Sheriff's Employees' Benefit Association Proudly Supports the Saddle Up Program
“As executive sponsor of this program, SEBA is committed to making a positive impact on the lives of young people in our county. Through our partnership with the Sheriff’s Rodeo, we are proud to be able to help provide these unique opportunities.”
The Sheriff's Employees' Benefit Association (SEBA) is excited to announce its ongoing support for the Saddle Up Program, an initiative that brings the vibrant tradition of rodeo to the youth of San Bernardino County. Each September, the Sheriff’s Rodeo hosts a rodeo in San Bernardino, with all proceeds dedicated to benefiting local youth organizations.
SEBA Board of Director Amy Ortiz, who is a Deputy Sheriff with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, said the program’s mission is to introduce children to the world of rodeo, fostering an appreciation for western heritage and ensuring its traditions continue to thrive.
“In pursuit of this mission, we hold a complimentary horse camp during the rodeo for selected youth from our community,” said Ortiz.
This immersive camp offers hands-on experience with horses, including basic handling, grooming, and bathing.
To further support their newfound interest, each child who attends the camp is gifted a brand new pair of boots and a month of free horseback riding lessons, which also includes an adult companion.
To further support the Sheriff’s Rodeo and raise awareness for the Saddle Up Program, SEBA has created a 60-second public service announcement (PSA). This PSA, featuring SEBA Vice President Alisha Rosa as the voiceover, highlights the benefits of the program and encourages community participation.
“As executive sponsor of this program, SEBA is committed to making a positive impact on the lives of young people in our county,” said SEBA President Grant Ward. “Through our partnership with the Sheriff’s Rodeo, we are proud to be able to help provide these unique opportunities.”
For more information about the Saddle Up Program or the annual rodeo, please contact: www.sheriffsrodeo.com.
Q&A with Deputy Amy Ortiz
What inspired you to create the Saddle Up Program, and how did it come to fruition?
"Saddle Up" was established to introduce at-risk youth to horseback riding, which is believed to be therapeutic. History has shown that kids develop a unique relationship and connection with a horse, providing comfort, calm, courage, and confidence. As the program grew, it was named "Saddle Up". While kids learn that riding horses is enjoyable, they also learn to face life's challenges and realize their own strength.
Can you share a memorable story or moment from the program that has had a lasting impact on you?
In 2019, Tristen Crouser was the Sheriff’s Rodeo Golden Circle of Champion. Tristen, who had battled cancer since he was 2 years old, became Sheriff’s Rodeo Golden Circle of Champion at the age of 15. Due to his enduring fight with cancer, he faced physical and cognitive challenges resulting from years of chemotherapy, radiation, and a bone marrow transplant. After participating in the program, he expressed his gratitude and desire to give back by assisting the following year. After brainstorming, Carlos and I came up with the idea of having Tristen teach roping to the Boy Scouts at the SB Sheriff’s Rodeo Saturday morning "slack" rodeo. Following his first roping clinic, Tristen approached Carlos and me and said, "I feel like I have a purpose in life now." Discovering that he could utilize his talent and passion for roping to help others, Tristen developed the roping clinic with guidance, ultimately expanding it to the Saddle Up camp, which featured professional roping dummies, ropes for all the kids, grooming instruction on live horses, a horse shoeing demonstration, and a spin the wheel with fun prizes. I had the honor of mentoring Tristen and witnessing his remarkable journey.
How do you believe the Saddle Up Program benefits the youth in our community, both immediately and in the long term?
Kids learn that happiness comes from simple ways of life and provides them with a healthy outlet to turn to.
Why do you think it's important for children to be introduced to the world of rodeo and western heritage?
The Western way of life involves hard work, but it also brings a feeling of peace. The secret to happiness lies in taking on responsibilities and fulfilling them. When kids participate in rodeo, horseback riding, 4-H, or FFA, they learn about responsibility and the value of hard work.
How has the support from SEBA and other community partners and the Sheriff’s Rodeo contributed to the success and growth of the Saddle Up Program?
The Saddle Up camp has expanded from a single day session to two days, and the number of participants has doubled. None of this growth would have been achievable without the generous support of our sponsors.
What do you hope the participants take away from their experience in the program?
We hope that our event will ignite a passion for horseback riding and/or rodeo, inspiring individuals to pursue ongoing horseback riding lessons and delve deeper into these exciting equestrian activities.
Looking forward, what are your future goals for the Saddle Up Program? Are there any new initiatives or expansions on the horizon?
Each year, we aim to introduce new and engaging activities into our program to ignite excitement, curiosity, and a passion for preserving our western heritage and way of life in children.
Stay tuned for more behind the scenes content as SEBA Productions heads back out on location with the Saddle Up program at this year’s Sheriff’s Rodeo.