During the school year, students come to our barn for afterschool enrichment through horseback riding lessons, horsemanship, and work in the barn. Students gain a valuable sense of accomplishment and increase self-confidence as they master these skills in the barn and on horseback. Each MSF child is taught in a safe and supportive environment. They receive one-on-one mentoring through a partnership with the University of Virginia’s Madison House, an independent volunteer center for students at the University of Virginia. This community connection not only provides crucial support for our programming, but also allows our Foundation students to engage with individuals from different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. These experiences create a bond of trust between the student, the horse, and their mentor. Our students are able to attend after school programming, at no cost to their families, thanks to the generosity of our community.

Each year, MSF is proud to see several members of our After-School Program graduate from students to Mentors. This vital step in their self-confidence and independence journeys allows them not only to take on additional responsibilities in a leadership role, but also helps them practice engaging with their peers in meaningful ways outside. Research increasingly shows the detrimental effects that technology is having on younger generations and how vital interpersonal skills and social-emotional learning is to help maintain mental well-being and healthy growth. Being inherently technology-free and people-first, the after-school and mentorship programs at MSF help youth build resilience, social aptitude, and autonomy. 

Our students are able to attend at no cost to their families thanks to the generosity of our community. Everything - transportation, snacks, safe riding attire, cost of the horses in the program - is covered by the foundation.