Steady Strides Riding Center

“Conflict of Interest policies are reviewed and updated on an annual basis by the Board of Directors.”

“The Board of Directors reviews the performance of the Executive Director and bases her compensation on three other Arizona nonprofit riding centers.”

“Steady Strides Riding Center will make their annual information returns and application for tax exempt status available upon request.”

“The programs supporting this mission include riding lessons; boarding, training, and leasing; community collaborations; and horse rescue.”

“Accomplishments for FY24 include providing more than 1,900 riding lessons, serving 340 riders and participants, an 89 percent increase over FY23, offering free and low cost riding and horsemanship lessons to 37 participants through its sliding scale financial assistance program, rescuing 1 horse, competing in 2 local hunter jumper horse shows with 12 horses and 18 riders, collaborating with CHARM for a fifth year to hold an in-person riding camp for grieving families, hosting 3 Masterson Method equine bodywork certification clinics for the 7th year in a row, hosting University of Arizona Veterinary students for a day of education and practice, and beginning a large new community program putting on the Tucson Fall Horse Shows.”

“With a shared belief that horses, riding, and showing should be inclusive, affordable, and accessible, Freedom Run Horse Shows and SSRC partnered to save the shows. Together, Freedom Run and SSRC worked hard to rejuvenate the horse show as a charitable show benefitting SSRC, as well as saving the legacy of these shows, bringing fun and enjoyment to the horse community, and helping other local businesses thrive. Thanks to an outpouring of sponsorship and volunteer support from the Arizona and New Mexico equestrian communities, Freedom Run Horse Shows and SSRC were able to organize and modernize the 2023 shows in just two months. Over 200 riders and horses attended the shows which took place November 1 to 12, 2023.”

“RESCUE. At SSRC, its not just about what horses can do for us, its about what we can do for horses. First and foremost, that means providing the best care for our program horses. Our horses receive high quality food and supplements, ample turnout for exercise and socializing, routine veterinary care, low workloads, regular training rides to ensure the horses are well behaved and physically fit, and quarterly chiropractic and massage treatments. Sadly, not all horses are well treated and within the horse industry there is neglect, abuse, and the sale of unwanted horses to slaughter. It is important to educate riders about these issues and to show people how to combat the mistreatment of horses.”

“To this end, SSRC often chooses rescue horses to work in our programs. Additionally, Steady Strides dedicates 1 to 2 stalls to rescued horses. After rescuing a horse, staff, volunteers, and clients help rehabilitate, train, and adopt out the horse. This process both educates the community and helps horses in need. SSRC rescued one horse this year, its fifteenth rescued horse since opening.”

“The Board of Directors reviews the Form 990 prior to filing.”

“Other Contractors include Riding Instructors and Horse Show Personnel.”