History of Riders Unlimited, Inc.
Our organization was founded in 1996 by Carol B. Brown with a pilot program in December and January (1997) at Transformation in Marblehead, Ohio. The first full season of classes began in April of 1997. In 2002, a second location was added by Rebekah Recker at Sidell & Company Equestrian Center outside of Gibsonburg, Ohio. In June 2008, the locations were condensed to the Gibsonburg location. On May 3, 2011, RUI closed on the purchase of their own facility north of Oak Harbor. All operations were moved there at the end of May. RUI continues to serve individuals with disabilities primarily from Sandusky and Ottawa counties plus all surrounding counties in Northwest Ohio. Classes are offered in three 10-week sessions and one 5-week session per year.
Future Goals & Action Steps
1. Generate at least $44,000 in total revenue. COMPLETED 2009
* Access more individual and corporate contributions.
* Contact other agencies for assistance in grant writing.
* Increase the number of grants written and funded.
2. Upgrade the design of the organization's Board of Directors and Staff structure.
* Redefine the Board's role as focused on setting policies, budgets and strategic plans; as well as reviewing major operational
decisions brought by staff.
* Staff given authority and responsibility to make operational decisions; only decisions that require adjustments to the budget or
strategic plan will be brought to the Board. COMPLETED JUNE 2008
* The Board will organize into committees. IN DEVELOPMENT
* Add volunteers to the Board structure and other volunteer positions. IN DEVELOPMENT
3. Develop and implement a formal marketing plan.
* Finalize a new updated brochure. COMPLETED MAY 2008
* Introduce mental health providers to programming.
* Introduce area medical organizations to the program. IN PROGRESS
* Continue to develop new forms of PR in local periodicals. IN DEVELOPMENT
* Set up a speakers bureau for doing presentations. IN DEVELOPMENT
4. Pursue PATH International Accreditation.
* Develop a plan for implementing accreditation requirements.
* Rewrite bylaws. Completed January 2010
* Develop WRITTEN policies and procedures according to PATH International standards. IN DEVELOPMENT 2010
5. Develop a plan to consolidate facilities into one location. COMPLETED JUNE 2008 & PURCHASED IN MAY 2011
* Identify a place for a consolidated location.
* Create a plan for consolidation.
6. Pursue Special Olympics sanctioning of the annual invitational horse show. COMPLETED FALL 2010
* Meet with Special Olympics - Ohio. COMPLETED APRIL 2008
* Train riding instructors to be SO Equestrian coaches. COMPLETED FALL 2008 and JUNE 2009
* Begin increasing involvement of other programs in training and competitions. IN DEVELOPMENT
