Horses and Programs
Need 1.1 Miles of Fencing
TO MOVE TO OUR FOREVER HOME

Rick and Marita Wassman founded Ride On St. Louis in 1998 in Oakville, Missouri. The center operated at their private home residence on a volunteer basis for four years. From 2002 to 2018 Ride On St. Louis was privileged to call the Anheuser Estate in Kimmswick our home. Past Mayor of Kimmswick Brian Selsor and Dorothy Hatfield (niece of Fred and Mable Ruth Anheuser) invited Ride On St. Louis onto the Anheuser Estate and Park at a philanthropic lease. Throughout the 17 years on the estate grounds, Ride On St. Louis was able to grow and develop in many areas including: herd variety, staffing, volunteer support, client base and program offerings which directly affects corresponding needs with respect to space, safety and further developments. However, the area is prone to frequent flooding, which is disruptive to services and requires expensive ongoing repairs. From 2013 to 2018 the space Ride On St. Louis utilized had been violently flooded on four occasions. Ride On St. Louis is relocating the center to a new site to avoid recurrent, costly damages to the facility, grounds and programs, and ensure continuous, uninterrupted service for those in need. We are thankful to have avoided three floods already.

Yes. Although some programs/services may be abbreviated or suspended, we have adapted programming, as well as introduced new programming, to continue providing service during our Forever Home relocation project. Concurrently with renovations and improvements to our Forever Home, Ride On St. Louis's programs continue with community partners and participants at our interim site in Cedar Hill. We look forward to getting back to serving you, your loved ones and the community with fully resumed and expanded programming as soon as possible. We are building our new Forever Home with you in mind and appreciate your support and understanding as we strive to enhance our center and services.

Our Forever Home is located at 9000 Grab Lane, Hillsboro, MO. At this time we are unable to accommodate walk-in or drive-by visitors. The property is undergoing active renovation and improvements. Heavy equipment and construction crews may be present throughout 2024. If you are interested in visiting our Forever Home, we are happy to meet you by appointment.

Our Forever Home campaign began formal development in 2021. Property was secured in February 2024. Ribbon-Cutting ceremony was held on March 15, 2024. Immediate renovation and improvement plans are underway, with plans in place for building out a barn, adding nearly 6,000 feet of fencing for turnouts and an arena. These projects, along with the completed purchase of the property, are anticipated to be achieved by the end of 2024. A small structure has been demolished and removed from the property, and the future barn/stable existing structure has been gutted and prepared for utility updates and grading. Upcoming plans also include the demolition of a structure and preparing the base of the barn for building stalls. Additionally, immediate plans in Q1 Q2 include replacing many of the existing wood beams and foundation posts in the barn and prepping and installing utility lines.

We are unable to accommodate drive-bys or walk-ins due to on-going renovation and improvements. Visits at this time are by appointment only. We are looking forward to having an open house at each development phase. Please stay tuned through social media for announcements and progress updates!

We’re glad you asked! There are many ways you can be a part of this needed community project. Financial support by ways of major gift donations or planned giving in wills/bequests are meaningful ways to support your legacy, as well as the legacy of Ride On St. Louis. Purchasing materials and items in our soon to debut "Forever Home Gift Shop" will make giving accessible and fun. You will be able to browse our shop wish list and help build a stall, fencing section, therapy component or other essential elements. Donors may be recognized and acknowledged on a donor plaque on display in our new Forever Home. Volunteers fuel our program and play a big role in many project tasks of this move. Check out our volunteer page for more information on upcoming events and needs. Help us enlarge our Crusader Circle. Becoming a part of the Crusader's Circle allows you to join a dedicated group of supporters who understand the importance of making a sustaining commitment to provide quality of life improvements for those in need. You'll receive updates from the field we don't share with anyone else, as well as surprise gifts, photos & videos of the people and communities you've impacted and more! Spread the word! Share with others this exciting news and invite them to get behind our mission. Through the mercy and goodness of our God, and for His glory, we exist to serve. An abundance of prayer, good vibes and happy thoughts are always appreciated and welcome. For more ways you can get involved check out our Get Involved resource page.

One Time Gifts Gifts of cash usually are given in the form of a personal or business check. Some donors may use credit cards, although Ride On St. Louis does incur 3-4% in fees on every credit transaction. Gifts of appreciated securities (shares of stock, mutual funds or other marketable securities are examples) are another means of making a gift that can be used immediately. Gifts of real and other property are often beneficial, as well. Some property gifts can be used in programs, such as equipment, vehicles, and supplies. Carefully planned real estate gifts can be valuable immediately or in the long term. Pledges Most donors will choose to make gifts over several years. A pledge is a formal declaration of intent to contribute. Some donors fulfill their pledges over a short timeframe. Others make payments over 3-5 years. Appreciated Securities A gift of long-term securities has two major advantages: 1) it provides the donor with an immediate income tax deduction and 2) eliminates capital gains taxes to the extent allowed by law. Closely Held Stock A gift of closely held stock to Ride on St. Louis may result in a current income tax deduction for the fair market value of the stock as well as elimination of capital gains taxes on the appreciated value of the stock. Your financial advisors can provide more information. Planned Giving Planned gift arrangements have specific tax advantages and often include lifetime income to the donor and beneficiary(ies) named by the donor. A planned gift maximizes your giving potential and can even allow you to ensure future financial security for yourself and your loved ones. Retirement Accounts Naming Ride On St. Louis as beneficiary of a retirement account is an easy way to make a substantial gift and to eliminate situations in which a distribution results in tax consequences. Real Estate You may give a residence, land, income property or other real estate as an outright gift or with the right to occupy the property for your lifetime. The gift of a remainder interest in a personal residence, farm or other building provides a current income tax deduction for the present value of the remainder interest. It also permits the donor to eliminate capital gains taxes on the appreciation. Tangible Personal Property By giving personal property such as artwork, rare books, or antiques, you may receive desirable tax deductions. The allowable deduction will require a qualified appraisal. Insurance The gift of a life insurance policy to Ride On St. Louis provides you with a charitable contribution of the present cash surrender value. Premiums paid after the transfer are tax-deductible if you wish to maintain the policy value but transfer ownership. Bequests Providing for Ride On St. Louis in your will may enable you to make a substantial contribution without diminishing assets you may need during your lifetime. Bequests are deductible from the value of your estate which may result in a significant tax advantage. Charitable Lead Trust A charitable lead trust is a method of funding a gift over a specific period of years. Income is paid to Ride On St. Louis each year during the life of the lead trust. When the trust terminates, the assets revert to you or to a beneficiary you choose. Charitable Remainder Trust An irrevocable trust may be used to provide annual income to you or a loved one at either a fixed or variable rate. A portion of the trust qualifies for an immediate tax deduction. At death of the last income beneficiary, the assets in the trust are distributed to Ride On St. Louis to be used as the donor has designated. Please consult your tax advisor regarding how this may benefit you. Honoring Important People In Your Life Your gift may be used to honor a family member, friend, colleague, pastor, or other community leader—someone who has made a difference in your life or in the life of our community. Many people make gifts to commemorate a business or special occasion.

You can mail us at PO Box 94, Kimmswick, MO 63053; call us at 636-464-3408; or email us at info@rideonstl.org Make sure you are subscirbed to our monthly newsletters and follow us on Facebook and Instagram to recieve all the latest updates, straight from the horse's mouth.