May 9, 2025 — Lewiston, NY
Autumn’s Gate is proud to announce the launch of FIRE Courses—Foundations in Riding Essentials—a first-of-its-kind progressive riding program for children ages 4–12. With twelve thoughtfully designed courses and two integrated funding pathways, FIRE is more than a lesson plan—it’s a movement built on confidence, character, and connection.
🐴 What Are FIRE Courses?
The FIRE curriculum walks riders through foundational horsemanship in a structured, engaging way that encourages responsibility, self-awareness, and respect for animals. Each 45-minute course builds on the last and ends with a badge and a milestone moment.
🔹 FIRE Course Examples:
- Meet the Horse
- Brush & Bond
- Lead the Way
- Tack it Up
- Mount Up
- Saddle Skills
- Farm Flow
- Trail Basics
- Ride & Relate
- Speak Horse
- Groundwork Mastery
- Confidence Ride
Upon completing all 12 courses, riders are invited to participate in the Autumn’s Gate Horse Show—a heartwarming event where friends, family, and the community celebrate each child’s journey.
🏆 Every FIRE Rider Has Endorsements
What makes the FIRE program unique is its built-in Rider Endorsement System. Every participant, whether fully sponsored or privately enrolled, has the opportunity to recognize the person who made their FIRE journey possible.
Whether it’s mom and dad, grandparents, or a charitable donor, the rider selects a benefactor to honor during the final Horse Show. That name is proudly displayed on their official endorsement sticker—just like a real rodeo sponsorship.
Endorsers receive:
- 🏅 Official recognition as the rider’s supporter
- 🎟 A complimentary ticket to the Horse Show
- 💌 Optional thank-you note or photo from the rider
“We believe that if someone makes it possible for a child to ride, they deserve to be recognized—always.”
— Haley Alfiere, Equestrian Director, Autumn’s Gate
🎟 Ride It Forward: Donate Rides to Riders in Need
Not every family can afford to ride—but thanks to our Ride It Forward initiative, donors can make sure no child is left behind.
When you donate a ride (or a full course package), it becomes a Ride Scholarship that’s granted to a child in need. These riders receive the full FIRE experience—including the opportunity to honor you as their endorser during the Horse Show.
“Give a ride. Change a life.”
💖 Support a Rider Directly
Want to support a specific child’s FIRE journey? Through the Rider Endorsement Program, you can contribute to their FIRE Course tuition, gear, or show entry fees—then see your name proudly worn on show day.
“Recognition with heart. Sponsorship with purpose.”
🐎 About Autumn’s Gate
Founded in 2013, Autumn’s Gate is an equestrian education center and working farm in Western New York offering horseback riding, seasonal camps, farm experiences, and animal encounters. With a focus on confidence, care, and community, Autumn’s Gate welcomes thousands of families annually to connect with nature and each other.
📸 Follow us on Instagram & Facebook @AutumnsGate
