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Chamounix Equestrian Center

Work To Ride Horsemanship, Equine Sports and Education Program

Ralph Lauren Photo Shoot for Work To Ride Riders
Photo copyright Ralph Lauren. Article Game Changers, A BEHIND-THE-SCENES LOOK AT PHILADELPHIA’S INSPIRING WORK TO RIDE PROGRAM, ALONG WITH FOUR PLAYERS WHO HELPED LAUNCH IT TO NATIONAL ATTENTION

Nationally Acclaimed Horsemanship Program & Championship Polo Team

Founded in 1994, Work to Ride (WTR) is a 501 c3, non-profit community-based prevention program that aids disadvantaged urban youth though constructive activities centered on horsemanship, equine sports and education. The program is housed at Chamounix Stables, located in Fairmount Park, Philadelphia.

The Work to Ride Experience

Work To Ride programs and activities are designed to explore new ways of engaging youth in significant educational, social and cultural experiences that are otherwise unavailable. The youth build relationships and develop problem-solving skills through spirited teamwork and cooperation.  We offer a variety of affordable and fun ways for children and young people to learn more about a working farm, horses and riding, such as Discovery Days, Horseback Riding Lessons and Summer Camp.

Work to Ride has achieved national recognition, including HBO Sports and newspaper feature stories.  Get to know the Work to Ride story through media coverage. Watch the 17 minute HBO Sports video on your mobile device here.

We invite you to explore the Work to Ride Program & History

Tournament at Garrison Forest School

Written by Marisol Jimenez

  "It was the best day ever because I got the sportsmanship award for being the most helpful."

My name is Marisol Jimenez, I am in sixth grade and I participate in the Work to Ride program. Work to Ride was especially made for inner-city youths that are at risk in their neighborhood. Work to Ride is a place where children, like me, can express themselves while learning how to care and, eventually, ride horses. Work to Ride is a safe haven where kids don’t have to worry about being in danger, while they’re having fun, they can just come and relax!

Not very many children in a lifetime even get an opportunity to learn to ride. In fact, only about 1 out of about 35 children will learn to ride a horse. I am one of them.

Here is my story.

Fun at Work to Ride

Summer Camp 2019

A young rider is getting a horse riding lesson.

Week of June 17 (2) 1/2 day PM spots left
Week of June 24 – Full
Week of July 1 – Full
Week of July 8 – Full
Week of July 15 – Full
Week of July 22 – Full
Week of July 29 – Full
Week of August 5 – Full

We are so sorry if you are just visiting the site and realize that the camp is full. We typically post our registration form in February and camps are full by the end of March. Please check back with us early next year or email us to be added to the mailing list.

Updated 5.13.2019

Horseback Riding Camp – June 25 to Aug 3th
There are six, one week camp sessions to choose from. You can sign up for one, or all six.  The Work Ride Summer Camp is open to all horse loving kids between the ages of 8 to 15 who want to learn about horses and how to ride. Daily activities include equine education, fun and a great foundation in horseback riding and care. Campers learn about safety, teamwork, responsibility, animal husbandry, barn management, and animal behavior. On Friday of each week parents are invited to watch (10AM or 2PM) their kids exhibit their skills on horseback.

Download to print and fill out the summer camp program registration form. (PDF)
Learn to Ride a Horse

Riding Lessons
Riders in a pond.

Work to Ride Equestrian Program offers public riding lessons for both adults and children from April through November. Winter lessons are held as weather permits.

Learn more about Riding Lessons

A Proud History of Dedication and Fun

Learn About Work To Ride

Work to Ride Women Posing

Work To Ride programs and activities are designed to explore new ways of engaging youth in significant educational, social and cultural experiences that are otherwise unavailable.

Get to know Work to Ride

2018 NE Regional Cornell v Harvard Part 2