Empowering Youth Through Equestrian Sport
Equitable access to equestrian programs for diverse youth.
Empowering Youth Through Equestrian Sport
Equitable access to equestrian programs for diverse youth.
Hello
Welcome!
We love that you're here! At Riders United Los Angeles, we empower youth from diverse backgrounds through equestrian activities and training. Join us in fostering physical, mental, and emotional well-being by ensuring access to transformative experiences with horses through an equine environment. "Two Hearts. One Goal"
"What Some of our Riders are Saying"
Zoie
Valentina
Paris
I have a passion for leaping barriers, and gaining ground in record time, and doing so with poise, and with grace. Not just because I’m a competitive equestrian, but because that’s how I aspire to live my life. Life is about pushing beyond your comfort zone into new worlds. Worlds you’ve never entered. Worlds some try to push you out of.
I have a passion for leaping barriers, and gaining ground in record time, and doing so with poise, and with grace. Not just because I’m a competitive equestrian, but because that’s how I aspire to live my life. Life is about pushing beyond your comfort zone into new worlds. Worlds you’ve never entered. Worlds some try to push you out of. Conquering new worlds, in order to conquer the world within. You have to have the courage to be the very first, or be one of the very few. It’s about pioneering new ground. As an African-American young woman, that is not only my right, it is a cultural directive. A directive to innovate, and to demonstrate excellence at every turn. My mother says: “Meet your obstacles with grit, but also with grace and poise and a persevering faith whenever faced with defeat”. Life is not about never falling down, it’s about the determination to get “back in the saddle”. So that’s what I do. I fall down. I fail forward. I get back in the saddle…and I win. Because, I no longer compete just for the ribbons, but rather to gain ground in the world, and to gain ground within. This is why I ride. This is why I am an equestrian.
Paris
Valentina
Paris
"The Riders United non-profit program has helped me not only grow as a rider, but as a horse woman as well. I have learned it’s not all about riding, but the connection and trust you have with your horse and the responsiblity that comes along with it. In this program I have made great relationships with not only horses, but also my traine
"The Riders United non-profit program has helped me not only grow as a rider, but as a horse woman as well. I have learned it’s not all about riding, but the connection and trust you have with your horse and the responsiblity that comes along with it. In this program I have made great relationships with not only horses, but also my trainer, teammates and mentors. I plan to continue training this year with my new horse."
Valentina
Valentina
Valentina
"I found a welcoming riding home when I became part of the Riders United program! This unique program has given me the opportunity to work with amazing and empathetic trainers. I’ve improved so much as a rider and learned about horsemanship. Having access to ride beautiful horses is a dream come true for me. Thank you to my trainer, Victo
"I found a welcoming riding home when I became part of the Riders United program! This unique program has given me the opportunity to work with amazing and empathetic trainers. I’ve improved so much as a rider and learned about horsemanship. Having access to ride beautiful horses is a dream come true for me. Thank you to my trainer, Victoria for believing in me and for her passion to create this one of a kind riding experience for me. Riders United has showed me that dreams can come true, we just have to work hard and believe in ourselves!"
Sophia
Sophia
Valentina
Sophia has been part of the program for several years and and is enjoying competing at local horse shows.
Emma
Sophia
Emma
Emma is also training and competing along her sister Sophia.
Our Training Family
Victoria Faerber Founder & Lead Trainer
Victoria Faerber Founder & Lead Trainer
Victoria Faerber Founder & Lead Trainer
Our program is founded and run by Victoria Faerber. Victoria has been a trainer, coach and mentor for 30+ years working with an array of riders and directly with marginalized, underserved, and/or underrepresented youth through several grassroots programs, including the Compton Cowboys Jr. Equestrian organization. Through her work with youth, Victoria has made an impact on countless young riders and athletes from various cultural and socio-economic backgrounds who have gone on to pursue their dreams - whether that be going to college, pursuing a trade, excelling as a professional rider, or finding peace in their endeavors.
Haleh Nikooee Assistant
Victoria Faerber Founder & Lead Trainer
Victoria Faerber Founder & Lead Trainer
Nancy Kenyon Equine Therapist
Victoria Faerber Founder & Lead Trainer
Nancy Kenyon Equine Therapist
Nancy Kenyon, Psy.D is a trained mental health professional with 15 years in private practice, a lifelong equestrian, and mother. She has worked in an intensive, adolescent out-patient treatment center, Insight in Los Angeles, has run multi-family groups, and worked with Jewish Family Services as a school therapist in elementary and middle schools in Santa Monica. Nancy is also trained in hypnotherapy and works with anxiety and trauma.
Recently, she began a new chapter by diving deeper into her mental health expertise and has married her therapy background with her passion for horses as she has loved them since age 5.
As an EAGALA certified equine professional, Nancy has been working with AHEAD With Horses, Happy Trails, and Shakti Ranch to support the community's needs. She is also currently working with kids and ponies for horsemanship activities in Sullivan Canyon.
Caitlyn Zacha Veterinarian
Victoria Faerber Founder & Lead Trainer
Nancy Kenyon Equine Therapist
COMMITMENT, EMPATHY & GRIT
Donate and Support Our Equestrian Youth Program Today!
Our nonprofit organization is committed to our riders and horses at every step of the journey.
Be part of our community of stakeholders that makes a real impact for youth by providing access to equestrian activities, mentorship and training.
Your donation makes a REAL difference for years to come! RU In?! Two Heart