All Riders Up

09/22/2024

We announce with great sadness that Mr. Dave (David Firlein) has passed away. Dave was a long time volunteer at ARU and a friend to the family, staff and his beloved equines. Happy trails, Mr. Dave. Always in our hearts...

David B. Firlein, 80, of Upper Chichester passed away on 9/19/2024 surrounded by his loving family at Riddle Memorial Hospital. David had a long battle with Parkinson’s disease and Dementia. He was a graduate of Girard College in 1961 and then went on to attend Drexel University. He worked as an inspector and electrician for 43 years at the General Motors Boxwood Plant. David played semi-pro soccer for the Worthy Brothers. He loved adventure including skydiving, scuba diving, skiing, horseback riding, running marathons and charity runs. He also loved to take trips on his Harley Davidson. David and his wife, Linda, enjoyed hiking in the mountains of Pennsylvania. He was a long-time volunteer at the Upper Chichester recreation center, and at All Riders Up therapeutic equestrian center in Glen Mills.

David was predeceased by his parents, Frederic and Christina Firlein; sister, Beryl Ann Cirrillo.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Linda Firlein; daughter, Tracey Hobbs (Jason); grandsons, Ryan and Eric Kanavel; great-grandchildren, Faith Kamahele, Aubrey and Mikael Kanavel; mother-in-law, Dolores Ryan; brother, Frederic Firlein (Mary); his beloved Doberman and Pitty; many loving nieces and nephews.

His funeral services will be held privately with a celebration of life at a later date. Donations in his memory can be made to the Providence Animal Center 555 Sandy Bank Rd. Media, PA 19063 or to the Upper Chichester Volunteer Fire Company at PO Box 2087, Boothwyn, PA 19061.

Please see the link to the obituary in the comments.

09/10/2024

We mourn the passing of Dr. Art Laver, loving father, caring physician, and loyal friend. He was ready. We were not.

For the full obituary, please see the link in the comments.

Dr. Arthur T. Laver, 81, died peacefully, surrounded by family, at home on 8/29/2024. Dr. Laver was the only child to Irvin and Ruth Laver and grew up in the Main Line area of Philadelphia. He was predeceased by his loving wife of over 40 years, Marcia "Marcy" (nee McMichael) Laver. Dr. Laver graduated from Lower Merion High School before attending Swarthmore College. Dr. Laver then graduated from Hahnemann Medical School prior to enlisting in the United States Air Force. During his time with the Airforce, Dr. Laver was stationed in Tachikawa, Japan and grew to love the culture. Dr. Laver spent over 30 years as an OBGYN at Crozer Chester Medical Center. He loved helping people, horses, traveling, gardening and was an amazing cook. He loved all sports, but especially his hometown teams of Philadelphia. For over 20 years Dr. Laver bred and raised Arabian horses with his loving wife. After retiring from practicing medicine, they established All Riders Up Therapeutic Riding Center to encourage individuals of all ages with special needs an opportunity to reach their potential for physical, behavioral, and social development in an atmosphere of recreation and fun. Dr. Laver is survived by his daughters Rachel Sierk (Peter) and Rebecca Farrell (Jason), and his loving grandchildren Jacob and Jameson Farrell.

The family will have a celebration of life for both Arthur and Marcy Laver at their beloved farm in Garnet Valley at a date to be determined.

In remembrance of Arthur Laver's life and love, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to either Planned Parenthood or Eagles Autism Foundation.

11/29/2023

If you had the pleasure of knowing Zip you know just how special he was. This horse accomplished so much in his 25 years. He won many awards and accolades during his sighted years. In 2015, when he was nearly blind, he was donated to All Riders Up and stole the hearts of staff and students as a therapeutic mount. He was honored as Pennsylvania's therapy horse of the year in 2017. He won national acclaim in 2019 when he traveled to Kentucky where he was named one of BreyerFest's Horse Heroes. His blindness never impacted his ability to serve.

Zip was gentle, courageous and loved by all of us at ARU and at Manner's Ranch where he spent his first 17 years. We all feel privileged to have been part of his life. Rest well, beloved Zip. Thanks for all the wonderful memories.

06/23/2023

No caption really necessary!!

05/27/2023

Let's take a minute to remember why we have a four day weekend. May we never forget freedom isn't free!!

05/27/2023

We celebrated two very important birthdays at the farm during May. Our beloved Brutus turned 32 and his field mate and buddy, Juanito, turned 31. Many of you will remember these two esteemed gentlemen.

04/29/2023

Annie gave lessons at All Riders Up for many years. She is being well cared for in her new home, but they would appreciate your help in paying for her surgery. Let's give back to Annie now!

For over 50 years, Star Community has supported people with disabilities in achieving their goa… Amanda Rossen needs your support for Annie needs your help!!

02/10/2023

As of October 2022, All Riders Up is no longer accepting new students. Thank you to the students, families, instructors, and volunteers who helped us fulfill our mission over the years.

09/26/2022

Marcia McMichael Laver, RN, MSN
August 14, 1949-August 30, 2022

"You may have gone from our sight, but you will never go from our hearts."

Marcy was the executive director and cofounder of All Riders Up, a nonprofit therapeutic riding center for individuals with special needs, in Garnet Valley, Pennsylvania. Please read on for more of Marcy's story.

http://www.allridersup.org/marcy.html

03/16/2022

The very tolerant Cloud #9 and all of us at All Riders Up send greetings.

May this St. Patrick's Day find you with green in your pocket and a little Spring in your step!

02/14/2022

Sending warm wishes to all our friends and supporters.

12/22/2021

All of us at All Riders Up wish you and your family health, happiness, peace and prosperity this holiday season and in the coming new year.