Urban children experience the suburbs on horseback with Detroit Horse Power, bringing the experience full circle.

Detroit Horse Power, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing equestrian programs for Detroit youths, is set to transform a vacant 14-acre parcel on the city’s west side into its new home. The site, previously occupied by Robeson Academy until it was demolished in 2012, will soon be home to a state-of-the-art urban equestrian center. This development marks a significant milestone for Detroit Horse Power, which has been operating camps for Detroit youths in communities outside the city for over a decade.

Founded in 2015 by David Silver, a former elementary school teacher, Detroit Horse Power aims to instill critical social-emotional skills in Detroit’s youth through interactions with horses. Silver’s own experiences with horses as a youth inspired him to create a program that would provide similar opportunities for Detroit students. The organization offers free afterschool programming, field trips, and summer camps, with a focus on youths aged 11-18.

The new urban equestrian center, expected to open in 2025, will be the largest of its kind in any major city in the country. With plans for a 26,395-square-foot facility, the center will serve as a hub for youth development programs, field trips, and summer camps. The organization anticipates a significant increase in student participation, with afterschool program enrollment expected to grow from 40 students to over 100, and summer camp attendance projected to reach between 500 and 1,000 students.

The Detroit Public Schools Community District Board of Education recently approved Detroit Horse Power’s purchase of the 14-acre property, signaling a new chapter for the organization. The city of Detroit’s Building Safety Engineering and Environmental Department has also approved the site plan for the project. The Hope Village neighborhood, where the site is located, has welcomed the development, recognizing the positive impact it will have on the community.

Funding for the project has been secured through a capital campaign, with support from the State of Michigan, Kresge Foundation, and Meijer Foundation, among others. Detroit Horse Power has partnered with various organizations and experts to design and develop the facility, ensuring that it meets the highest standards of safety and functionality. Plans for the center include a stable for up to 17 horses, an indoor riding area, and a half-mile-long bridle path for horseback riding.

The impact of Detroit Horse Power’s programs on its participants is evident in the stories of students like Morgan Northern and Iscsis Lee-streety, who have gained valuable skills and experiences through their interactions with horses. The organization’s focus on character development, encapsulated in the PERCS framework (perseverance, empathy, responsible risk-taking, confidence, and self-control), has had a profound effect on students like Jae’da Sims, who now serves as a junior camp counselor.

The new urban equestrian center in Detroit is not only a boon for the organization but also a significant asset for the community. Jeff Jones, executive director of HOPE Village Revitalization, believes that the center will be a game-changer for the neighborhood, providing opportunities for local youths and enhancing the overall value of the city. The project represents a collaborative effort between Detroit Horse Power, the community, and various stakeholders, all working towards a common goal of empowering Detroit’s youth through equestrian programs.

In conclusion, the development of the urban equestrian center in Detroit represents a transformative moment for Detroit Horse Power and the community at large. By providing a dedicated space for youth development programs and equestrian activities, the organization is poised to make a lasting impact on the lives of Detroit’s youth. With a focus on skill-building, character development, and community engagement, Detroit Horse Power is paving the way for a brighter future for the city’s young residents.