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. 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.
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.
* Continue to develop new forms of PR in local periodicals.
* Set up a speakers bureau for doing presentations.
4. Pursue NARHA Accreditation.
* Develop a plan for implementing accreditation requirements.
* Rewrite bylaws. IN DEVELOPMENT WINTER 2009/2010
* Develop WRITTEN policies and procedures according to NARHA
standards. IN DEVELOPMENT WINTER 2009/2010
5. Develop a plan to consolidate facilities into one location. COMPLETED
JUNE 2008
* Identify a place for a consolidated location.
* Create a plan for consolidation.
6. Pursue Special Olympics sanctioning of the annual invitational horse show.
* 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
Click on the link to the right for our 2008 Statistics.
