Ride for Rylie
Because It Takes a Village
Why we Ride
Honoring the life of Rylie Saloum
Rylie Saloum, her gelding, Altan, and her family are an important part of the barn family at Swan River Stables. Tragically, Rylie's life was cut short in November 2024 when she was struck by a drunk driver.
Rylie grew up at Caille Farm, the current home of Swan River Stables. She was at the barn everyday working hard to build a bond with her gelding, Altan, and competed through Prix St. George with him.
She was a freshman at the University of Minnesota where she was majoring in acting and hoping to make it to the big screen someday. After attending a play for a class she was walking back to her dorm when she was struck by a drunk driver who ran a red light. Rylie was thrown over 100ft and the driver left the scene. Her life ended 3 days later with an honor walk to donate Rylie's organs. She saved 5 lives that day.
Rylie was a bright light who lit up the room and made a lasting impression on anyone who met her. We are hosting the Ride for Rylie show to honor her memory and raise money for charity in her name.
Thank you to those who have donated so far for the 2025 Ride for Rylie show:
A Heartfelt Thank You
From the bottom of our hearts, we want to thank every single person who made the 2025 Ride for Rylie Show a success.
To the riders and trainers who brought their passion and dedication to the arena, to the friends, family, and community members who came to cheer them on, to the Saloum family for their presence and strength, and to our incredible volunteers who gave their time and energy — you are the heart of this event.
Thanks to your support, we are proud to share that we raised over $3,000 in Rylie’s memory. The majority of these funds will be donated to Save Our Monarchs, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting butterflies and their habitats. A portion will also be used to purchase a butterfly garden kit from Save Our Monarchs, which we will plant and maintain here at Swan River Stables as a living tribute to Rylie — a place of beauty, reflection, and hope that will bloom year after year.
This event was more than just a horse show. It was a celebration of community, love, and remembrance. We are deeply grateful to everyone who helped keep Rylie’s spirit alive in such a meaningful way.
2026 Show Date: August 15th
Proceeds to be donated in Rylie's name to a charity chosen annually by the Saloum Family.
Judge: TBD
Secretary: Sam Cotter, Sam@swanriverstables.com
Show Details
More than a horse show...
The Ride for Rylie benefit show has a goal that means more. We want to step up and support our community and our barn family.
Years ago, when Cherie Manning was just a boarder at Caille Farm, she saw the Saloum family always milling about doing chores and regular barn tasks. She asked Tracy, Riley's mom, "Do you work here?" Tracy replied, "No, but sometimes it takes a village."
This stuck with Cherie and was something she witnessed for several years. The Saloum family always pitching in and just taking care of anything that needed to be done. When the unthinkable happened, Cherie stood by this idea and knew she had to create the village for the Saloum family. That is where the Ride for Rylie Benefit Show began.
The goal of this show is to give back in Rylie's name because sometimes It Takes a Village.
Please stop by the show to support the riders, visit our concession stand, buy a square in Pony Poop Bingo, give some love to Rylie's horse, Altan, or just say hello.
How you can help
Make a donation
Join us in making a difference! If you can't attend the show but still want to be a part of this incredible event, consider making a donation. 100% of your donation will go towards this year's chosen charity. Every contribution counts, and we appreciate your generosity!
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Something we heard from Rylie's family when they pitched in to help around the barn..."It Takes a Village"
And it does!
If you are interested in being part of the Ride for Rylie Show committee or making a donation of your time please contact info@swanriverstables.com
