Work to Ride

Work to Ride, founded in 1994, is a community-based program that aids under-resourced urban youth through constructive activities centered on horsemanship, equine sports, and education. With outdated facilities and a goal to broaden resources, the organization undertook a transformative fundraising effort to extend the program’s benefits to more youth. Our efforts at the Work to Ride Equestrian Center on Chamounix Drive in West Fairmount Park consist of two phases, the first of which was an accessible indoor equestrian arena with associated site work. The arena contains a 250’ x 150’ equestrian surface for riding lessons and polo training with bleachers, an observation mezzanine, and new bathrooms. A new bio-retention basin, improved site drainage, and resurfaced paddocks enhance horse well-being and build out the site. The project continues with the renovation of existing horse stables, providing housing for the animals, new offices, a lounge, storage rooms, and a locker room. On the exterior, the existing façades of the stables will be coordinated with the siding of the first phase of new construction.