Bridging the Gap—How BridgeUP: GiddyUP is Redefining the Equestrian World for Memphis Youth

Over the last three years, BridgeUP: GiddyUP, a signature initiative of SchoolSeed Foundation, has galloped into new territory—reimagining the equestrian sport through the lenses of education, equity, and ethical horsemanship. What began as a bold idea to introduce underrepresented youth in Memphis to the world of horses has evolved into a powerful movement that blends skill development, confidence-building, and character education in ways previously unseen in the equestrian community.

Led by Coach McKrell Baier, a trailblazer in youth equestrian instruction, BridgeUP: GiddyUP is more than just riding lessons—it’s a transformative experience that nurtures young leaders.

“We’re teaching much more than how to ride,” said Coach Baier. “We’re teaching how to lead with empathy, how to care deeply for another living being, and how to see yourself as someone who belongs in any arena. Our students don’t just become better riders—they become better people.”

The program’s reach has expanded well beyond the riding ring. Through partnerships with national equestrian influencers and luxury design houses, BridgeUP: GiddyUP is elevating the visibility of its riders and making a lasting mark on the sport. Students have not only won competitions—they’ve won respect, breaking stereotypes and blazing a path for future generations.

Coach Mac, Executive Director of  Bridge Up Giddy Up Program Implementation for SchoolSeed, sees BridgeUP: GiddyUP as a model for what equitable programming should look like.

“BridgeUP: GiddyUP proves what’s possible when you invest in young people holistically,” said Baier. “They’re not only developing riding skills—they’re learning discipline, resilience, and leadership. And they’re doing it in a space that has traditionally been out of reach for youth from communities like ours.”

With eyes on the future, the program is building toward something even greater: the creation of a new sport platform that challenges industry norms and sets a higher bar for inclusivity, ethics, and education in horse sport.

“We are positioning BridgeUP: GiddyUP to be a catalyst for change in the equestrian world,” said Vincent J. McCaskill, President and CEO of SchoolSeed. “This is about transforming a system—making room for more young people to access a sport that has so much to offer, and doing it in a way that uplifts the entire ecosystem around it.”

As BridgeUP: GiddyUP continues to grow, it is not just giving Memphis youth a place to ride—it’s giving them the reins to their own futures.