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Dear MTR Family,
As the leaves begin to change and the cool air of Fall begins to settle over the farm, my heart is filled with gratitude for the wonderful summer we’ve shared together. From participant success stories to newly developed partnerships, it was a season of growth, joy, and inspiration for our MTR community.
One of my favorite highlights of the Summer was witnessing our Life Skills group lead an Open House for the community. They proudly led tours of our facilities, educated guests on equine nutrition, demonstrated the equipment used in Adaptive Riding, and shared the unique skills and qualities that make each member of our herd so special in Equine Assisted Services. It was truly the essence and spirit of MTR- a collaborative and enriching experience for everyone.
This summer also brought opportunities to partner with many incredible local organizations, expanding our reach further into the community. Collaborations with Chesapeake Life Center, Langton Green, EFMP at Ft. Meade and many others brought exciting new energy and faces to the farm. Participants experienced the benefits of working alongside our amazing herd, staff and volunteers. We were also grateful for the support of corporate groups, who not only contributed to scholarship funding for our Equine Services for Heroes program, but also volunteered their time to help with farm projects and clean-up efforts.
As we transition into Fall, we’re looking forward to upcoming events like our annual Hoedown on the Farm and celebrating the holidays together as a community. While we savor these moments, we’re also busy dreaming BIG for 2025. There are new dreams and goals on the horizon! With your support, we know we can achieve even greater things in the year(s) ahead.
Thank you for being part of our community and for your continued dedication to our mission. Together we are making an incredible impact.
With a grateful heart,
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Kelly Rodgers
Executive Director
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Participant Praise
We are proud to recognize that many of our participants have been with MTR for 10, 15, 20, or more years! With all of their experience, they are the perfect individuals to educate the community about the care of our herd members.
This summer, the Life Skills Week participants hosted an Open House for the community. They led tours of the facilities, educated guests on equine nutrition, the equipment used in Adaptive Riding, and equine training. They also shared what makes a herd member in Equine Assisted Services uniquely special and talented.
Throughout the week, participants planned and prepared for the event, learning from instructors, volunteers, an equine veterinarian and a farrier.
We couldn’t be more proud of the hard work this group put into sharing their knowledge about the MTR horses they care for so deeply.
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Powerful Programs
We are filled with gratitude and excitement for the opportunity to partner with local organizations to provide Equine Assisted Services to groups. Our ongoing and new collaborations allowed us to expand our offerings this summer in Adaptive Riding and Horsemanship, Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and volunteer community service opportunities.
We proudly work alongside the following organizations:
- Chesapeake Life Center
- Langton Green
- EFMP at Ft. Meade
- Kids in Action
- Brightview
- Anne Arundel County Police Dept. Youth Activities
- Johns Hopkins
- Ft. Meade's Strategic Resources Activities
- CIT Summer Camps with Anne Arundel County Mental Health Association
- Loyola Student Stroke Survivors
- Foundations Schools
Together, we provide meaningful experiences that positively impact participants, fostering growth and healing through the power of horses and community.
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Valuable Volunteers
Thanks to the generous support of local organizations who participate in community service days, our farm remains beautiful and well-maintained through their hard work!
This summer, a dedicated team from Northrop Grumman spent the day at MTR, focusing on improving the Pony Palace, arenas and gardens around the main barn. Their efforts truly embodied the saying, "Many hands make light work," as they tackled key projects with energy and enthusiasm.
We are incredibly grateful to Northrop Grumman and the other organizations that volunteered for their hard work in making the farm look fresh and clean for our participants to enjoy.
If you would like your organization to do a volunteer project with us, please reach out to jessica@mtrinc.org.
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Those involved with Equine Assisted Services are fortunate to work with special horses that are calm, patient, and sensitive to the needs of those they serve. Mr. Fluffy, who joined MTR in 2023 after a career in the dressage show ring, is one of these remarkable horses.
During his trial period, Fluffy quickly adapted and showed a true passion for his work, settling into his role as an essential member of the MTR herd. Today, he works with more than 10 participants each week in Adaptive Riding, Horsemanship, and Equine Assisted Psychotherapy. His intuitive and kind-hearted nature has captured the hearts of everyone who meets him.
We are grateful to The Gerstein Family for their support as Mr. Fluffy's Horse Champion. And of course a BIG Thank You to Mr. Fluffy, for all he does for our programs. He is a one-of-a-kind horse, and we are proud to have him on the team!
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Around the Farm
To support the hydration needs of our herd, MTR has installed Drinking Post Automatic Water Stations. These posts provide fresh water on demand, ensuring that horses always have access to a clean source. An improvement over traditional water troughs, which require frequent scrubbing and refilling 2-3 times per week.
The Drinking Post Water Stations significantly reduce manual labor while encouraging horses to drink more frequently. The automatic waterers not only save time but also maintain optimal cleanliness, as water is only dispensed when a horse drinks, preventing stagnation and contamination. This system has been a game-changer, ensuring our horses stay hydrated and healthy with minimal maintenance.
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At MTR, we are committed to providing creative and inclusive lesson offerings that cater to individuals of all abilities. We believe in the power of horses to teach and empower people, helping them develop valuable life skills. Whether participants are in the saddle or working in the barn, horses instill lessons of independence, communication, and self-pride.
Each week, we are thrilled to welcome participants from Langton Green to our farm, where they engage in hands-on experiences highlighting the importance of working with horses. They have demonstrated remarkable growth in their horsemanship skills, learning how to care for the horses with increasing confidence and proficiency.
From leading horses to safely, using barn equipment and preparing meals, participants develop a wide range of practical skills. At the core of each lesson is grooming their equine partners, where they learn that grooming isn’t something done "to" the horse but "for" the horse—a special bond-building experience. This hands-on activity reinforces their sense of responsibility and connection with their equine partners.
The growth and independence these participants have shown in the barn are truly inspiring, and we are immensely proud of the confidence they continue to build through working with horses.
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Philanthropy Corner
Grateful Thanks-giving
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Maryland Therapeutic Riding's 2025 Annual Corporate Sponsorship Opportunity!
As we look ahead to another impactful and formative year, we invite businesses and organizations to join with us in empowering change through our equine-assisted programs.
At MTR, we believe in the extraordinary power of horses to heal and transform lives. For 28 years we have been providing equine-assisted services to individuals with physical, cognitive, emotional, and developmental challenges.
The MTR Annual Corporate Sponsorship Program is an opportunity for organizations to make a real and lasting impact on the lives of those we serve while gaining valuable visibility within the community. By becoming an Annual Corporate Sponsor, your company aligns with a cause that resonates with compassion, inclusivity, and social responsibility.
Join us in our mission to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most. Together we can create a future where individuals facing challenges can find solace, support and growth through the incredible bond between humans and horses.
Special Thanks to
Sherwood-Logan and COPT for their
2024 Corporate Sponsorships.
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Sharing Staff Success!
Join us in welcoming Chris Powers to the MTR Staff as our part-time Philanthropy Coordinator.
While Chris is new to this role, she is not new to MTR. Chris has been a dedicated volunteer with us for 4 years working as a barn volunteer every Monday and Wednesday morning during that time.
Christine's experience with writing and editing along with her knowledge and love of MTR will make her a great asset to our Development Team.
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Big congrats to Clio, our newest PATH International Credentialed Therapeutic Riding Instructor!
Clio's experience with horses and her calm energy are invaluable as she teaches many abilities and learners.
We are proud of your hard work, Clio, and excited to see all you will achieve in Equine Assisted Services at MTR!
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There are three levels of
PATH International Therapeutic Riding Instructor Certification: CTRI, Advanced, and Master. MTR's Instructor in Training Program prepares candidates interested in earning the PATH International Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor Certification.
The MTR Instructor in Training program also provides mentoring opportunities for individuals
interested in pursuing PATH International Advanced Certification.
Contact info@mtrinc.org if you are interested in becoming a Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor.
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The Latest & Greatest at MTR | |
A Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) is a powerful giving strategy that allows those 73 and older to donate all or a portion of their Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) from their IRA directly to a qualified charity, such as Maryland Therapeutic Riding.
Making a QCD can provide valuable tax benefits. Since the donated funds go directly to the charity they are not included in your taxable income, lowering your taxable income and potentially lowering your overall tax liability.
By donating your RMD as a QCD, you contribute to providing life-changing services that empower individuals to overcome challenges and achieve personal milestones at MTR.
To learn more please contact: Lisa Zehring, Donor Engagement Manager, at:
(443)494-3015 or via email at Lisa@MTRinc.org.
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Upcoming Events & Programs:
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Be sure to get your tickets to join us for our family-friendly Hoedown on the Farm at MTR! Bring your friends and family and plan to have a boot-scootin' good time on the farm that will include games, activities, 50/50 Raffle, food from Adam's Grille and live music featuring
Mark Bray & The Steel Cowboys!
Sponsorships, Tickets, Advertising & Raffles are available.
*All proceeds from the event will support the programs and participants of MTR.
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Our Fall FUNdraiser is LIVE!
This year's Fall FUNdraiser will help to fund the Insulation Replacement in our Indoor Arena. Our arena is one of our most utilized resources at our facility both with participants and for our events.
There is no hiding the fact that our current insulation is falling apart (literally). We have identified a material and an installer, but now we need to raise the funds to make this improvement project a reality. We cannot do this without our community's help.
Please consider making a donation today!
$5 donation puts a Pumpkin Decal with your name on any horse stall of your choice.
(please note horse(s) name in comments)
*Multiples are available & encouraged!
$75 or more donation puts a Turkey Decal with your name on it on ALL of our herd member stalls!
*Donors of $25 of more will be entered into a drawing to win MTR swag!
Our goal for the Fall FUNdraiser is $5,000+
Thank you for your support!
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Official MTR Merchandise:
Get ready for cooler temps with warm MTR Gear! Represent MTR anywhere you go or get ahead of your holiday shopping!
Proceeds from all purchases go directly to MTR programs and services.
| Maryland Therapeutic Riding | 1141 Sunrise Beach Road, Crownsville, MD 21032 | (410) 923.6800 |
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