ROOTED IN UNITY
Welcome to Rooted in Unity (RIU), where the natural bond between humans and horses comes alive. Located in the heart of beautiful Montgomery County, Maryland, we are dedicated to creating opportunities for everyone in our community to experience the joys of horseback riding and the great outdoors. Here, horses and humans thrive together, forging deep connections and life-changing experiences.
Mission
Rooted in Unity is dedicated to making the transformative experience of horseback riding and horsemanship accessible to individuals in our community who may otherwise face barriers to participation. Through affordable lessons and meaningful equine experiences, we strive to cultivate confidence, connection, and personal growth while teaching practical skills that enrich lives. We are committed to creating an inclusive, welcoming environment where every rider feels valued, supported, and empowered.
Vision
Rooted in Unity envisions a thriving, inclusive community where individuals of all backgrounds including those who are underserved or face barriers to opportunity can experience the healing and transformative power of connection with horses, nature, and one another. We aspire to be a place of belonging, growth, and empowerment, where horsemanship inspires confidence, compassion, resilience, and a deeper sense of unity between people, animals, and the natural world.
About Our Program
Rooted in Unity (RIU) is a compassionate community program dedicated to creating meaningful opportunities for connection, growth, and healing through the transformative power of horses. Serving Montgomery County, Maryland, RIU was founded on the belief that every individual deserves access to experiences that inspire confidence, build relationships, and nurture a sense of belonging.
Horses have a unique ability to meet people where they are. Through their sensitivity, trust, and intuitive nature, they create opportunities for individuals to slow down, feel understood, and develop a deeper connection with themselves and others. Research has shown the remarkable bond between humans and horses, including the ability for their heart rhythms to synchronize during moments of connection reflecting the powerful relationship that can form between horse and human.
Through affordable horsemanship experiences and a welcoming, supportive environment, RIU helps individuals build confidence, develop valuable life skills, and discover their own strength. Our program is more than riding lessons, it is a place where people find connection, encouragement, and the opportunity to grow alongside these incredible animals and a caring community.
Your generosity can make a lasting difference in the lives of school-age children, creating an inclusive environment where they gain confidence, develop essential skills, and experience the joy of bonding with horses. By donating or sponsoring, you directly support our mission of fostering unity and growth in our youth.
Sponsor a Youth
Help a participant in the RIU program for three, six, or twelve months with lesson and material fees.
Sponsor a Horse
Donate a fit horse or contribute to the acquisition and/or care of horses for our program. Horses are central to our mission, providing youth with therapeutic interaction, life skills, and friendship.
Your sponsorship will support the purchase, care, and/or training of a horse to benefit students for years to come.
No contributions is too large or small.
Get Involved
Donate Today
Provide students with one 60-minute horsemanship or riding lesson, allowing each youth hands-on experience with horses and fostering skills in responsibility, trust, and self-confidence.
Provide students with four 60-minute weekly sessions, offering a consistent learning experience that deepens their connection with horses and builds their personal and social skills.
Become a Partner
Our partnerships are designed to enrich our community by fostering collaboration and creating opportunities for growth. Through joint initiatives with local organizations, we provide unique learning experiences, outreach programs, and resources that promote horsemanship, outdoor engagement, and personal development for youths.
Waver & Release form
Contact us.
Website: https://www.motownglorypartners.org/general-1
Email: Rootedinunityriu@gmail.com
Phone: (240)543-4755
"Children and horses just go together!
FAQs
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We serve school aged children (ages 5-18).
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The first step is to complete the Application/Waiver. Once these forms are completed, we will be in touch.
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Lessons are either 30 or 45 minutes long and semi-private with 2-4 total participants.
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Generous sponsorships and donations support our program to provide scholarships. Lesson must be paid for in advance of the session unless other arrangements have been made.
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Underserved children (children from low-income backgrounds)
Economically disadvantaged children are children whose family participates in economic assistance programs such as the MCPS free or reduced-price meals based on household size and income, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA), or Medicaid benefits, Social Security Insurance (SSI), Foster Care, Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), and Women, Infants, and Children Program (WIC)