Our Story

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We were introduced to the equestrian sport through Compton Jr. Posse (CJP), a non-profit youth equestrian organization founded in 1988 by Mayisha Akbar.  

Ms. Mayisha’s mission was to “keep kids ON horses and OFF the streets” and she used her own backyard in Compton California to fulfill this mission. 

CJP was originally conceived as a western rodeo-style program, but eventually the program turned exclusively to English style riding with Victoria Faerber leading the reigns.  Ms. Victoria was instrumental in developing our skills as English riders.   Every Saturday morning at 8:30am, a group of about twenty (20) kids met at the Compton ranch anxiously waiting for the 4-hour program to begin.  Ms. Victoria taught us the fundamentals of walking, trotting, posting and cantering.  She also taught us how to groom horses, clean tack, and muck stalls.    

For those of us who progressed in our skills and did well in school, we were given the opportunity to learn more advanced skills every Monday after school.  Ms. Victoria taught these Monday classes as well.  It was at these Monday classes where we started to jump fences.  Ms. Victoria made us ride different horses each week so that it would strengthen our riding ability.  These horses taught us many valuable lessons.  Through CJP we all learned responsibility, discipline, confidence, and teamwork.  Ms. Victoria took us to our first competition in Malibu, California - Trancas Riders and Ropers.  We were hooked - Our school horses became our show horses, and a show team emerged! 

Sadly, in November of 2018 Ms. Mayisha retired and CJP closed its doors.  But when one door closes, another one opens.  With Ms. Victoria’s intense desire to expand opportunities for youth to celebrate their uniqueness and diversity as a community – Riders United was formed! 

-  Two Hearts, One Goal -

Riders United is reaching out into the community to touch the lives of as many aspiring riders as we can. Our grassroots program will facilitate riding lessons, horsemanship, and educational and motivational learning through weeklong camps during the summer, as well as two days a week after school program year-round.  We want to make lessons and clinics available to underrepresented kids who love horses. 

We use approaches for both horse and rider to support each other’s physical and personal development.  Our horses are donated due to age, injury or neglect, and we foresee rescuing and partnering retired thoroughbred racehorses with our youth as they become more advanced equestrians.  We pair our horses with riders that will complement their spirit and rebuild their inner strength.  We utilize equine therapy to help our riders visualize their dreams, realize their ambitions, and achieve their goals.  We recognize that by celebrating the internal strength and beauty of both horse and rider, we create a winning team and a road map for success in life.

We welcome donations to support our non-profit program.  Through donations, sponsorships, and volunteering, you’re supporting underrepresented and underserved children and horses.  Your compassion and generosity can empower the growth in everyone to see beyond their horizons and achieve their unbridled potential.