Fall Horseback Riding at The Hill
We want to introduce you to Ruthie Riley, a participant in our fall horseback riding program! Last year, Ruthie got involved with Coyote Hill Foster Care Ministries when she did a Peer to Peer fundraiser during CoMoGives through her company Ruthie’s Little Bakery. We have been blown away by Ruthie’s generosity the past couple years as she is only 11-years-old!
This fall, we invited children in foster care, children who have been adopted, and biological children of foster/adoptive families to be a part of our horseback riding program at the Harrisburg Foster Care Community! Ruthie got to partake in horseback riding this fall as she has two little brothers who were adopted from India.
“I’ve really enjoyed learning to trot in the arena with Jabez, the horse I ride,” said Ruthie. “I also enjoy grooming him before and after I ride – I like making his coat and mane look shiny and clean. I have enjoyed meeting new friends while horseback riding, too!”
Ruthie’s mom, Kara, has loved watching horseback riding at Coyote Hill Foster Care Ministries positively effect Ruthie. “I’ve watched Ruthie gain so much confidence. In one session, Ruthie went from being frustrated and in tears to smiling, confident, and proud of her accomplishments. Rebecca (Coyote Hill Foster Care Ministries Equine Specialist) has been an amazing role model and friend to Ruthie. She is teaching her how to express her feelings with words and how a horse senses how she’s feeling. She’s also teaching her she can do things that are challenging, but it’s okay to ask for help.”
Kids who participate in the Equine Program learn how to groom, saddle and ride a horse. They also learn how to deal with negative emotions. “Ms. Rebecca has taught me how to trot, do obstacles, and how to work through things that are tough. She has taught me how to problem solve and how to work as a team with my horse.” Ruthie said.
“I would recommend Coyote Hill Foster Care Ministries horseback riding to any child!!” said Kara. “Equine therapy is so powerful. The opportunity to work with and befriend such a beautiful creation is something I would have loved to do as a kid. It teaches responsibility as well as gives a kid an opportunity to take pride in their ability to take care of one of God’s creatures.”
This year, along with horseback riding, Ruthie wanted to use her cupcake baking skills to help bless other kids her age like she did last year! Right now, through our CoMoGives campaign, Ruthie is trying to raise $1,000 to benefit kids in foster care. “I want Coyote Hill Foster Care Ministries kids to live the best life they can!” Ruthie said. She is giving a mixed pack of 6 cupcakes to anyone who gives $12 or more through her link here.
If you are interested in learning more about our equine program, visit coyotehill.org/equine-program. To donate to Ruthie’s Peer to Peer fundraiser for our CoMoGives campaign, visit comogives.com/peer-to-peer/ruthies-cupcakes.
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