Expanding Access to Horseback Riding in Sonoma County
By Maggie Clancy, CEO of Strides Riding Academy
Horseback riding has played a meaningful role in my life for many years—not just as a sport, but as a powerful tool for building confidence, responsibility, and resilience. At Strides Riding Academy, we experience these amazing transformations with our students. We also see something else just as clearly: for many families in Sonoma County, the cost of equestrian sports can be a real barrier to participation.
That is why I’m proud to share a new initiative launching February 1, 2026. From that date forward, a portion of all tuition payments at Strides Riding Academy will be directed to a dedicated non-profit organization focused on providing scholarships and financial assistance for aspiring riders.
This initiative is new. It is small to start. And it is something I have wanted to help bring to life for a long time.
Why Accessibility in Equestrian Sports Matters
Equestrian sports offer benefits that go far beyond learning how to ride. Students develop patience, emotional awareness, communication skills, and a deep sense of responsibility—both for themselves and for another living being. These are lessons that extend into school, relationships, and adulthood.
However, horseback riding is not always financially accessible. Lessons, equipment, and horse care costs add up quickly, and even families who value the experience may struggle to make it work long-term. In Sonoma County, where the cost of living is already high, this can mean that riding feels out of reach for many children and adults who would benefit deeply from it.
At Strides, we believe that a student’s potential should not be limited by finances alone. This new scholarship initiative is a first step toward addressing that reality in a sustainable, thoughtful way.
A New Initiative—Built to Grow Over Time
Beginning February 1, 2026, a portion of every tuition payment at Strides Riding Academy will support a non-profit organization dedicated to equestrian access and inclusion.
I want to be very transparent:
At this stage, we will not be able to offer many scholarships right away.
This is a brand-new program, and growth will take time. Our goal is not to overpromise, but to build something that is stable, ethical, and able to expand over the years. By embedding this contribution directly into tuition, we are creating a foundation that allows the program to grow gradually and responsibly.
Every lesson taught at Strides will now contribute—however modestly—to expanding access to horseback riding in Sonoma County.
Riding Is About More Than Riding
At Strides Riding Academy, we approach instruction with intention. Riding is not something we rush, and progress is never measured only by jumps, ribbons, or levels.
Our students learn:
How to regulate their emotions around large animals
How to communicate clearly and calmly
How to take responsibility for preparation, care, and follow-through
How to build confidence through consistency and effort
These skills matter whether a student rides for one year or ten. They matter whether a student goes on to compete or simply carries these lessons into everyday life.
By supporting this scholarship initiative, we hope to ensure that more students—regardless of financial circumstance—have the opportunity to experience this kind of growth.
Why Now?
I have wanted to help get this non-profit off the ground for many years, and I finally reached a point where I knew it was time to start—whatever the scale.
For students who eventually receive scholarships, this initiative means access to a safe, supportive environment where they can build confidence, develop life skills, and form meaningful connections with horses and mentors. For our current families, it means being part of something bigger than their own lessons.
This is not about solving everything at once. It is about starting.
How Scholarship Funds Will Be Used
Funds raised through this initiative will be used to provide scholarships for riding lessons and related programming at Strides Riding Academy. The focus will be on helping recipients participate consistently, rather than offering one-time experiences.
Consistency is what allows real learning to happen. It’s what helps students build trust with horses, confidence in themselves, and a sense of belonging within the barn community.
As the non-profit grows, we hope to expand the number of scholarships available and continue improving access to equestrian education in Sonoma County.
A Community Effort
One of the most meaningful aspects of this initiative is that it is community-driven. Every family currently riding at Strides is helping support future riders simply by being part of the program.
This reflects what we value most at Strides Riding Academy: thoughtful horsemanship, steady growth, and community impact. We are committed to supporting students not only as riders, but as individuals developing confidence, discipline, and a sense of possibility.
Looking Ahead
This scholarship initiative is just the beginning. While growth will be gradual, the long-term vision is clear—to create more pathways into equestrian sports and ensure that financial limitations do not automatically close the door on opportunity.
If you are a family in Sonoma County interested in riding lessons, or someone who wants to learn more about this new initiative, I encourage you to reach out to us directly.
You can also read the official announcement here:
Thank you for being part of the Strides community and for supporting a future where horseback riding is more accessible to those who need it most.
— Maggie Clancy
CEO, Strides Riding Academy