Riata Ranch enhances the lives of young people through equestrian educational programs and performances. These programs utilize traditional American Western Values of hard work, character development, responsibility, respect and pride to achieve the highest level of collaboration between horse and rider.
Riata was created in 1957 by late founder, Tommy Maier. Besides the thorough equine education and highest levels of horsemanship, Tommy also instilled character building and positive life skills into his program. He combined Ranch lifestyles and unique opportunities to create life long experiences for all who passed through Riata’s gates.
Today Riata Ranch International is under the direction of Jennifer Welch Nicholson who has been associated with Riata Ranch for 30 years starting as a young student and then becoming one of the four original trick riding performers in the late 1970’s, an international team leader in the 1980’s through the 1990’s and administrative staff for the last 10 years. Riata Ranch is a 501 (c) 3 non profit corporation dedicated to:
Empowering young people by building positive life skills in a safe environment that in turn changes lives by allowing good kids to become great citizens.
Riata Ranch International – A fifty year history
Be a part of this truly unique program
What will your contribution help Provide?……………
The Programs
Riata Ranch providesAmerica’s youth an opportunity to engage in positive life changing experiences through two distinct program outlets.
I. Riata Ranch Youth Horsemanship Clinics - “Horses & More”
1. Physical Skill> Chores & Stable Management Life Skill>Pride, good work ethic
2. Physical Skill>Physical fitness & StrengthBuilding Life Skill>A can do attitude, self esteem and self awareness
3. Physical Skill>Safe horsemanship for young riders Life Skill>Discipline, awareness and responsibility
4. Physical Skill> Poise & Positive Life Skills Life Skill>Self Expression, confidence, and manage self control
II. Riata Ranch Cowboy Girls International Performance Team The Riata Ranch Cowboy Girls are an elite team of young women who are the ambassadors for Riata Ranch. They been named “Goodwill Ambassadors by our United States Government entertaining millions of people in 17 countries and 4 continents representing our American Western Heritage performing their unique brand of trick riding and trick roping. Live demonstrations provide an opportunity to promote the youth programs.
1. Physical Skill>National & International Travel Life Skill>Expands horizons & provides opportunity
2. Physical Skill>Personal Appearances Life Skill>Develops critical social skills, tact & diplomacy
3. Physical Skill> Live Performances Life Skill>Develops confidence and common sense thinking
4. Physical Skill> Mentoring & Teaching Life Skill>Positive example for others & develops leadership skills
The Needs
* PROPERTY (our first priority) Secure permanent property and facilities to operate our programs within 10 -25 acres ideally.
* PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT We need to reach more young people through increased youth horsemanship classes, clinics, and live performances. This will increase enrollment and an overall awareness of Riata Ranch. Securing property for a permanent headquarters will allow us to improve lives through students making the property their own.
* FUNDING RAISING The total operating budget for Riata Ranch for 2004 was $120,000. I t is our goal to increase that budget by no less than 50%. This will allow us to increase staff and salaries and to grow the programs.
* STAFF DEVELOPMENT & SALARIES In order to maintain this commitment we must increase our staff which means securing funding for salaries including a marketing director, assistant instructor, traveling team manager and administrative assistant.
* MARKETING We need to create materials and presentations to support our efforts in fundraising throughout California and the United States as well as merchandising products to help us reach our funding goals.
* ROLLING STOCK Riata Ranch International currently uses a 2001 Chevy Duramax Diesel truck and a 2001 Sundowner Trailer as transportation for the team and horses to performance venues, educational seminars, demonstrations and program promotions. We must maintain our ability to pay the monthly fees and eventually purchase and additional truck and trailer.
* EQUINE FEED & CARE Currently, we provide 3 levels of horses for our classes, clinics and Riata Ranch performance team. It is imperative that we are able to provide adequate feed and care 365 days a year. Annually our horses consume 56 tons of hay and 5200 pounds of grain.
The Plan
* PROPERTY Create a team of benefactors to help locate and assemble a comprehensive plan for property and funding for a permanent headquarters for Riata Ranch International. We are investigating the possibility of having a satellite program in Oklahoma providing 4-6 clinics and camps for 2005.
* PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT We are concentrating on a targeted marketing program in the Tulare County area for 2005 which will increase our enrollment by 50%. This includes fundraisers and community service work as well as implementing a scholarship program for students who cannot afford the annual fee. A residence summer program is being developed for 2005 for young girls who live throughout the United States provided property is acquired.
* FUNDRAISING A. We will continue to reach out to individuals for contributions through personal contact, referrals and mailings. B. We will establish an emergency operating fund to insure continuity and quality for current and future programs.
C. Money for scholarships is essential in order to allow students who qualify to access this program who cannot afford the annual fee.
D. Performance team members will be able to earn scholarship money through appearances and accomplishments.
E. We already have two major events planned for 2007 to raise money for the Riata program;
* STAFFING The success of a program of this nature lies in the capabilities of its staff and dedication of its benefactors. Filling the necessary positions allows us to meet our needs in instruction both at home in Exeter and in other cities as well as the ever increasing administrative tasks and general ranch operations duties. It is imperative now more than ever.
* MARKETING We will aggressively market to young individuals who need an opportunity to excel through the ideals set forth by the Riata programs and to access new opportunities as they arise. We are developing marketing materials for fundraising and recruiting efforts as well as merchandising items to compliment our fund raising efforts through educational clinics and live performances. We feel that merchandising is the key to putting the Riata Ranch brand deeper into pop culture.
* ROLLING STOCK Finish paying for existing travel unit (truck & trailer) and facilitate needed maintenance and cosmetic up grades (Both truck and trailer will be paid off in 2005). Again this depends on our fundraising capabilities.
* EQUINE FEED & CARE To cover the cost of feeding and maintaining our Remuda, we are implementing an “Adopt A Horse” program that allows individuals to donate $120.00 per month or $1,440 per year per horse.
Why should you invest in Riata Ranch International in times like these?
Because the program has a 50 year history of building positive aspects in youth one child at a time.
The full implementation of Riata Ranch International’s Horses & More program will be a combination of cash gifts, gifts in kind and pledges. Businesses, corporations, foundations and individuals should weigh their support based on their personal commitment to the preservation of our American Western Heritage, the American family and young people who have a need to excel through the motivation of horses.
Please also consider the impact that the Riata program can have on a child not only for their immediate desire to learn about horses and interact with peers their own age, but the long term positive life values that can be applied to any given field of endeavor as an adult.
Riata Ranch International Inc. is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization. All contributions are tax deductible.
Our thanks in advance for your careful consideration and generous donation to Riata Ranch International.
Riata Ranch International Inc. 403 East Prospect / P.O. Box 821, Exeter, Ca 93221 (559)303-0729 (559)747-0729
