A Year of New Beginnings: A Look at the First 9 Months in Our Forever Home

From humble beginnings, to estate property allowing expanded services, to repeated

flooding that brought financial strain and interruption to programs. Ride On St. Louis has

trod both a winding and fruitful path.

After facing the floods and never losing sight of our mission, we packed up and continued operating from temporary sites. While these locations came with limitations, our commitment to services, horse care, and community prevailed. Behind the scenes, we launched the largest capital campaign in our history to secure a permanent home—a vision planted years prior and the result of a decade of reflection and hope.

In 2024, after three years of campaigning and five years from departing flood-prone property, that dream-turned-demand, became a reality. We began major renovations and property improvements throughout the next twelve months. Managing dual-site operations involved daily travel between locations for coordination of contractors and construction, while caring for our herd and delivering program activities at the interim site. Nearly one year to the date, we welcomed our horses home in February 2025.

Since then, we have quickly transitioned our Barn Buddies, Always Home equine retirement program, and educational outreach sessions. We launched Helping Hands, an inclusive volunteer wellness program, and reinstated Equine Services for Heroes, which now includes the expansion— R.I.S.E.—serving veterans, correctional officers, and first responders.

Being in a space tailored for equine-assisted services is invaluable. The peaceful surroundings with room for horses to thrive and programs to unfold safely, is essential for strong outcomes. Here, we are able to do what we love and what the community needs, with greater impact.

We owe heartfelt thanks to the leading supporters who helped us reach this point:

• Jim Holten and in loving memory of Shirley Holten

• Dr. Lawrence and Dianne Kriegshauser

• David and Laurel Walters

• Carol Session

• Catherine Manley Gaylord Foundation

• Developmental Disabilities Advocates

• Jefferson Foundation

Our progress exists because you believed it could.

There are countless others who stood beside us. While we can’t name everyone here, please know that your generosity, encouragement, and prayers carried us forward. Thank you.

Much has been achieved, and yet vital work remains. We continue to pursue key infrastructure projects (e.g. plumbed restrooms, completed arena, equipment storehouse) to fully realize the potential of our Forever Home. We are truly grateful to have each of you accompany us on this adventure.

Thank you—and may God bless you.

Marita Wassman, Cofounder & CEO

📬 Keep an eye on your physical mailbox—our full print newsletter is on the way, featuring Billy’s story, program outcomes, photos, and a deeper look at what your generosity has made possible.