About Us
A legacy of horsemanship, resilience, and community — forged in the heart of Philadelphia.
From Bull Riding to Western Dreams
Ellis Ferrell, founder of the Fletcher Street Urban Riding Club, recalls his early days on his grandmother’s farm in Tallahassee, Florida. There was no thrill like the wild buck of a bull beneath him — raw, untamed, and electrifying.
But everything changed when he began watching westerns at the local theatre. On screen, powerful stallions raced across vast landscapes, symbols of freedom and strength. In that moment, Ferrell found a new calling.
“Horse riding is not only therapeutic and instills discipline, but it enables a sense of empowerment to the disenfranchised.”
The Streets of Philadelphia
By the late 1940s, Ferrell was riding horses on the streets of North Philly, renting them in Fairmount Park. Over the years, he mastered equestrian skills and began to see horseback riding as more than sport — it was a lifeline.
He envisioned a program that could teach urban youth horsemanship, build mental fortitude, physical stamina, and prepare them for real-world challenges. The horse, he believed, could be a teacher, a healer, and a source of pride.
A Stable of Hope
In 1980, Ferrell’s dream became reality at 31st and Master Street — a stable with five horses. He remembers those as the good times: members young and old strolling through the neighborhood at a stately pace, a symbol of dignity and purpose.
On weekends, groups would ride to equine campgrounds. Children learned to care for the horses — feeding, grooming, and bonding — while building character, confidence, and self-esteem in the process.
The Move to Fletcher Street
In 2004, Ferrell moved the stable to Fletcher Street, solidifying its place in the community. The club attracted riders from across the city, becoming a sanctuary for youth seeking purpose and belonging.
At 82 years young — and still holding the reins — Ferrell’s vision burns bright. The club has drawn worldwide attention from filmmakers, photographers, and organizations like Nike, all captivated by its resilience and cultural significance.
Watch Our Story
See the heart, history, and hope of the Fletcher Street Urban Riding Club come to life.
A Legacy That Lives On
Ellis Ferrell’s dream has become a movement. With new leadership expanding his mission, the Fletcher Street Urban Riding Club continues to transform lives — one rider, one horse, one story at a time.
Preserving a century of tradition. Empowering the next generation.
