Horse Guard Delivers Equipment To Inner City Riders

The Second Company Governor’s Horse Guard recently delivered $12,000 worth of tack and horse equipment to an inner city horse group in Philadelphia. Proceeds from the drive, held at the Horse Guard since October.

Horse Guard members loaded up a trailer and delivered the following items to the Strawberry Mansion Equestrian Center (SMEC): ten saddles, two dozen horse blankets, numerous bridles, halters and bits, clothing, more than two dozen riding helmets, riding boots and several odds and ends. Many of the items were new or in good, usable condition. Horse Guard members who delivered the supplies are Sergeant Jose Flavio “JR” Rosa along with associate members First Lieutenant Steven deFriesse and Second Lieutenant Robert Dahm.

The Second Company Governor’s Horse Guard thanks those who donated, especially local tack shops, All the Kings Horses of Ridgefield and The Horseman’s Exchange in Middlebury. All items that were donated will be used to improve the SMEC riding program and the group’s participation in area horse shows.

Prior to the arrival of the early Christmas presents, children who participated in horse shows through SMEC had to share one show helmet, passing it from one to another after each event. Now each of the children will have his or her own full line of show clothes, helmets and boots. The horses owned by SMEC were also treated to new blankets that were desperately needed. 

Despite lack of facilities, the SMEC always puts its horses first and all of their horses appeared to be in very good physical condition, Governor’s Horse Guard members report. The equestrian center is only that of a vacant lot and makeshift stables; there is no actual building. Items that were donated had to be stored in a “safe house” in a very impoverished part of North Philadelphia. Many times, any equipment that is left near the stables is stolen. There is a dedicated core group of volunteers that heads the riding program. Founders Al Lynch and Wayne Harris have kept the program going since 1991.

The SMEC is a nonprofit riding group for disadvantaged inner-city youths. To remain in the program, participants must stay in school, get good grades, and stay out of trouble.