Maryland Therapeutic Riding

10/20/2025

We were so happy to welcome the team from Chesapeake Corporate Advisors to the farm as part of their 20 Good Deeds for 20 Years initiative. 🌿

Their team spent the day helping with a gardening project and learning more about our mission to connect people and horses in ways that promote healing and growth.🐴

We’re so grateful for volunteer groups like theirs whose service projects help us care for the farm and continue creating a peaceful, nurturing environment for all. 💚

10/20/2025

PATH Intl. Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning (ESMHL) Workshop

Join us December 13–15, 2025 for a PATH Intl. Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning (ESMHL) Workshop! This workshop is designed for those interested in supporting safe and meaningful equine-assisted mental health or learning sessions.
An ESMHL ensures the safety and well-being of horses participating in mental health or equine-assisted learning activities and serves as the equine expert during equine-human interactions. Working alongside a mental health professional or educator, the ESMHL typically supports unmounted activities that foster connection and learning.
📅 Workshop Dates: December 13–15, 2025
🔗 Register & Event Info: bit.ly/ESMHLatMTR
🔗 Learn more about ESMHL certification: loom.ly/vkOtY14
⚠️ Registration closes 30 days prior to the start date. Late registrations cannot be accepted, so secure your spot today!

Please reach out to [email protected] for any questions.

10/19/2025

🌟 MTR is proud to be part of the 2025 Maryland Charity Campaign! 🌟

State Employees and Retirees can support meaningful causes through payroll deduction or a one-time donation. When enrolling, please consider selecting Maryland Therapeutic Riding as your charity of choice. Your support strengthens our MTR community and allows us to keep connecting people and horses in meaningful ways 🐴💛

📅 Get started today: https://mcc.maryland.gov/
and click “Give Now” to make your pledge or donation.

10/18/2025

🎉Congratulations to Beth, our newest PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor!
Beth’s dedication, patience, and calm, welcoming presence make every session special. Over the years, she has grown with MTR, inspiring participants and volunteers alike. Her love for the horses and talent for building strong, trusting connections with participants and teams enrich every lesson she leads. We’re so proud of her achievement and excited to see the amazing impact she will continue to have!

10/17/2025

🍂🐴 Thank You for Supporting the Adaptive Saddle Project! 🐴🍂

Thanks to our incredible community, we’ve raised $2,375 toward our $4,800 goal to fund the new adaptive saddle at MTR.

This saddle is already helping participants build strength, balance, and confidence in the saddle, and every gift brings us closer to fully funding this life-changing piece of equipment. 💛

There’s still time to help us cross the finish line. Donations of any size make a lasting impact for our riders and herd.

https://horsesthatheal.org/donate/ ❤

10/15/2025

Last Day to Vote!

Voting closes tomorrow, and we want to share one more story that shows why Chrissy is truly a Heart Horse.

One of the most memorable moments in Chrissy’s 17 years at MTR was her partnership with Tess, a young participant diagnosed with brain cancer. Through our “Reinbow Rides” program, Tess had the chance to meet and ride Chrissy. In their time together, Tess found confidence and strength she had never known, eventually improving enough to begin weekly riding lessons. Every moment with Chrissy became a source of joy, empowerment, and hope.

When Tess entered hospice care, she painted a picture to hang in Chrissy’s stall as a way to stay connected. At her funeral, her family shared images and stories of the profound impact Chrissy had on Tess’s life. Today, Tess’s family returns each year on the anniversary of her passing to visit Chrissy and honor her memory.

Chrissy excels in every role, intuitively supporting each participant’s needs. She is more than a partner. Chrissy leaves a lasting impact the extends far beyond the farm that inspires strength, confidence, and connection in participants, volunteers, and instructors alike. We wish there was a way to tell Chrissy about the countless people who carry her connection with them every day, but we can celebrate her by voting for her.

Voting for the USEF Heart Horse Award closes tomorrow. Let’s celebrate Chrissy and the countless lives she has touched by casting our vote today.

❤ Head to bit.ly/ChrissyHeartHorse
❤ Create a free “Fan” account
❤ Vote for Chrissy!

10/15/2025

Last Day to Vote!

Only 2 Days Left to Vote for Chrissy!

“My son Finn partners with Chrissy for his weekly lesson at Maryland Therapeutic Riding. Of all the herd members Finn’s had the opportunity to ride with, Chrissy by far takes the lead in patience and understanding his needs, which is All Go! She never falters, always keeps him safe, and brings her best hoof forward every single time. The beautiful thing about Chrissy is she gives her all to every participant, always true to the goal of providing kids like Finn a calm and stimulating activity that carries into their daily lives.”

There are only two days left to vote for Chrissy for the USEF Heart Horse Award! Let’s show her the love and gratitude she deserves for 17 years of teaching, guiding, and empowering participants like Finn.

❤ Head to bit.ly/ChrissyHeartHorse
❤ Create a free “Fan” account
❤ Vote for Chrissy before October 15!

10/14/2025

Voting closes tomorrow, and we want to share one more story that shows why Chrissy is truly a Heart Horse.

One of the most memorable moments in Chrissy’s 17 years at MTR was her partnership with Tess, a young participant diagnosed with brain cancer. Through our “Reinbow Rides” program, Tess had the chance to meet and ride Chrissy. In their time together, Tess found confidence and strength she had never known, eventually improving enough to begin weekly riding lessons. Every moment with Chrissy became a source of joy, empowerment, and hope.

When Tess entered hospice care, she painted a picture to hang in Chrissy’s stall as a way to stay connected. At her funeral, her family shared images and stories of the profound impact Chrissy had on Tess’s life. Today, Tess’s family returns each year on the anniversary of her passing to visit Chrissy and honor her memory.

Chrissy excels in every role, intuitively supporting each participant’s needs. She is more than a partner. Chrissy leaves a lasting impact the extends far beyond the farm that inspires strength, confidence, and connection in participants, volunteers, and instructors alike. We wish there was a way to tell Chrissy about the countless people who carry her connection with them every day, but we can celebrate her by voting for her.

Voting for the USEF Heart Horse Award closes tomorrow. Let’s celebrate Chrissy and the countless lives she has touched by casting our vote today.

❤ Head to bit.ly/ChrissyHeartHorse
❤ Create a free “Fan” account
❤ Vote for Chrissy!

10/14/2025

🎉 2025 MTR Horse of the Year 🎉

We are proud to honor Wrigley as MTR’s 2025 Horse of the Year!

Described as “an intuitive and compassionate partner,” Wrigley is a patient and gentle soul who helps every participant grow in confidence with each ride.

Before joining MTR in the summer of 2021, Wrigley competed internationally as an FEI Combined Driving horse — a background that gave him the focus, athleticism, and experience that now makes him an exceptional partner in Equine Assisted Services. Over the years, he has excelled in his work with participants across all programs.
Wrigley has a remarkable ability to sense what each participant needs, bringing calm, encouragement, or connection exactly when it’s needed most.

Thank you, Wrigley, for your heart, your intuition, and your incredible service. This honor is so well deserved!

10/13/2025

Only 2 Days Left to Vote for Chrissy!

“My son Finn partners with Chrissy for his weekly lesson at Maryland Therapeutic Riding. Of all the herd members Finn’s had the opportunity to ride with, Chrissy by far takes the lead in patience and understanding his needs, which is All Go! She never falters, always keeps him safe, and brings her best hoof forward every single time. The beautiful thing about Chrissy is she gives her all to every participant, always true to the goal of providing kids like Finn a calm and stimulating activity that carries into their daily lives.”

There are only two days left to vote for Chrissy for the USEF Heart Horse Award! Let’s show her the love and gratitude she deserves for 17 years of teaching, guiding, and empowering participants like Finn.

❤ Head to bit.ly/ChrissyHeartHorse
❤ Create a free “Fan” account
❤ Vote for Chrissy before October 15!

10/13/2025

🎉 2025 MTR Volunteer of the Year 🎉

We are proud to honor Betty Schaffer as MTR’s 2025 Volunteer of the Year!

Betty has been a guiding force for our volunteers, inspiring them to grow, take on new responsibilities, and thrive in their roles. Her dedication, generosity, and leadership have strengthened the MTR community and set an example for all.

Congratulations, Betty! Your hard work, heart, and guidance make a lasting difference every day.