Havenwood Equestrian Center

Our Program 

Havenwood Equestrian Center is a nonprofit horse farm that offers a free after-school program for low-income high schoolers at Auburn High School, in Riner, Virginia. 

How it works

Students in grades 9-12 at Auburn High School who qualify for free or reduced-price lunch are invited to apply. Once accepted, students ride the bus to the farm once a week, where skilled adults teach them how to handle and ride horses, show them how to care for the stables, and offer academic tutoring.  

Why we do it

Havenwood Equestrian Center is the vision of Dawn Gifford, a local equestrian who believes that working with horses can change lives. Our program inspires teens to learn, grow, and challenge themselves. We believe: 

• Connecting with and riding horses builds self-worth and empowerment.
• Caring for horses and their environment teaches responsibility.
• Following the rules and routines of the program demonstrates the value of daily structure, routine, and accountability.
• Receiving academic tutoring enables achievement to open the door to future opportunities.