BridgeUP GiddyUP provides youth with a unique track to personal development through the medium of horseback riding. The program teaches horsemanship and animal husbandry, and provides a rigorous skills curriculum for students which adhere to the European standards. In addition to athletic training and skill development, students receive holistic personal and social development skills. Fitness testing and health education help improve nutrition, coordination, balance, and flexibility. Group activities and community engagement provide opportunities for students to develop critical social skills including communication, responsibility, teamwork, and problem-solving.
“We’re teaching much more than how to ride,” said Coach Baier. “We’re teaching how to lead with empathy, how to care deeply for another living being, and how to see yourself as someone who belongs in any arena. Our students don’t just become better riders—they become better people. BridgeUP: GiddyUP proves what’s possible when you invest in young people holistically,” said Baier. “They’re not only developing riding skills—they’re learning discipline, resilience, and leadership. And they’re doing it in a space that has traditionally been out of reach for youth from communities like ours." -"Bridging the Gap—How BridgeUP: GiddyUP Is Redefining the Equestrian World for Memphis Youth." SchoolSeed Foundation, 1 May 2024, https://schoolseed.org/?pn=news&nid=160. Accessed 6 May 2025.
Recent Comments