About Us
Taking the Reins is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving adolescent girls from urban, at-risk environments in Los Angeles. The program teaches life skills to middle and high school girls through equestrian activities. In our riding program, the girls learn to ride and care for horses. In addition to our riding program, girls study equine science, creative writing, photography and web page design. We serve girls from schools and organizations in the local community and provide positive, nurturing activities. Our programs are offered at no, or very low, cost to our participants. We rely on grants from charitable foundations and corporations, as well as donations from individuals.
Taking the Reins has its home at The Paddock Riding Club, an equestrian facility near Griffith Park in the Atwater Village neighborhood of Los Angeles. Our site, with five horses and a Learning Center converted from a horse stall, is nestled under the trees and bordered by the soon-to-be revitalized Los Angeles River. Taking the Reins offers a rural setting to urban girls just minutes from their day-to-day city environment.
I have no idea how I would have gone with out a horse and a dog.
-Martha Josey