Our Mission
Youth Riding Club of America is dedicated to youth development through equestrian education. Through horsemanship, mentorship, and hands-on learning, our programs help young people build confidence, responsibility, emotional awareness, and leadership skills.
The Austin metropolitan area is home to nearly one million residents and a rapidly growing youth population, with approximately one in five residents under the age of 18. Austin is also a diverse community, where roughly half of residents identify as white and nearly one-third identify as Hispanic or Latino.
Despite the region’s strong equestrian culture and the large number of horses in Texas, participation in equestrian sports nationally remains significantly less diverse. Studies of the U.S. equestrian industry estimate that over 80% of riders identify as white, indicating a representation gap when compared to the demographics of many American communities.
Barriers such as the cost of riding lessons, limited access to horses, transportation challenges, and lack of exposure to equestrian programs can prevent many young people from participating in horse-related activities.
Youth Riding Club of America works to expand access to equestrian education and mentorship, providing opportunities for youth from a wide range of backgrounds to experience the life-changing benefits of working with horses. By creating accessible programs, scholarships, and community partnerships, we aim to ensure that more young people can develop confidence, responsibility, and personal growth through horsemanship.
Juvenile Detention Equestrian Program
Our YRCA Juvenile Detention Equine Program provides structured equine education and mentorship for teens ages 13–17 who are currently on probation. The program is designed to help participants build responsibility, emotional awareness, and confidence through hands-on work with horses.
Participants attend weekly sessions every Saturday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM over the course of a three-month program cycle. During this time, students learn foundational horsemanship skills while developing important life skills that support personal growth and positive decision-making.
Program activities include:
• Horse care and grooming
• Leading and safely handling horses
• Groundwork and horsemanship exercises
• Stable management and responsibility tasks
• Teamwork and communication development
• Mentorship and guided reflection
Working with horses requires patience, accountability, and trust. Through consistent interaction with these animals, participants gain valuable insight into their own behavior, communication style, and ability to regulate emotions.
Participation in the program requires an application and approval process to ensure the program is a good fit for each youth.
At the conclusion of the three-month program, participants who demonstrate commitment, responsibility, and positive engagement may be offered the opportunity to continue participating in advanced programming with Youth Riding Club of America, subject to program approval.
The goal of the Juvenile Detention Equine Program is to provide youth with meaningful experiences that foster personal development, strengthen life skills, and encourage positive pathways for the future.
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