Detroit, Michigan, December 21, 2025
Detroit Horse Power has marked a significant milestone with a beam-signing ceremony for its urban equestrian center, aimed at providing equestrian education to under-resourced youth. This transformative project located on a 14-acre site in Northwest Detroit will feature various facilities for students and is expected to open in 2026, serving over 1,000 students annually. With $8 million in funding, the center will enhance community development and youth engagement through equestrian programs.
Detroit, Michigan
Detroit Horse Power Breaks Ground on Urban Equestrian Center
A Transformative Project for Detroit’s Youth
Detroit Horse Power, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing equestrian education to under-resourced youth, has celebrated a significant milestone in the construction of its urban equestrian center in Detroit. The organization held a beam-signing ceremony on Saturday, marking a key development in the creation of what is set to become one of the largest urban equestrian centers in the United States.
The center, located on a 14-acre site in Northwest Detroit, is designed to accommodate 17 horses and serve as a hub for students from the Detroit Public Schools Community District. The facility will feature a 75-by-160 foot indoor riding arena, outdoor spaces including a 100-by-200 foot outdoor arena and a half-mile bridle path, seven acres of grazing paddocks, and 10,000 square feet of conditioned space for classrooms, nonprofit offices, and community gatherings. The project is backed by commitments totaling $8 million from the state of Michigan, Wayne County, and other partners, including a $500,000 grant from the Kresge Foundation. The center is expected to open in 2026, with plans to serve over 1,000 students annually, offering programs that teach riding, grooming, and horse care, while instilling critical life skills such as perseverance, empathy, responsible risk-taking, confidence, and self-control.
Founded in 2015 by former Detroit elementary school teacher David Silver, Detroit Horse Power has been dedicated to expanding opportunities for Detroit’s youth through equestrian education. Since its inception, the organization has brought over 500 Detroit youth to partner horse barns outside the city for free summer camps and provided year-round after-school programs focusing on life-enriching skills. The establishment of the urban equestrian center aims to make these programs more accessible and scalable within the city, contributing to the revitalization of Detroit’s neighborhoods and providing a safe and enriching space for youth development.
The beam-signing ceremony was attended by community members, supporters, and stakeholders, all expressing their enthusiasm for the project’s progress and its potential impact on the community. The event signifies a pivotal moment in the realization of the equestrian center, reflecting the collective efforts and support from various partners committed to enhancing opportunities for Detroit’s youth through equestrian education.
Key Features of the Detroit Equestrian Center Project
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | 14-acre site in Northwest Detroit |
| Facilities | Indoor riding arena, outdoor arena, bridle path, grazing paddocks, classrooms, nonprofit offices, community gathering spaces |
| Capacity | Accommodate 17 horses, serve over 1,000 students annually |
| Opening Year | 2026 |
| Funding | $8 million from state of Michigan, Wayne County, and other partners, including a $500,000 grant from the Kresge Foundation |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Detroit Horse Power?
Detroit Horse Power is a nonprofit organization founded in 2015 by former Detroit elementary school teacher David Silver. The organization is dedicated to providing equestrian education to under-resourced youth in Detroit, aiming to develop critical life skills through riding and caring for horses.
What is the significance of the beam-signing ceremony?
The beam-signing ceremony marks a significant milestone in the construction of Detroit Horse Power’s urban equestrian center. It symbolizes the progress and commitment to creating one of the largest urban equestrian centers in the United States, aimed at providing equestrian education and life skills to Detroit’s youth.
What facilities will the equestrian center include?
The equestrian center will feature a 75-by-160 foot indoor riding arena, a 100-by-200 foot outdoor arena, a half-mile bridle path, seven acres of grazing paddocks, and 10,000 square feet of conditioned space for classrooms, nonprofit offices, and community gatherings.
When is the equestrian center expected to open?
The equestrian center is expected to open in 2026, with plans to serve over 1,000 students annually, offering programs that teach riding, grooming, and horse care, while instilling critical life skills.
How is the project funded?
The project is backed by commitments totaling $8 million from the state of Michigan, Wayne County, and other partners, including a $500,000 grant from the Kresge Foundation.
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