Our Mission Since its founding in 2007, The City Ranch has been dedicated to giving urban children lifelong memories on the backs of horses and providing accessible and affordable horseback riding to the greater Baltimore community and surrounding counties. Our Purpose To develop positive character in children through the joys and responsibilities of horsemanship, and to bring horseback riding to the urban environment. Our Context The city of Baltimore has a long and rich history with horses, but in recent times our connection to that history has been all but lost except through Pimlico Racetrack and thoroughbred horse racing. At the same time, as a city and a community, Baltimore has struggled with violence and a scarcity of positive alternatives. We want to change that by restoring equine activities to the city and create employment opportunities for the people of Baltimore. City Ranch's mission is to help redirect urban youth away from violence by offering opportunities to foster personal growth through working with animals. While most programs around the country take the children out of the city, City Ranch has reversed this model and instead brings the horses to the children. Rather than remove children from their environment, City Ranch helps to create safe opportunities WITHIN local neighborhoods.City Ranch's programs extend beyond those only for children, offering options for families through the membership plan for adults. With a membership, adults can also learn how to ride, making the experience a family affair.