A Horse's Friend

Where Kids Saddle Up for SUCCESS

About Us

Our Mission and Purpose

Since its foundation in 2004, A Horse’s Friend, Inc., an outreach program whose mission is to expose youth from the inner city and underserved populations to the world of horses, has touched the lives of over 5,000 such youth, disadvantaged and otherwise underprivileged children. AHF has provided children alternatives to street activities that may lead to truancy, violence and drug use. In addition, AHF adds a new dimension of experiences and life choices not commonly provided at inner city facilities. The entire program provides an environment in which all riders can achieve success, support each other, and develop special bonds with other children and animals, all while helping to develop their full potential and becoming more productive citizens in their community.

Matthew Doward, the founder and executive director of A Horse’s Friend, Inc., has spent over 20 years working with inner city youth and members of the community in promoting positive values, increasing social competencies, and teaching children to respect themselves and others through working with horses.

Rush Fall Festival

A Horse’s Friend is very grateful to all who contributed to our fundraising activities at the Rush Fall Festival.

Colleen Cross, Evie Chaffer, Peggy Klemmer, Diane Nientemp, Mary Reed and Mary Sweeney all contributed in making and/or selling items.
Karen Caton, Jessica Meier and our wonderful young people: Amanda Crosby, Samira DiBiase, Lilly Crawford, Nadine and Zaina Emouji, Peytyn Green and Tyler and TyQuan Reid helped Matt with pony rides.
A special thank you to 9-Cone-Cone, LLC, for the donation of all ice cream cones proceeds to AHF.

Congratulations to the Town of Rush and Pat Stephens for a very successful event!

Fund Raising Campaign

News

Events

There are no upcoming events at this time

Testimonials

Great job maintaining the property
from Dick Updaw, Farmer, Horse Owner, and Rush Resident

Matt has done a great job maintaining the property. We were just amazed at the kind of care that Matt’s animals are given. He offers life-changing opportunities to young people who otherwise would have no experience with horses.

Amazing work
from Phil Daggar, East River Road

We couldn't ask for a better neighbor. A Horse's Friend is a special program that does so much good. And the organization has done amazing work to improve the property. Our corner of Rush has never looked better.

Transformative Experience
from Lakisha N. Taylor, Principal, Helen Barrett Montgomery School No. 50

The Horse's Friend Program has been a transformative experience for the students and families of Helen Barrett Montgomery School #50. This unique program provides our students with an opportunity to build emotional resilience, develop trust, and gain confidence—all through meaningful interactions with horses.

Thrilled!
from Ann and Bill S., neighbors

Until A Horse’s Friend moved in, White Springs Farm was neglected and repeatedly vandalized. It made us feel insecure. Now, we are at ease and thrilled to have such conscientious neighbors as Matt and his volunteer force. As former dairy farmers, we appreciate the care AHF takes to keep the farm and their horses well maintained.

Excellent Community Partner
from Sally Ward, Professional Leadership Coach, Rush Resident

I fully support the mission of A Horse’s Friend (AHF) to help city youth learn valuable life and leadership skills. Studies show that people who are fortunate enough to interact with horses experience reduced feelings of tension and anger.

Great Credit to Rush
from Pat Kraus, Volunteer AHF, Rush Resident

It is a great credit to Rush that our town hosts A Horse’s Friend. AHF is a wonderful resource for our community and for the region. If you could see the smiles and happy faces of the children, you’d know what a great service is being provided!

Top Notch
from Paula Hanson, Volunteer AHF

I see first hand, the workings of the farm: the well maintained pastures, the stalls and barns are kept clean and the horses are very well cared for. The programs and camps that are offered to the youth of our community, are top notch and run by Matthew Doward, the Founder of AHF.

Property Never Looked Better
from Jim Dierks, Board of Trustees, New York Transportation Museum

The museum (New York Transportation Museum) is now in its 51st year, and the writer has been around for most of that. I can say the property has never looked better, has never been run more efficiently, and has never been as much of a resource to the community as it is now.

Exemplary Fit
from Ann McMican and Jack Mould, Rush Residents since 1983

It is our continuing opinion, based on personal, direct experience with this organization, their staff, the students they serve, and the property they use that not only is this organization an excellent fit for the space and the Town, but it is an exemplary fit in support of the people they serve.

Makes a Difference
from Mary I Reed, Board of Directors, A Horse’s Friend

"We can change the world and make it a better place. It is in your hands to make a difference" (Nelson Mandela). In Matt’s hands, AHF nurtures relationships between children and horses, building their confidence while fostering discipline, respect, trust, responsibility and teamwork.