Our Mission
Ride at Dawn strives to be a network and community for victims and survivors of sexual and domestic violence in the equine industry. Working together to create a network of experienced and trauma informed professionals, RAD’s mission is to promote a community where survivors feel heard, advocated for, and protected in the equine industry. Together, we will help supply our communities with resources for prevention and advocacy to support safer access to equine sports. Ride at Dawn aims to demonstrate that domestic and sexual violence have no place in this industry and that predators will be held accountable.
Our Vision
Our vision is to build a future where equine events are safer, the voices of survivors are uplifted, and the community is informed on how to recognize, prevent, and advocate against domestic and sexual violence. This vision is not limited within state lines; by growing an expansive network of resources for survivors, event producers, and the public, we hope to support survivors throughout the equine industry. With the help of others who are willing to fight with us, we can make this vision into the new standard.
Our Values
Bold – As advocates we are loud, steady, and reliable. Protecting our most vulnerable, specifically children, is nothing to do softly. We will fight right beside survivors, always.
Prevention - Ride at Dawn will be a resource for event attendees, parents, western event producers, venue security personnel, and other interested parties to easily access applicable and public information pertaining to assault prevention and exposure reduction.
Service - Ride at Dawn is working to build a volunteer presence at equine events to promote a safer atmosphere, assist with the identification of possible threats to the safety of children, coordinate with appropriate law enforcement or security personnel, and act as a tangible resource to survivors for their safety.
Impact - Ride at Dawn will raise funds to provide services to survivors of sexual assault, exploitation, or abuse - or their support pipeline - within the equine sport community. This may help with accessing mental health resources, safe and supportive access to equine events, emergency needs, etc.
Education - Ride at Dawn will localize and publish materials for the purpose of educating children, parents, guardians, event staff, and others about warning signs related to sexual assault, domestic violence, grooming, abuse of minors, and other predatory or abusive behavior. Additional resources will include reporting, accessing public record, and compiling emergency welfare funds for survivors.
Growth - We wont stop here. There is no net too wide when it comes to providing resources to survivors and protecting our children. Contact us to see how you can be a part of the difference this industry has always needed. Y’all means all, and that includes you.
