In 2020, two friends — Debi Witschi, a teacher and business owner, and Cathy Fitzpatrick, a semi-retired therapeutic riding instructor — were horseback-riding at Cathy's Blue Oak Ranch in Three Rivers, California. As they rode, they shared stories about their families, their experiences in education, and their passion for horses. The conversation often returned to a shared dream: finding a way to support struggling readers through meaningful, engaging experiences.

 

Curious and inspired, they began researching programs across the country that combined horseback riding and literacy instruction. They discovered that this wasn’t just a creative idea, it was a proven approach. These programs weren't using horses as a gimmick, but as a powerful, research-backed tool to associate reading with positive, outdoor experiences. This connection, they learned, could be a key to helping students grow in both skill and confidence.

 

Their dream began to take shape. Then the pandemic hit. Like many things in 2020, their plans were put on pause. But with time for deeper reflection and research, Cathy and Debi continued developing their vision. By 2021, as the need for outdoor, enrichment-based education became even more evident and literacy rates continued to decline, they knew the time was right. Ride to Read was born.

 

That first year, two horses were trained. Volunteer handlers began learning specialized techniques. Dedicated teachers came together to create lesson plans that integrated reading instruction with equine activities. The pilot program launched with just two students, but it was only the beginning.

 

Soon after, educators Neva Wright and Cherie Schultz joined the team, bringing with them a wealth of expertise and passion. Together, they began shaping a curriculum that addressed students’ needs both in and out of the saddle. Word spread, and students who had been struggling with reading found their way to Blue Oak Ranch and to a new kind of classroom.

 

In 2022, Ride to Read officially formed its Board of Directors, hosted its first fundraiser, and became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, thanks in large part to the guidance and generosity of Bob and Donna Thomas (a current board member / treasurer), and the support of a generous attorney.

 

The leadership of Ride to Read believes deeply that this program came together through the right people, in the right place, at the right time, guided by purpose and passion. As teacher Neva Wright puts it:

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“If you can just change a child’s attitude about reading, you’ve done a lot. If you can give a child confidence, it affects everything else in their life, including reading.”

 

And that’s exactly what we aim to do: Build confidence, spark curiosity, and help students discover a lifelong love of learning, one ride at a time.