Fletcher Street Urban Riding Club is a volunteer-run community stable in North Philadelphia dedicated to preserving the legacy of Black urban horsemanship while creating a safe space for young people to grow, learn, and heal.

The club was formally established in 2004 by Ellis “EL-Dog” Ferrell, but his work with horses and neighborhood youth began more than six decades ago. Today, at 87 years old, EL-Dog still comes to the stables every single day. He sits among the horses and the young riders, watching over them, sharing stories, and teaching lessons about horsemanship, responsibility, patience, and life.

Our stables are open seven days a week and run entirely by volunteers. Through horseback riding, stable work, and mentorship, young people learn how to care for horses while building confidence, discipline, and community. Many of the youth who come to Fletcher Street have experienced childhood adversity and trauma. For them, the barn becomes a place of belonging and stability.

Horses have a unique way of connecting with young people. The care, patience, and trust required in horsemanship often mirror the emotional growth our riders experience. The horses depend on the youth, and in many ways, the youth depend on the horses.

Located in the Strawberry Mansion neighborhood of Philadelphia, Fletcher Street continues a long tradition of Black cowboys and horsemen in the city while providing a positive alternative for young people who might otherwise face the challenges of the streets. Our goal is simple: keep the barn doors open, preserve this historic tradition, and ensure that the next generation has a place where they can learn, grow, and feel valued.