Chesapeake Therapeutic Riding
Chesapeake Therapeutic Riding (CTR) is dedicated to bringing healing and learning through the transformative connection between people and horses. CTR is a year-round adaptive riding center, serving individuals with physical, neurological, and psychological challenges. Participants include individuals with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, ADHD, seizure disorders, and limb differences, among many others. Unlike traditional riding centers, CTR focuses exclusively on adaptive and therapeutic riding, tailoring lessons to meet each rider where they are. The gentle, rhythmic gait of the horse provides physical benefits such as improved balance, muscle relaxation, and core strength, while the nonjudgmental nature of horses allows participants to build trust, confidence, and emotional resilience. Riders not only learn horsemanship and riding skills but also develop life skills that extend beyond the barn such as confidence, communication, and independence.
In addition to adaptive riding, CTR proudly serves veterans through equine-assisted programs, provided entirely free of charge. For many veterans, time spent with horses is a therapeutic pathway to rebuilding strength, balance, and confidence, and reconnecting with a sense of purpose after the visible and invisible wounds of service. Initiatives like “Thank-A-Vet” ensure that financial barriers never stand in the way, with contributions directly supporting the care of therapy horses, adaptive equipment, and specialized instruction. These programs have become a cornerstone of CTR’s mission, honoring veterans while offering them a safe, empowering space to heal.
At its core, CTR is more than just a riding center. The organization provides a safe place for participants, volunteers, staff, and equines, and that sense of belonging is something truly special. CTR is a judgment-free zone where people are accepted exactly as they are. CTR aims to help each person become the best version of themselves, teaching and guiding at a pace and level that suits their comfort and goals. Participants who arrive anxious or unsure around horses often leave feeling enriched, empowered, and newly confident. The same is true for the volunteers, who gain teamwork, empathy, and practical horsemanship skills while playing a vital role in supporting the riders.
CTR offers a variety of volunteer opportunities for students, with roles tailored by age and experience. Students under 16 participate in group “volunteer days,” typically three-hour sessions scheduled on weekends or days off from school. These group activities focus on seasonal and farm-related tasks such as litter cleanup, organizing tack, dusting the indoor arena, weeding, clearing fence lines, and general property maintenance. Students age 16 and older may apply individually by completing an online interest form and attending a volunteer orientation, held monthly. After orientation, they can serve in a range of roles including
· Sidewalkers, who walk beside riders during lessons;
· Leadwalkers, who guide and control the horse (with additional training required);
· Barn coordinators, who help manage daily chores; and
· Weekend herd care assistants, who support with feeding, grooming, and barn cleanup on Saturdays and Sundays.
CTR also welcomes one-time group service projects, though ongoing commitments are especially valued, particularly for riding programs and weekly herd care.
Volunteers gain more than just farm experience. They also build valuable life and leadership skills. All students learn teamwork, communication, and responsibility while contributing to CTR’s mission. Those over 16 have the added opportunity to gain hands-on equine experience such as grooming, tacking, and leading horses safely, while also developing a deeper understanding of adaptive and therapeutic riding programs. By supporting riders with disabilities, students cultivate patience, empathy, and an appreciation for the progress these riders achieve. Training is provided through orientation sessions that introduce CTR’s mission, explain volunteer roles, and include a barn tour and lesson observation. CTR continues to explore ways to expand volunteer growth opportunities, ensuring that students leave with meaningful experiences that combine practical skills, personal growth, and the satisfaction of giving back to the community.
CTR in Action
CTR & Harford Helps FAQ
Harford Helps is a searchable directory of charitable organizations and community service agencies in Harford County Maryland.
Harford Helps makes it easy to find places to donate items no longer needed, discover volunteer opportunities with meaningful causes, and locate programs and services that provide assistance to people in need.
Click the button that says CTR to go to their Harford Helps profile page.
Visit HarfordHelps.com, open the directory, use the search tool to select causes of interest, then click submit to explore local organizations supporting the causes you care about!
Harford Helps
About Harford Helps
Harford Helps is a nonprofit initiative dedicated to connecting organizations through volunteerism and donations. By partnering with local non-profits, schools, and community groups, Harford Helps makes it easy for individuals to give back in ways that align with their passions and availability. This platform serves as a centralized hub for discovering not only volunteer opportunities but also for donation options and finding help.
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The Transformation Guild is a mentoring program of Technology 4 Causes, which was launched by the Kutcher Foundation in collaboration with DICORP, Inc. to create a powerful philanthropic impact through the multiplying forces of technology. The Guild is dedicated to harnessing the power of writing and technology to create a positive impact in society. Our primary focus is to engage and inspire young writers to craft compelling stories that encourage involvement in non-profit organizations and charitable initiatives. By providing guidance and instruction through mentorship, we ensure that these young writers receive the necessary support to thrive. Through their participation in this program, they gain invaluable experience while contributing to a greater cause.