Move A Child Higher, MACH 1, a 26-year-old Pasadena nonprofit that teaches horseback riding to children with disabilities, is looking forward as its founder, Joy Rittenhouse, plans to step down.
“We have spent many years building a wonderful facility in Hahamongna Watershed Park in partnership with the city of Pasadena,” Rittenhouse said. “I couldn’t be prouder of our nationally accredited programs and the children we serve.”
MACH 1 will continue to offer the same programs, with the same horses, at the same location after it merges with another nonprofit riding center, Ride On LA, a Chatsworth-based 501 (c)(3) corporation. Ride On serves more than 250 children and adults with disabilities each week and has a team of nine instructors and eight physical, occupational and speech therapists on staff.
“We were excited to be asked to step into Joy’s shoes,” Ride On CEO Bryan McQueeney said in a statement. “Joy has given so much to the community over the years. Her latest gift is to ensure that all the hard work which has gone into building MACH 1 will continue to benefit the Pasadena region for many years to come.”
Volunteers are essential to MACH 1 and Ride On lessons. Opportunities are available — no experience necessary — to individuals 14 years and up. Email volunteer@mach1.LA or call (626) 765-1462.
The adaptive riding program at Ride On and MACH 1 teach basic riding skills to children and adults with physical and cognitive disabilities. Last year, the city of Los Angeles selected Ride On to provide its para-equestrian programming leading up to the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
MACH 1 and Ride On will celebrate the transition with a free Pancake Breakfast at the MACH 1 facility on Saturday, May 13, from 9 a.m. to noon. All are welcome. Enter the Hahamongna Watershed Park at the Foothill Boulevard entrance and follow the signs to MACH 1.
More information about MACH 1 can be found at moveachildhigher.org and Ride On at RideOn.org.
First published in the May 11 print issue of the Outlook Valley Sun.
