UCP Saddle Pals Arena

I was lucky as a young kid. Growing up, I had a pony named Flicka. I would ride her bareback down to the little creek and through the blackberry bushes at the edge of our property. Later, I’d visit my aunt’s house, where she had two horses and a couple of cows on a turkey ranch (ask me sometime about picking up turkey eggs!). I’d grab a saddle and halter and ride as much as I could. I even competed in a small rodeo and earned a ribbon.

My love of horses began at a young age and continues to this day. There is something truly powerful about being around a horse. They teach us strength and trust, help build confidence, and keep us physically active—all at the same time.

While I don’t ride much anymore, I’m grateful that I still get to visit the UCP Saddle Pals horses—Rock, Sky, and Cody. Along with the incredible UCP Saddle Pals staff and volunteers, children and adults with developmental disabilities are able to learn from and connect with these amazing animals.

UCP is raising $250,000 to build the UCP Saddle Pals Arena. This dedicated arena will increase safety, provide secure access, and allow for more adaptive equipment tailored specifically to the program. Having our own arena will also make it possible to expand programming and, we hope, serve more of the 90+ individuals currently on the waitlist.

Please join me in helping to make this arena a dream come true for so many. I’ve already made a gift to support the program, and for the Big Day of Giving, I will match donations dollar for dollar—up to $1,000.