Help A Horse's Friend Continue its Good Work.

Why we need everyone’s help:

Matt Doward the Founder and Executive Director would never ask for help, he’s always been a put your head down do it yourself kind of man.  Stubborn and hard, giving and generous; traits that have made the program survive.  Now things have changed.  So we the  volunteers loyal to the program are asking for him.

At-risk youth horse program facing losing stomping grounds - Spectrum News

Help A Horse's Friend - WHEC News Channel 10

Future of Non-Profit in Jeopardy - WROC News Channel 8

His youth horsemanship program   A Horse’s Friend needs your help more than ever right now.   The program and our 20 beautiful horses are at risk of being homeless.  Yes, the farm, our home is for sale and the program is in jeopardy of closing it’s doors forever (see update at bottom).   Our Urban Youth program that has helped more than 2500 of Rochester’s youth is asking for donations to purchase High View Farm so that our program can continue to expose kids to the world of horses.  
 

The AHF Story:

A Horse’s Friend is an established 14 year outreach program whose mission is to expose youth from the inner city and underserved populations to new and successful opportunities with horses.  A Horse’s Friends many dedicated volunteers have touched the lives of disadvantaged and otherwise underprivileged children.  AHF is a unique program promoting positive values, increasing social competencies and teaches children respect through the use of horses and horseback riding.  The program has been blessed to call High View Farm its home for 12 years and has given our not-for-profit access to more than 400 acres of trails to ride on and wonderful pasture space with plenty of room to grow.  The indoor and outdoor riding arenas on the property have allowed our youth to ride year round while giving our program horses large pastures to roam and play. We are thankful for this historical farm that was established in the 1960’s and has given us the space and opportunity to grow and support our communities youth. 

In addition to providing new experiences and life choices, AHF has provided children alternatives to street activities that may lead to truancy, violence and drug use. The entire program provides an environment in which all riders can “saddle up for success”, support each other and develop special bonds with other children and animals, all while helping develop their full potential and becoming more productive citizens within their community.

Who has benefited from the AHF program:

During the past 14 years A Horse’s Friend has worked with countless Rochester youth groups and organizations such as Villa of Hope, Hillside, ABVI, The Rochester City School District, Quad A for Kids, Industry Detention Facility, Baden Street Recreational Center, and the list goes on.  AHF and these clients together have given their kids the opportunity to work with large animals in a way that they would otherwise not be exposed to in their daily lives.

Please consider donating to help us sustain our important and valued program. To help get the word out, you care share our story to your friends and family, and you can also share our link through your social media pages.  Please visit our webpage www.ahorsesfriend.org to learn more about the program and read more volunteer stories.

Update: Fall 2019 the farm has been purchased. We hope to be able to stay at the farm under he new ownership.  Please keep helping when and where you can.  Many Thanks!