Our Program

Havenwood Equestrian Center, founded by Dawn Gifford, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit horse farm that offers a free after-school program for low-income high schoolers at Auburn High School, in Riner, Virginia. 

How it works

Students in grades 9-12 at Auburn High School who qualify for free or reduced-price lunch are invited to apply. Once accepted, students ride the bus to the farm once a week, where skilled adults teach them how to handle and ride horses, show them how to care for the stables, and offer optional academic tutoring. 

Why we do it

Havenwood Equestrian Center is the vision of Dawn Gifford, a local equestrian who believes that working with horses can change lives. Our program inspires teens to learn, grow, and challenge themselves. We believe: 

  • Connecting with and riding horses builds self-worth and empowerment.

  • Caring for horses and their environment teaches responsibility.

  • Following the rules and routines of the program demonstrates the value of daily structure, routine, and accountability.

  • Receiving academic tutoring enables achievement to open the door to future opportunities.

Schedule and Rules

Here’s what an average day at Havenwood Equestrian Center looks like:

  • Take the bus from Auburn High School and arrive at Havenwood Equestrian Center around 3:45 p.m.

  • Learn to lead, groom, and tack up a horse.

  • Have a 45-minute riding lesson with an experienced instructor.

  • Help with barn chores, including mucking stalls, feeding and watering the horses, and moving horses between the pastures and the stalls.

  • Work on homework with tutoring as needed.

  • Head home with a parent or guardian at 6:15 p.m. 

Program participants agree to follow the Havenwood Code of Conduct:

  • Follow the Golden Rule, treating people and animals with kindness and respect.

  • Don’t swear.

  • Don’t bring alcohol/drugs/vapes/cigarettes to the center.

  • Dress appropriately, in long pants, a riding helmet when on horseback, and riding boots. Helmets will be provided by the program. Boots can be arranged as needed.

  • Follow posted barn rules.

  • Maintain good attendance. If you must miss a session at HEC, please provide a valid excuse from a parent.

  • Work toward academic goals.