a program for newcomers... regardless of age

The Keystone Riding Initiative is structured to introduce newcomers to Arabians and Half-Arabians through its support of riding and horsemanship programs, as well as providing aid to beginner riders interested in pursuing lessons and horsemanship courses at riding facilities that use Arabians and Half-Arabians in their education programs.

The program’s mission is to provide an experience with Arabian horses to all those that have interest, regardless of their financial status or age. The program grants aid directly to Arabian and/or Half-Arabian lesson programs, providing up to $400 per individual applicant applying as first-time or beginner horse persons in need of verified financial aid. Aid is supplied directly to the Arabian or Half-Arabian lesson program, horsemanship course, or camp for the applicant.

The purpose of this essential aid is to provide newcomers the opportunity to thoroughly experience the connection, affinity, versatility and intelligence of the Arabian and/or Half-Arabian breeds, in addition to the horsemanship and valuable lessons learned through riding. Each grant should fund between 4 to 6 lessons (depending upon the program) delivering a true immersive experience with the Arabian horse.

LIFE LESSONS
in horsemanship...

The life lessons taught through horsemanship are abundant and countless… Responsibility, respect, verbal and non-verbal communication, sportsmanship, equal partnership, trust and more…

A life touched with the experience of the Arabian horse is a life better than it was before!

The goal of the Keystone Riding Initiative is to offer that experience to all that are interested, regardless of age!  There’s no person too old, or too young to benefit from time spent with the Arabian horse! 

GETTING STARTED...APPLYING FOR KEYSTONE RIDING INITIATIVE AID

APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE MAY 15, 2026
$ 400 PER APPROVED APPLICANT AVAILABLE
  • Applicants must complete all areas of the online application
  • Applications and lessons programs will be reviewed and considered by Keystone Committee Members to determine eligibility for aid
  • Application process may include brief interview of applicant
  • All aid will be sent directly by the Arabian Horse Promotional Fund to the approved riding academy or lesson program on the applicant’s behalf
  • Riding academies and/or programs also have the ability to apply for aid on behalf of a current student showing exceptional horsemanship, enthusiasm and admiration for the Arabian breed that is in need of financial assistance
  • Annual funds for the Keystone Riding Initiative are determined through independent fundraising of the Keystone Arabian Horse Experience Committee ~ These funds may vary year to year and effect the number of grants that can be awarded.

thank you to our supporters

2024 keystone medallion auction

We sincerely thank Studio Thornrose, Stone Horses and the many talented artists listed below for assisting us in launching the Keystone Riding Initiative Program!

Studio Thornrose sculpted a beautiful Medallion, and in turn these artists have painted those medallions and are donating them to auction during the month of August to launch funding for the program!

Mindy Berg • Melanie Miller • Nikki Button • Amanda Brock • Kenzie Williamson • Maggie Jenner-Bennett • Kristen Cermele • Tracy Calamar • Stephanie Blaylock • Tiffany Purdy • Heather Bullach • Sommer Prosser • Brie Cundiff • Tegan Davis • Jennifer Scott • Georgia Wean • Shane Langbauer • Sheryl Leisure • Cindy Wyatt-Briley • Tammi Palmarchuk • Sara Minkiewicz • Josie Burks • Kylee Parks • Heather Bullach

Check out the Auction at www.ModelHorsePlace.com from August 1 – September 1, 2024

sincere thanks
to schneiders...

We cannot thank Schneider’s Saddlery enough for jumping in to support the Keystone Riding Initiative!  Schneiders will be contributing Gift Certificates to their store for select applicants that are awarded Keystone Riding Initiative Aid.

These gift certificates will assist/cover most of the initial “riding gear” needed for newcomers to include helmets and riding boots!

Thank you Schneider’s for your continued support and your understanding of how important this program is!

thank you to our sponsors