The Compton Junior Equestrians (CJE) are excited to present our core student programs. Our programs represent the continuation of a 34-year plus tradition of providing equestrian based experiences focused on the self development of disadvantaged and underserved urban youth of Compton and other local communities. CJE programming provides an unrivaled opportunity for youth self development by leveraging horses to fostering personal growth, life skills, and a sense of belonging, along with the equestrian development. Our programming is founded upon the proven power of horses to help youth grow.
The programs are conducted at the Compton Cowboys Ranch, located at 463 West Caldwell St in the Richland Farms community of Compton, CA. Programming is designed to support the community service mission of the Compton Cowboys (CC). The CC was founded in 2018 to create a market presence for a group of Compton youth who grew up together participating in a comprehensive equestrian-based student self development program. The CC created the CJE to continue its commitment to the community service mission that started in 1988 and which created the urban cowboys that became the Compton Cowboys.
As the not-for-profit 501(c)(3) affiliate of the Compton Cowboys (CC), CJE and CC jointly offer 3 major programs as follows:
- Field Trip Program: designed to expose groups like schools, churches and other organizations, to our urban ranch life and programming
- After School Program: this activity represents our core CJE offering, designed to develop confident and well-balanced youth who are accomplished horse people
- Summer Camp Program: provides interested students a summer school type opportunity for a deep-dive into CJE programming, which leverages our cowboys, program staff, horses and ranch to provide a unique and transformative eight-week summer day camp experience
Fill Out the Interest Form
Our team will review your application and get in touch with you after you apply.
View Our Other Programs
Our Basic Equine Program (BEP) serves up our core programming for empowering individuals and promoting their growth. It includes field trip, afterschool and summer camp programs.
Our English Riding Program (ERP) coordinates with BEP programming to identify student capability and interest in pursuing career opportunities for competing and working in the world of showjumping, equitation, and other English riding specialties. These activities are currently undergoing revisioning.
Our Western Riding Program (WRP) coordinates with BEP programming to identify student capability and interest in pursuing career opportunities for competing and working in the world of reigned, rodeo and other Western riding specialties. These activities are currently undergoing revisioning.
Our Clinical Services Program (CSP) coordinates across all CJE programs including with BEP to insure CJE delivers on our youth self-development community service mission. CSP directly provides core youth personal growth and wellness programming and is responsible for integrating all CJE programming goals.
Hear from Our Community
Stephanie G
My daughter has been going to this camp for two weeks now and I have never seen her so happy in any other group sitting. She absolutely loves it. I love the leadership they teach them and the kids really learn valuable information about horses, gardening, and sustainability.
Emery Wright
Very cool place wonderful program for the students they serve!
Emily Schroeder
Just read the article in Western Horseman about Compton Jr Equestrians. If there had been programs like this around me when I was younger, I think it would have kept me out of a lot of trouble. Horses have such an amazing power to teach and give people a sense of purpose. I was lucky enough to make it through my troubles and eventually find this out but to stop the trouble before it starts is really how you change lives. I wish this program nothing but success. Nice work you guys!!
Cindal Langley
My 2 kids started this program and absolutely love it. everyone is wonderful and very welcoming! we are so lucky we are a part of this program!! the cowboys are awesome!!
Suze Randall Knipe
Great work with great kids....horses bring out the best in all of us!
Frequently Asked Questions
We offer a variety of programs designed to empower individuals through equine therapy, including our Basic Equine Programs, English Riding Programs, Western Riding Programs, and Clinical Services Programs. These programs include field trips, afterschool activities, summer camps, and specialized riding training.
Enrolling in our programs is easy! First, explore our range of programs and choose the one that suits your interests. Next, check any prerequisites or qualifications required for your chosen program. Finally, complete and submit the application form online or in person. Our team will review your application and get in touch with you.
While some programs may have specific prerequisites, our Basic Equine Programs are designed to be accessible to all participants, regardless of their experience level. For our specialized programs, such as English and Western Riding, we may assess student capability and interest to ensure they are a good fit for the program.
Safety is our top priority. We have a comprehensive safety protocol that includes the use of helmets at all times while mounted, close supervision by experienced staff, and thorough training for both participants and horses. Our programs are designed to gradually build confidence and skills in a safe and supportive environment.
There are many ways to support us! You can make a donation to help fund our programs, volunteer your time and skills, become a sponsor, or participate in our events. Every contribution helps us continue our mission to empower youth through equine therapy.