In the heart of Compton’s Richland Farms community, an extraordinary transformation is taking place. The Compton Junior Equestrians (CJE), located at 463 West Caldwell Street, is rewriting narratives and changing lives through the power of horses. As the official 501(c)(3) nonprofit affiliate of the renowned Compton Cowboys, this premier equestrian program is continuing a 35-year legacy of keeping urban youth “on horses and off the streets.”
A Legacy Born from Community Need
Founded to continue the mission of the Compton Jr. Posse—originally established by Mayisha Akbar in 1988—Compton Junior Equestrians represents more than just horseback riding lessons. Under the leadership of Randy Savvy, himself a product of the original program, CJE serves disadvantaged and at-risk youth ages 8-18 in Compton and surrounding communities. The organization’s motto, “Streets raised us, horses saved us,” encapsulates the transformative journey that countless young people have experienced through equestrian engagement.
Comprehensive Youth Development Programs
Basic Equine Program (BEP)
The cornerstone of CJE’s offerings, the Basic Equine Program delivers core self-development services through three primary formats:
Field Trip Program: Designed for schools, churches, and community organizations, this one-day introduction exposes groups to ranch life and basic equestrian activities, providing youth with their first experience of horses and ranch operations.
After School Program: Operating during fall, winter, and spring sessions, this program runs three days per week and represents CJE’s most comprehensive offering. Students develop riding skills, learn horse care and equine science, while receiving academic enrichment, character building support, and leadership development training.
Summer Camp Program: An intensive eight-week summer day camp experience that includes supervised horse training, educational workbooks, gardening and horticulture activities, wellness programming, competitive horseback riding, and daily nutrition (lunch included). The standard fee is $275 per week, with scholarships available based on family income and financial status.
Specialized Riding Programs
English Riding Program (ERP): Identifies students with capability and interest in pursuing show jumping, equitation, and other English riding specialties, opening pathways to competitive opportunities and potential career development.
Western Riding Program (WRP): Focuses on reining, rodeo, and Western riding disciplines, connecting students with the rich heritage of Black cowboys in American history while developing competitive riding skills.
Clinical Services Program (CSP)
This critical component ensures comprehensive youth development through case management, personal growth tracking, mental health support, academic monitoring and support, career planning assistance, and physical wellness programs including farm-to-table vegetable cultivation.
The Equestrian Center and Facilities
Located in the historic Richland Farms area of Compton—a semi-rural agricultural zone that has been home to African-American equestrians since the 1940s—the Compton Cowboys Ranch serves as both a training facility and safe haven. The one-acre property features riding arenas with professional-grade footing, horse stables and care facilities, gardens for hands-on horticulture education, classroom spaces for academic programming, and areas for livestock and small animal care.
The ranch environment provides urban youth with rare access to nature, animals, and outdoor activities typically unavailable in their immediate communities. This connection to living beings and natural spaces forms a crucial element of the program’s therapeutic and developmental impact.
Measurable Impact on Youth Development
Research conducted at institutions like Washington State University has demonstrated that equestrian-assisted learning programs produce significant improvements in stress regulation, emotional control, and social competence. CJE participants show dramatic increases in confidence levels, self-discipline and responsibility, academic achievement and engagement, leadership capabilities, and future career vision.
The organization addresses critical community challenges by providing alternatives to gang involvement, reducing risk factors for school dropout and incarceration, building coping mechanisms for urban stressors, fostering respect for animals, nature, and peers, and creating lifelong bonds between mentors and students.
Safety and Accessibility
Safety remains CJE’s top priority across all programming. The organization maintains strict safety protocols including mandatory helmet use while mounted, close supervision by experienced staff trained in both equestrian instruction and youth development, gradual skill-building in supportive environments, and comprehensive safety training before horse interaction.
No prior horse experience is required for participation, making programs accessible to all interested youth regardless of background. CJE works closely with families, schools, and community partners to create comprehensive support systems tailored to each participant’s unique needs.
Community Support and Sustainability
The Compton Cowboys play an integral role in CJE’s mission by participating directly in daily programming, using their platform to amplify the organization’s message and mission, and providing crucial financial support through sponsorships and fundraising.
Community members can support CJE through financial donations, volunteer time and expertise, event sponsorship, and participation in fundraising activities. These contributions directly fund scholarships, program expansion, facility maintenance, and horse care.
Conclusion
Compton Junior Equestrians stands as a beacon of hope and transformation in urban Los Angeles. By leveraging the therapeutic power of horses and the legacy of Black cowboys in American history, CJE provides at-risk youth with pathways to success, confidence, and bright futures. The program’s holistic approach—combining horseback riding with academic enrichment, career development, mental health support, and character building—creates lasting change that extends far beyond the ranch gates.
For families seeking positive youth development opportunities in Compton and surrounding areas, CJE offers year-round programming designed to empower, inspire, and transform lives through the majesty of horses and the dedication of experienced mentors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What age groups does Compton Jr Equestrians serve in Compton?
Compton Junior Equestrians serves youth ages 8-18 from Compton, Los Angeles, and surrounding communities. No prior horseback riding experience is required, and programs are specifically designed for disadvantaged and at-risk urban youth seeking positive developmental opportunities and equestrian training.
How much does the Compton Jr Equestrians summer camp cost?
The standard summer camp fee at Compton Jr Equestrians is $275 per week for the eight-week program. However, income-based scholarships are available for qualifying families. The fee includes daily lunch, supervised horse training, educational materials, gardening activities, and all necessary safety equipment for participants.
Where is the Compton Cowboys Ranch located?
The Compton Cowboys Ranch and Compton Jr Equestrians facility is located at 463 West Caldwell Street in the historic Richland Farms community of Compton, California. This agricultural area has been home to Black equestrians and horse culture since the 1940s, providing a unique rural oasis within urban Los Angeles.
What programs does Compton Jr Equestrians offer for after school?
Compton Jr Equestrians offers year-round after school programs during fall, winter, and spring sessions, meeting three days per week. Programs include horseback riding instruction, horse care and equine science, academic enrichment, character building, leadership development, wellness activities, and career planning support for students in Compton and nearby areas.