Help Riley Achieve His Equestrian Dreams

For a parent, the profound joy and unparalleled peace that washes over you when your child finds their passion, their true calling, and what ignites their soul is a feeling unlike any other, a deep reassurance that they will be well and are walking a path of purpose in the eyes of the Lord.

This is our son Riley. A normal, goofy, fun loving new teenager, full of energy and willing to explore everything that life has to offer. Up until Christmas of 2022, his world seemed centered around typical teenage pursuits like soccer, Legos, and gaming. However, a surprising Christmas wish hinted at a burgeoning new interest when he asked Santa for a horse. My wife and I chuckled, knowing a horse for Christmas was a long shot. To our surprise, Santa came through with what seemed to be the next best thing, a one day horse riding camp at a local farm in our area. Little did we know that this is where his true passion would begin.

Riley took to all things 'horse,' as we call it, with an almost innate ability, and started lessons the very next week. He has been fortunate to have AMAZING coaches who teach horsemanship comprehensively, aiming to equip their students to become responsible horse owners someday. Riley started learning to ride Dressage, a discipline often described as the highest expression of equestrian training and harmony between horse and rider, he absolutely loves it! Riley moved quickly on his learning journey, he has ridden IEA, local dressage schooling shows and has recently decided that he would like to start his path on recognized shows with a goal of qualifying for Regionals and beyond.

At this point we had gone through horse leasing and started discussions with his coach about goals and horse ownership that would take him to the next level and beyond. We started actively searching for a horse with his coaches guidance, we planned to board at the same barn where his journey began and see just how far he could go. Riley being the responsible, driven, young man that he is, saw an opportunity to contribute.

Recently we had purchased a few 3D printers after receiving one as a family gift last Christmas. We started printing dragons and other fun gadgets that could be sold with a commercial license and the proceeds would go towards ownership. We named the business PLA-Y by Riley Miller a pun for PLAY and PLA or Polylactic Acid filament. This filament is used in 3D printers to print the toys that we have been selling. This process is fairly slow but effective. Support from his family, friends and community has been outstanding. As it turns out, Riley will have much time in the upcoming months to do this.

You see a few short days ago on a trail ride, Riley was thrown to the ground fracturing his T-eight vertebra. God is good, no surgery or brace required but limited activity and no horse riding for 6-8 weeks. Like any acute injury, a broken back is nothing to shake a stick at but with prayer and support from his family and friends we expect him to have a full recovery. Through this process Riley will continue his horsemanship education and spend time at the barn, his spirits are high and he is strong and confident that he will ride again.

Now we have never taught our kids to ask for help unless absolutely needed and unless they are asking us, should never ask for money. In this case we see anything given as an investment in Riley’s future. The personal satisfaction of helping a kid with a dream reach his goals. We are asking to raise an initial goal of $10,000 to do a few things.

1. Fill any gaps in the cost or process of purchasing his first horse and earning his way to Regionals and beyond.

2. Ensure that he has the tools and equipment to provide for the horse, his equestrian journey, and education as a Dressage rider.

3. Lastly give back to the community who have supported him and those less fortunate once his goals have been achieved.

Riley is a great kid. Thank you in advance to any and all who invest in him, I can’t tell you how much it would mean to him. By the way, Riley has no idea we have started this fund but we will surprise him when we reach or exceed our goal at which time I will have him provide regular updates on his journey. Thank you and God Bless!