The Equiery’s Annual Philanthropic Awards In 2019, T e Equiery launched a new annual


feature to celebrate those people and horses that contribute greatly to the non-profi t com- munity. Anyone can nominate a non-profi t staff er, volunteer or horse for this annual award. T e award committee reviews nomination es- says and picks three to print in the November Charity issue with all nomination essays being posted on equiery.com throughout the month. T is year we received nominations for six people and three horses. Read all of their sto- ries on equiery.com this month!


Special Olympics Coach Ashley Whitlock


submitted by Dr. Helen Tuel, founding director of TRRC It may seem impossible but


Head Coach Ashley Whitlock accomplished the Herculean task of yearlong, weekly training, committed attendance lessons for an oversized and growing Special Olympics team of 23 members! Please know it takes the en-


tire TRRC instructional staff , a core of volunteers and dozens of family members to prepare each year for the Special Olympics State Summer Games. Everyone involved is thrilled to be able to assist in outfi tting each rider with appropriate show clothing, often gently used, or donated tack, spotlessly cleaned and conditioned and, of course, inspected! It takes an army to make this event happen and to make it successful. Of course, every equine is meticulously bathed and groomed to perfection, as all prepare for a razz-ma-tazz Opening Ceremony with the Mounted Police, singing of the National An- them and blessing of the riders and equines! T e riders are so proud of their Center, and


every Olympian appreciates the generosity of spirit and resources. T e work here is immense- ly gratifying and endless. Coach Ashley keeps the magic and allure of the equestrian world alive and well. TRRC cannot make this journey without community. Coach Ashley ensures that TRRC continues to succeed and meets the challenges of a changing world, and we are grateful. Warmest wishes, fi rst and foremost, to


Head Coach Ashley Whitlock and to all who participated, for a year of health and happi- ness from your TRRC family. T ank you for believing in us and for loving the children and adults in our care to provide them with bright futures fi lled with promise and endless possibilities and opportunities and brimming


www.equiery.com | 800-244-9580


with much success. T ank you, most important- ly, for helping them heal and grow.


Volunteer Coordinator Vicki Fried


submitted by the Frederick County 4-H T erapeu- tic Riding Program T e Frederick County 4H T erapeutic Riding


Program is nominating Vicki Fried. She has made a huge, positive impact with our program, and in the Maryland equine community with horses who are seeking their second career. Vicki is the program’s Vol- unteer Coordinator and the fi rst contact for pro- spective volunteers,


pro-


Ashley Whitlock of Therapeutic & Recreational Riding Center


viding a “Meet and Greet” at the barn, fi lling them up with enthusiasm and en- couraging them to sign up. With extensive COVID guidelines to provide a safe and fun experience for our special needs riders, Vicki has kept us on track, ensuring we are following the guidelines and stay- ing organized – signing up leaders and side walkers to work with each of our rid- ers and horses. Vicki keeps in contact with our volun- teers about their schedule,


either by email, text, or phone and makes sure they know what’s happening at the barn. Extremely energetic and compassionate about people, both volunteers and our riders, Vicki greets everyone with a warm welcome. With- out volunteers, riders cannot ride. Vicki began volunteering eight years ago and encourages many young riders to work towards their goals – holding reins, steering, choosing the correct color of an object, and talking to their horses. She is also committed to assisting with and providing the best care our equine heroes can receive. She assists with the training, feeding, and care of our horses, most of who are over


19 years old and in their second or third career.


The Generosity of Tilly submitted by Mollie Beach Hi Country Phantom, “Tilly” for short, is


one of Chesapeake T erapeutic Riding’s Paint mares. She is 23 years old and was a pleasure horse before being donated to CTR. Since she has been with us from almost the very begin- ning, she has been able to impact al- most every person who has stepped foot into the stable. Tilly has par- ticipated in the vast majority of our programming. She is a part of our therapeutic riding program, our vet- erans program, and our hippotherapy program. Most re- cently, she has been involved in our vir- tual programming;


Chesapeake Therapeutic Riding’s Tilly


sending videos to our therapeutic students, the Maryland Department of Veterans Aff airs, and the Harford County Public Library. She has helped on fi eld trips with horse powered learning and other programming with equine assisted learning. Additionally, she is trained to drive. Her gentle nature makes her suitable for all types of therapeutic work. Tilly is able to teach more than just horse- manship skills to our clientele. While she is a favorite in all of our mounted programs; she also teaches our volunteers and unmounted guests about interpersonal skills. Tilly is one of the most emotionally aware horses. She teaches individuals to be present in the moment and focused on the task at hand; otherwise there might be a gentle reminder that there is a large living animal at the end of the leadrope. She teaches people to be authentic and thought- ful. Tilly appreciates leadership that listens, while also being an excellent listener herself. She helps teach responsibility to volunteers, which in turn breeds maturity and a good work ethic. T is kind mare could teach class- es all on her own if people would practice slowing down and being humble learners. Tilly is being submitted for nomination due to her years of assistance at Chesapeake T erapeutic Riding, her well-rounded re- sume, and her clear expression of herself to help others learn and develop.


Vicki Fried of Frederick County 4-H Therapeutic Riding Program


THE EQUIERY A MARYLAND HORSE COUNCIL PUBLICATION | NOVEMBER 2020 | 21


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