01/01/2026
🐎 Sweet 16. Still Standing. Still Expanding.
As Metropolitan Equestrian enters our "Sweet 16", we’re reflecting on something important:
While much of the traditional “lesson barn” model operates, MET is growing—because we were never just a riding school.
What began as a grassroots effort focused on serving youth has evolved into a national, community-driven model serving all ages, with primary operations in New York and Washington, DC, and programs reaching far beyond our arenas.
From day one, MET was built on a different belief:
That horses are shared community assets,
that access should not require ownership,
and that equestrian spaces can drive education, workforce pathways, wellness, and lifelong impact.
Today, our school horses don’t serve just one rider—they serve hundreds of youth, adults, veterans, and families through structured programs, teams, and pathways that extend far beyond the saddle.
As we celebrate our Sweet 16, we’re also proud to be transparent about what truly sustains this work:
MET’s long-term sustainability does not rely on program revenue alone.
Our impact is made possible through diversified funding, including:
• Program tuition and earned revenue
• Public and private grants
• Individual and corporate philanthropy
• Community partnerships and sponsorships
• Mission-aligned public land partnerships—most notably through our partnership with the National Park Service as a federal concession
Through this federal concession partnership, MET advances shared goals around public access to lands, education, recreation, stewardship, and community engagement. This role plays a meaningful part in our growth, visibility, and ability to serve diverse populations, while allowing philanthropic investments to be leveraged alongside public stewardship.
Together, philanthropy and public partnership allow us to:
• Keep programs accessible
• Invest in horse care, facilities, and staff
• Protect long-term stability
• Ensure public equestrian spaces remain open, inclusive, and community-centered
That’s why, 16 years later:
• Our youth roots remain strong
• Our programs now serve all ages
• Our footprint spans NY, DC, and beyond
• And our work continues to gain national recognition
The future of equestrian sport isn’t about exclusivity.
It’s about access, shared investment, public partnership, and purpose.
If you believe in the power of horses as a public good—and in the role public lands play in strengthening communities—we invite you to stand with us.
Here’s to our Sweet 16—and to building what comes next. 💙
