate and current adjunct professor at University of Memphis. She retired from the Tennessee Department of Education in 2022 after serving in the following roles: Chief of Innovation for Metro Nashville Public Schools, Assistant Commissioner of School Turnaround, Chief of Achievement, Chief of Schools for Shelby County Her accolades include being nationally recognized by Education Week as a "Leader to Learn from," named a Tennessee Department of Education "Supervisor of the Year.”
PARTING WORDS
AnotefromourDevelopmentDirector,WinLewis
Thispastyear,we'vebeenhumbledbytheencouragementthatsomanyofyou havehadforourprogramduringitsearlieststages.Ithasbeenremarkabletobea partoftheprogressourstudentsaremakingatschoolandtheirgrowingbeliefin themselves.
Thankstothegenerosityofourdonors,SaddleUpScholarsstudentsareturning possibilitiesintoachievements.Asouryoungridersmasterbothacademic challengesandequestrianskills,they'rebuildingconfidence,breakingbarriers,and creatingpathstosuccessthatoncemighthaveseemedoutofreach.Fromachieving
