JR. Concrete Cowboys & Cowgirls
the MISSION
Founded in 2019, the Philadelphia Urban Riding Academy (PURA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Philadelphia’s under-resourced youth through positive, skill-building activities focused on horsemanship, equine sports, and education. The program grew out of the original Fletcher Street Stables, established in collaboration with the filmmakers of the Netflix film Concrete Cowboy. This unique environment offers young people the chance to connect with animals and nature, fostering personal growth and responsibility.
PURA is designed as a long-term program for youth ages 6 to 18, requiring a minimum one-year commitment, with the expectation that participants will continue until high school graduation. Graduates of the academy receive assistance with college applications, and many choose to return to PURA as mentors, helping to guide new participants in the program.
The vision
The Philadelphia Urban Riding Academy offers a safe haven for youth, providing relief from the daily challenges of poverty. Through training, riding, and caring for horses, participants develop discipline, responsibility, and valuable life skills. They also build confidence, self-esteem, and the abilities needed to succeed in their chosen activities.
Participants have the opportunity to explore various equine sports, while also learning the importance of academic success. PURA emphasizes the connection between education and personal growth. To support this, staff and volunteers offer after-school tutoring to ensure students maintain the academic performance required for continued participation in the program.
What to expect?
☑️ Afterschool homework club – A supportive space for balancing academics with equine activities.
☑️ Homework help – Personalized academic assistance to ensure success in school.
☑️ College preparation – Guidance on preparing for higher education, from applications to planning.
☑️ Career exploration – Exposure to potential careers in the equine industry and related fields, helping students explore future pathways.
This program combines practical horsemanship skills with academic and professional development, creating a unique and enriching experience for young equestrians.
☑️ Barn chores – Participants learn key responsibilities for maintaining the barn and caring for horses.
☑️ Introduction to horsemanship – A comprehensive introduction to horse handling, safety, and behavior.
☑️ Grooming – Developing skills in grooming techniques to ensure horse health and well-being.
☑️ Equine health (first aid) – Basic equine first aid knowledge to address emergencies and everyday health needs.
☑️ Anatomy and Physiology – Understanding the horse’s body, including its structure and functions.
☑️ English and Western riding – Training in both riding disciplines, with opportunities to compete at the professional breed level.
what makes it effective?
PURA programs, such as the Jr. Concrete Cowboys & Cowgirls, are designed to offer youth meaningful educational, social, and cultural experiences that they might not otherwise have access to. Through these programs, participants build relationships and develop problem-solving skills through teamwork and cooperation. Activities at the stables, as well as during competitions and outings, provide opportunities for youth to connect with a diverse range of people and gain exposure to new experiences.
Moreover, PURA Stables becomes a “home away from home” for many participants. Spending time at the stables fosters family-like bonds, which become essential parts of their lives. At PURA, youth learn that success comes from a combination of hard work, supportive relationships, and community engagement.
want to join?
The Jr. Concrete Cowboys & Cowgirls program was thoughtfully created as an evolved version of the experience Executive Director Erin Brown had growing up in the Fletcher Street community of horsemen and women in the 1990s. This program is offered to underserved youth who would otherwise be unable to access equestrian activities. To learn more about how to join, please contact the Outreach Coordinator at [email protected].