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Mission

The Silver Saddle Foundation prepares neurodivergent young adults for meaningful employment in the pet care industry and beyond through structured, real-world training in animal care.
The Silver Saddle Foundation is a workforce development initiative serving neurodivergent young adults ages 18–30 who are seeking supported pathways to employment.
Based within a fully functioning equestrian and canine facility, participants train alongside experienced professionals, contributing to real operations and building practical skills in an environment grounded in responsibility and purpose.
Because the program operates within an active working facility, participants develop skills through real responsibility—not simulation.

The Opportunity

Neurodivergent individuals face disproportionately high barriers to employment, despite strong capabilities and a desire to contribute. At the same time, the U.S. animal care industry is a rapidly growing sector with ongoing demand for skilled, reliable workers, alongside a nationwide shortage of veterinary technicians.

The Silver Saddle Foundation bridges this gap by aligning participant strengths with workforce needs through structured, applied training that leads to employment pathways.

What We Do

The Silver Saddle Foundation provides structured vocational training grounded in hands-on experience and real responsibility. Participants work alongside experienced professionals to develop skills in:

  • Dog grooming, training, and daily care

  • Horse care and barn management

  • Foundational animal health knowledge and non-clinical veterinary support

Participants demonstrate measurable growth in job readiness, communication, and collaboration. The program culminates in supported transitions to internships and employment through partnerships with local animal care providers.

Our Approach

The Silver Saddle Foundation is neurodiversity-affirming and strengths-based, integrating vocational training with social-emotional development through animal partnership.

  • Connection & Regulation: Builds emotional awareness and communication

  • Purpose Through Contribution: Real roles in daily operations

  • Community & Belonging: Fosters dignity and connection

  • Access & Inclusion: Scholarships ensure access

Participants demonstrate measurable growth in job readiness, communication, and collaboration. The program culminates in supported transitions to internships and employment through partnerships with local animal care providers.

What Makes This Different

  • Training within an active, working animal care facility

  • Real responsibility—not simulated experiences

  • Integrated skill-building and social-emotional development

  • Direct pathways to internships and employment

Impact Goals (Year One)

  • Serve up to 5 participants in an intensive pilot cohort

  • Deliver 100+ hours of hands-on training per participant

  • Establish partnerships with animal care and veterinary providers

  • Develop internship pathways leading to employment

  • Build a scalable model for future cohorts

Funding Opportunity

Funding will support program launch, including staffing, training materials, curriculum development, partnerships, and participant scholarships.

Because the facility is already built, funding directly supports program delivery and participant outcomes—accelerating impact from day one.

Leadership and Advisory Board

  • Rene Karapedian, President — 30+ years in pet care operations (grooming, boarding, training)

  • Karen Pavliscak, Secretary — 25+ years in education, program design, and instructional leadership

  • Maria Crone, Treasurer — 40+ years in equine care, facility management, and programming