2023 was our first full year in operation at Town of Rush White Springs Farm. Here are a few highlights.
- 250 city and area youth learned to care for and ride horses. Rochester City and Rush-Henrietta School Districts, Villa of Hope, Keeping Our Promise, Monroe County Youth Bureau, Rush Recreation and other town recreation departments supported the programs.
- 8 youth were invited to return as mentors for future programs at no cost. Our mentors are integral to the operation of the farm and program.
- AHF held five Sunday Fun Days for Rush families. AHF provided pony rides at the Rush Fall Festival. We collaborated with the Rochester & Genesee Valley Train Museum in two train/horse farm events and supported events at the New York Transportation Museum.
- 15 free gift certificates were offered to Rush youth for the December horsemanship camp.
- AHF continued to improve the property. The Rochester Area Foundation awarded AHF a $125,000 grant to begin rehab on the horse barn. A local resident, Bruce Howlett, donated a large amount of fencing.
- A new website was created that works better on phone and tablets. Updating continues.
A Horse’s Friend, a non-profit 501(c)(3), is most grateful for the support of donors, volunteers and the Rush community.
2023 was a really good year in our new location. We look forward to 2024!