Horseback riding can be an expensive sport, but kids from the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Virginia are getting free lessons.
The Montanova Stables Foundation in Keswick is hosting the free horseback riding program. Groups from the club visit every Wednesday and Thursday for about two hours in the morning to learn how to ride and groom the horses, as well as clean the stables.
LaDavia Wayne is 10 years old, and enjoys visiting the stable. "I like how you get to ride," Wayne said.
Jasmine Boling, a staff member at the Boys & Girls Club, brings the children to the barn.
"When they started out they were kind of nervous about coming to a horse farm but when it's time to go they're all running around saying, Miss Jasmine where are you at? Let's go!" Boling said.
The foundation also partners with schools in the area to provide free riding lessons and summer camps as well.
Jennifer Jones, President of the Montanova Stables Foundation, said the nonprofit was recently awarded a $6,000 grant from the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation.
"It helped us buy coolers for the kids, water bottles, T-shirts, snacks so it's going specifically to that program," Jones said.
Jones also said riding helps build teamwork and self esteem.
