Being the Change is a youth program in Phoenix that helps kids from all back grounds gain life-skills through equestrian sports.  

Being The Change has been BUSY!

BTC has continued to grow and so have our kid’s accomplishments!During 2016 we added another 3 kids to the program to finish our Spring Season with 10 PeeWees and 4 Interscholastic Team Players.At the start of our Fall Season, we have added another PeeWee – for a total of 16 participate in 2016.

To complement our USPA Certified Instructor – Jorge Estrada III – we added PATH Certified Riding Instructor Meghan Lewis.She began working with the PeeWees with the assistance of Thomas and Zak (II Team Members) at the Coleman residence in May with twice weekly riding lessons.In June – when the heat got to be too much – the horses moved to their summer home at the Pie Town Polo Club and enjoyed several months of turnout and play.

BTC hosted its annual summer camp for the Interscholastic Team (Savanah, Rachel, Zak & Thomas) and two up & coming players from NM (RaeAnn & Ruby.)They received a full week of coaching by Chuck Rogers and Dan Coleman.We ended camp with the BTC/Phelps Family tournament, 4 teams which included the CSU Women’s Polo Team!

By the end of our academic year (April 2017) our PeeWees will have received a minimum of 20 hours of Riding, 20 of Polo and 20 of service work – as well as opportunities to compete in Polo Tournaments and a Fox Hunt with the Juan Thomas Hounds in New Mexico.

Assisting the PeeWees are the BTC Interscholastic Players – helping them to improve ground handling, how to tack/untack, how to keep the trailers and tools organized, how to judge horse fitness or address wounds.BTC’s team played 10 reason season games last year; more games than any other team!  Already this season we have played 2 games against Prestonwood in Dallas.

During 2016, BTC was recognized as a Platinum Member of Guidestar due to our dedication to transparency and mission, as well as became a Messenger for the Equus Foundation.During our FY15 (990 available on Guidestar) BTC spent $57k on our program in actual funds.We anticipate spending at least $60k in FY16.BTC has many very generous supporters and we rely greatly on that kind of generous spirt to provide our kids these opportunities.

During 2016, BTC has amassed about 1,200 hours of skilled volunteer time working directly with the kids, and another 1,300 hours for administration.By the end of 2016, we expect to have received:

• $15,000 through in-kind and underwritten expenses
• $15,000 from several grant programs (equine, administrative and educational groups)
• $15,000 gross earnings through our polo club services
• $15,000 in Individual Donations from people JUST LIKE YOU!