Fletcher Street Urban Riding Club: "El-Dog"

“El-Dog”
Directed by Ken McFarlane
www.kenmcfarlanephoto.com
Cinematography by Taj DeVore
www.tajdevorebey.com
Website: www.fsurc.com
www.gofundme.com/f/help-fsurc...
Instagram: @fletcherstreeturbanridingclub
Facebook: fletcher street riding club
***Public Statement***
We understand that the film Concrete Cowboy is being released to the public on Netflix. Fletcher Street Urban Riding Club-which promotes horse riding as an activity for inner-city Black youth-has been in existence since 2004. Since the filming of the movie began, Fletcher Street Urban Riding Club has been concerned that some portrayals depicted in the movie are based on the Club, although there has been no such attribution. During the past several weeks, the Club’s founder and Director, Ellis Ferrell, has been contacted by several sources who assumed that the film was based on his true life experiences. This is not the first time there has been such confusion. Previously, representatives of the City of Philadelphia advised the Club that another organization had applied for the use of city land, causing confusion and potential delay. The filmmakers have created a non-profit organization that has initiated a Go Fund Me campaign to raise money for a new stable. Fletcher Street Urban Riding Club believes that the public will perceive that the funds raised will be for the Club and fears that this campaign will detract from its efforts to raise funds for its own permanent home and siphon potential funds from its independent initiatives. The Club hopes that the filmmakers clear the record for the public and give credit to the iconic Fletcher Street Riding Club for the pre-existing and long-term contributions it has made to Black youth by fostering horse riding as a productive and community-building activity.
Introduction to the Fletcher Street Urban Riding Club & El Dog:
Fletcher Street Urban Riding Club is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded by Ellis “El-Dog” Ferrell in 2004. Ellis founded the Club as a way to connect his love of horses with his love for children and his community. Ellis has remained the Club President for decades, and is one of the most respected horsemen in Philadelphia history. He has dedicated his life to teaching others to ride horses. Although Club funds have always been limited, and facilities a work in progress, El Dog and the Club have been there for the children of North Philly every day.
Philadelphia has a rich riding history, some of which is profiled in the movie Concrete Cowboy. Fletcher Street itself has been a place for Black horsemen in Philadelphia for over 100 years. Collectively referred to as the Fletcher Street Stables, Fletcher Street is home to several historical barns that board privately owned horses.
Currently, the Fletcher Street Urban Riding Club is asking for continued support for our mission: to provide FREE access to horses and riding instruction for ANY PERSON willing to learn. With gentrification rapidly changing the landscape of North Philadelphia, the future of the Club is uncertain. Our goal is to ensure the Club remains a fixture in this neighborhood and the lives of this neighborhood’s children. We are committed to providing unique and enriching experiences and a safe space for all children, particularly those in North Philly.
What Fletcher Street Urban Riding Club has contributed to Philadelphia’s culture and history is an invaluable resource. Horses uplift. We are working to ensure a place in the future of Philadelphia: permanent land and financial support. Your support could make a huge difference in the lives of many children.
Website: www.fsurc.com
www.gofundme.com/f/help-fsurc...
Instagram: @fletcherstreeturbanridingclub
Facebook: fletcher street riding club

[@cocoasista]

This man is doing something great for his community, but the city won't back him. Makes no sense. But yet society wants to talk about why black people aren't contributing to their community. Many are contributing without the support! I love the history and concept.

[@cfoster6804]

Exactly! So frustrating.😤

[@delrenesims3013]

This is just wonderful. I just learned about it because of the movie Concrete Cowboy. Beautiful people, beautiful horses.

[@GALLEN-vf7uy]

Love this

[@donnarobinson5417]

I truly enjoyed the movie. Heartfelt, heartwarming, heartbreaking. Thanks, Idris Elba 4 lending your fame.

[@marionashworth931]

I was part of this movement.I was at the other end of Philadelphia. We had stables in west Philly at Cobbs creek when Sensei ran the stables in the early 80's! We rode all over and visited the other stables. We had rodeo's and parades.

[@DadOGofGirls]

Just watched the Concrete Cowboy on Netflix and it was a great movie.

[@bjcundiff8623]

Being raised in kentucky I have grown up around the horse industry, been part of saddle clubs, and trail rides. I had never heard of fletcher street riding club until now. I hope this will be a part of Philly for generations to come.

[@christophercarey2809]

I'm really glad the movie has brought attention to the Fletcher Street Cowboys. I'm gonna continue to donate every chance I get!

[@maryrenee6157]

AWESOME 👍😷 yeeeehawwww 🤠🐴🐎

[@fastlyfe6545]

concrete cowboy rlly made me happy ever since I watched django unchained I wanted to see more of african american cowboys now I know they are a thing in philly and around the world so friggin dope👏🏽

[@GALLEN-vf7uy]

This is nice

[@zigman3105]

If you like black cowboys watch posse

[@enveeroc]

I recommend looking up the history of black cowboys in Louisiana, long before the west was populated.

[@cocot9414]

Concrete cowboys bought me here. Maybe the big Philly artist ex Jill Scott, Meek Mills or Beanie Seagal could bring you and the club some much-needed attention. What you do for your community is valuable.

[@cfoster6804]

Or Boyz II Men

[@mjolles1976]

Wow I have always loved horses,ridden and groomed quite a bit, but never heard of this club until I saw the movie. I will definitely be making a road trip to see this legendary club. This has become a bucket list item. Really makes me happy to see this happening, Thank you so much for your great contribution to society!

[@fordfreelancer]

The "real" club The movie "Concrete Cowboys" is loosely based upon in Philadelphia. This has been a Frontline Hero for decades!

[@stephenpamphile1721]

Lovely movie concrete cowboys🇱🇨🇱🇨

[@meshellim]

So much untold black history...our heritage is rich and full of successful ansestery! I love being black!

[@300walkerfims]

That was a story that needed to be told. Good work. Dope

[@GALLEN-vf7uy]

Yes Sir .. That's a "MAN' right there

[@maryrenee6157]

A Beautiful movie ❣️😍💕, I Absolutely Enjoyed this heartfelt , touching movie . I'll watch it a few more times I imagine as well.

[@tristanwarner1586]

Truly an inspiring story and message, I hope and pray your community continues to grow and become more recognized because programs and organizations like these are a significant part of American culture. More power to you and those who continue to make a safe and enjoyable community for the youth in Philly thank you for enlightening me on something I was never aware of and thank you for your hospitable service!

[@mikeheuer1276]

FSURC would be smart to publish an annual calendar featuring its horses. That would give them a virtually limitless stream of revenue going forward.

[@Justhunter33]

Concrete Cowboys made me want some acres, couple horses, and some dogs. Life will be sweet some day

[@maryrenee6157]

You got that right 👌😊

[@GALLEN-vf7uy]

Sweeeeetttt !!!

[@kyoko703]

Came for the horses. Stayed for the story. You got yourself a sub.

[@maura_the_rose]

Love from Montgomery County and Fox Heath in Bucks 🥰

[@dabisnow203]

We need this kind of Love.

[@Fkp.777]

Big Love from Germany

[@Tam75Tam]

What a LEGACY! I love it!

[@Slumpy1969]

Howdy from sharpsburg md,riders keep up the rides

[@bubbagump965]

What a great man!

[@sindirodriguez1030]

Thank you for all that you do Ellis ❤️

[@arlenerogerswilhite2236]

love this

[@ziinuka]

I just watched the movie and had to find out more. I've always loved horses and my family still has one. I'll definitely be following you and supporting how I can.

[@Andrew-xx4ht]

Awesome!!! I whish I could ride with you some day!

[@truckingforsuccess3113]

Good job.

[@daviddrouin7223]

I see hope !

[@DisciplesOfEmpen]

Concrete Cowboy brought me here.

[@nolidee4917]

Love it!!!

[@mikedavidz6161]

A cowboy buys a horse from the town pastor. The pastor explains, “To make the horse go, you gotta yell, ‘Thank God!’ And to make it stop, yell, ‘Hallelujah.’” The cowboy rides away. He rides all day and starts to nod off in the saddle when he notices he is about to ride straight over a cliff. Searching his memory, he yells to the horse, “Hallelujah! Hallelujah!” The horse grinds to a stop just at the edge of the cliff. The cowboy wipes the sweat off his forehead. “Phew!” the cowboy sighs. “Thank God!”

[@nolidee4917]

@@mikedavidz6161 HAHAHAHAHAHA MIKE I LOVE IT!

[@mikedavidz6161]

@@nolidee4917 thank you @Noli, I'm glad I made you laugh !!! 💯🌈

[@rickystanford1876]

Hey this Rick from Birmingham I love what you doing up there I will love for y’all to come down here some time

[@arlenerogerswilhite2236]

is Mr. El Dog still with us

[@zigman3105]

They need to purchase their own land for these horses

[@cfoster6804]

It takes money that they don't have. I'm sure if they did they would've bought land a long time ago.

[@moralthreat2745]

Go ahead and sell your tickets to whoever you want. The sixers organization has be a tradition of horrible ownership, horrible front offices, horrible drafts and horrible players. They do not deserve any respect unless they go out and earn some. The sixers and their tradition of losing and letting the fans of Philly down should be asked to leave town. All they have for the people is bad news.

[@JFlynn-ef7hg]

@elonmusk why can’t people with money help these good people out.

[@cfoster6804]

Right