Fletcher Street to Fairmount Park

Preserving our land. Protecting our history. Building our future.

For decades, horses have been at the heart of Fletcher Street Urban Riding Club — and at the heart of our community. Our founder, Ellis "El-Dog" Ferrell, now 87 years old, spent his life sharing his love of horses with generations of young people and families in Philadelphia. Horses became a way to bring people together, create connections, teach responsibility, and give young people a safe place to learn and grow. But for generations, one challenge has remained constant: having enough land for our horses and our community.

In 2021, development of the land across from our Fletcher Street stables eliminated much of the riding, pasture, and grazing space that had been used by our horses and community for decades. We knew we couldn't allow the loss of that space to mean the loss of our mission.

In November 2023, we celebrated the ribbon cutting of The Stables at The Cliffs, a Fairmount Park property initiated by former Philadelphia City Council President Darrell Clarke for Fletcher Street Urban Riding Club to lease. The new site gives us something we desperately need: space — for our horses to exercise and graze, and for classrooms and offices to expand our youth programming.

In 2026, we're in the final stretch. We're awaiting the official lease from the City, and while we work toward getting the keys, we're also working to make sure the property is ready to function as a safe, working home for our horses and our programs. The barn still needs to be completed — and we need your help.