Our Story

 

Ride to Read began with a simple conversation.

 

In 2020, friends Debi Witschi, a teacher and business owner, and Cathy Fitzpatrick, a semi-retired therapeutic riding instructor, were horseback riding at the Fitzpatrick ranch in Three Rivers, California (where Ride to Read today takes place). As they talked about education, family, and their shared love of horses, one question kept resurfacing: Could horses help children become stronger readers?

 

Their search led them to literacy programs around the country that paired horseback riding with reading instruction. They discovered that horses weren't simply a fun addition, they helped create positive, confidence-building experiences that encouraged children to engage with reading in new ways.

 

Although the pandemic delayed their plans, it also gave them time to refine their vision. In 2021, Ride to Read welcomed its first two students.

 

What began as a small program quickly grew. Dedicated teachers, volunteers, horses, and families came together to create a learning environment where struggling readers could build literacy skills while developing confidence, perseverance, and a love of learning.

 

Lead teacher Neva Wright, who has been here from the humble beginnings, captures the heart of our mission:

 

"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.”

 

Those words continue to guide everything we do. Every lesson, every horse, and every volunteer shares the same purpose: helping children discover that they are capable learners.

 

Where We Are Today

 

Since becoming a nonprofit in 2022, Ride to Read has continued to grow while remaining true to its founding vision.

 

• Founded in 2021 with just two students and a dream of combining literacy instruction with the unique bond between children and horses.

 

• Record enrollment. Our Spring 2026 session welcomed 33 students, the largest enrollment in our history.

 

• Individualized instruction. Every student receives literacy support tailored to their unique strengths, challenges, and learning style in a safe, encouraging environment.

 

• Confidence through horses. Horses are more than part of the experience, they are gentle, patient partners that motivate students, build self-confidence, and make reading something children look forward to.

 

• Every child deserves the opportunity to succeed. Thanks to the generosity of our donors and grant partners, no child has ever been turned away because of financial circumstances.

 

What began with two friends sharing an idea on horseback has become a community of dedicated educators, volunteers, families, and supporters united by one belief: every child deserves the chance to discover the joy and confidence that come from learning to read.

 

One ride. One book. One child at a time.