City
to Saddle funds and arranges riding opportunities for children
ages 6-13. Since 2003, we have enrolled nearly 200 boys and girls
from Boston’s inner city and other urban/metro areas into
a variety of summer equestrian programs at nine private barns
located in Massachusetts. Spotlighted in the Boston Globe,Yankee
Pedlar, and other newspapers, City to Saddle is noted for its
innovative concept and community –based initiatives (view
our press clips by clickingIn the News
Mission
Statement
City
to Saddle strives to provide a diverse population of underserved
children access to the life-enhancing benefits of horsemanship
programs.
History
of City To Saddle
City
to Saddle was founded by Barbara Zenker and Kim Summers in 2003.
Barbara, a devoted rider, and Kim, an experienced equestrian
instructor, had both witnessed – and personally enjoyed
– the many benefits derived from the unique and powerful
relationship between human and horse. Together, they committed
themselves to providing economically-disadvantaged youth the
same access to these extraordinary opportunities and rewards.
In
June of 2003, the first City to Saddle initiative was launched
at the Dana Hall School Riding Center Summer Horsemanship Program
in Wellesley, Massachusetts. Eight youngsters from Dorchester
participated in the pioneer program. In addition to riding, they
helped to care for their ponies alongside other Dana Hall campers
– learning how to groom, tack, and feed their equine partners.
These experiences encouraged the youngsters to exercise patience
and compassion, and to build confidence and trust in both people
and horses.
Collaboration
was key to the program’s resounding success.
The
Dana Hall School enthusiastically supported City to Saddle- providing
administrative aid, riding staff, and venue. Bibleway Church
leaders, Reverends Willie and Lois James, broadcast the City
to Saddle summer opportunity throughout their Dorchester community,
helping to recruit fledgling equestrians and transport the children
to and from the Dana Hall School.
Contributions
from riders and friends funded the initiative.
Financial
donations from the Dana Hall School community of riders and friends
– in addition to “in-kind” contributions from
local business sponsor, Dover Saddlery – covered program
and equipment costs.
Utilizing
the core elements of this pilot City to Saddle program, Barbara
and Kim generated a working model tailored to the needs and constraints
of diverse geographies, populations, cultures, and riding venues
(host facilities). In September 2004, City to Saddle received
Federal Government and State of Massachusetts corporate status
as a 501(C)3 tax-exempt, non-profit organization. All contributions
to City to Saddle are tax-deductible.
Leadership
Barbara Zenker
Barbara
Zenker’s love for horses began at age ten while attending
an equestrian camp. Though she rode each summer through her sixteenth
year, Barbara did not return to the riding arena until age 50.
Having
retired from corporate real estate development in 1996, Barbara
decided to reintroduce herself to the horse world at the Dana
Hall community riding program. Her instructor was CTS co-founder
Kim Summers.
Delighted
by the complete horsemanship experience, its uncompromising athletic
challenges, and spiritual rewards, Barbara is now focused on
the discipline of Dressage. She rides daily with partner, Moretti,
a Swedish Warmblood schoolmaster. Barbara boards and trains at
Apple Valley Farm in Harvard, Massachusetts.
Barbara,
a Trustee of the Weston Forest and Trail Association, resides
in Weston, Massachusetts with her husband Arnold. Their daughter,
Jennifer is an attorney residing in New York City.
Kimberly Summers
Kim
Summers began riding as a six year old on Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
At age ten, she became a working stable assistant to help pay
for huntseat riding lessons and showing expenses. After moving
to a recognized show stable, Kim began training with top professionals
– leasing her first pony in exchange for her labors –
and earning many show championships. She obtained her first instructor’s
license in 1980.
Kim
attended the University of Massachusetts, Amherst’s Equine
Studies Program and, upon graduating, began breaking and training
young horses for the racetrack.
After
a brief stint in the corporate world, Kim returned to the riding
arena full-time. For ten years (1994-2004) she taught at the
Dana Hall School Riding Center in Wellesley, Massachusetts, serving
as Camp Director and year-round instructor to community riders,
Dana Hall and Wellesley College student equestrians.
Kim
directs the purchase and sale of horses for clients, and successfully
trains and coaches students at the highest level of hunter jumper
horse showing.
Kim
and her son Patrick live in Medfield, Massachusetts.
Legal
Status
501
(C) 3 tax exempt organization, effective September 9, 2004
EIN # : 20- 1053861
Legal
documents on file at 301 Wellesley Street, Weston, MA.
Organization
Structure
The
City to Saddle organization is staffed and operated solely by
volunteers. The City to Saddle board includes founders Barbara
Zenker and Kimberly Summers, and a rotating board of directors.
Board
Members
Timothy
Boulton.
Alexandra
Cherubini
Barbara
Cherubini
Randy
Levesque
Susan
Smith
Kimberly
Summers
Susanne
Winslade
Arnold
Zenker
Barbara
Zenker
Wellington,
FL
Boston,
MA
Boston,
MA
Plainfield,
MA
Eastham,
MA
Medfield,
MA
Wakefield,
NH
Weston,
MA
Weston,
MA
2005-2007.
2005
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2004
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2005
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2008
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2004
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2008
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2004
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2004
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Contact If
you wish to contact us, please click on the link below
Barbara Zenker
Kimberly Summers