Congratulations to the 2023 Honor & Service Award Winner: Horses & Heroes Veterans’ Program at Chesapeake Therapeutic Riding!

Presented by EQUUS Foundation

The Washington International Horse Show is proud to present the 2023 WIHS Honor and Service Award sponsored by the EQUUS Foundation to the Horses & Heroes Veterans’ Program at Chesapeake Therapeutic Riding (CTR)! This program provides unmounted equine education and Adaptive Riding Lessons to veterans of our American Military at no cost to the veterans themselves. The annual award recognizes a horse, individual, or organization that best demonstrates the values of honor and service.

Since 2018, CTR has provided adaptive sports activities/equine therapy to veterans in coordination with the VA Maryland Healthcare System at Perry Point, Maryland. In the five years since, they can proudly attest that they have provided adaptive sports activities/equine therapy to over 450 veterans.

CTR Herd Member Jewel with anonymous veteran.

CTR currently provides weekly adaptive sports activities/equine therapy to three Veteran Administration programs: Recreational Therapy, Medical Foster Home, and the Psycho-Social Rehabilitation and Recovery Center.

Veterans who are riding put on a riding helmet and await their turn to ride and participate in programming. With instructor and volunteer assistance, they mount their horses one by one, and they learn how to ride their horses at a novice level, always with a volunteer by their side and at least two instructors there to provide direction.

The veterans who choose not to ride during their time at CTR are provided instruction on many varied areas of horse care, barn care, and lesson coordination. They learn how to feed our horses and all the many different foods horses eat. They learn how to put on rain sheets and blankets for inclement weather. They learn about the different parts of a horse and learn about the differences and origins of horse breeds.

The Horses & Heroes Veterans’ Program at Chesapeake Therapeutic Riding will be recognized by WIHS and EQUUS Foundation at WIHS on Friday October 27 on Military Night, presented by Boeing. A $1,500 grant from the EQUUS Foundation has also been awarded to the Chesapeake Therapeutic Riding Program.

About EQUUS Foundation

The EQUUS Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity established in 2002, is the only national animal welfare charity in the United States 100% dedicated to protecting America’s horses and strengthening the bond between people and horses. Donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. Contact the EQUUS Foundation, Inc., at 168 Long Lots Road, Westport, CT 06880, Tel: (203) 259-1550, E-Mail: mail@equusfoundation.org, Website: www.equusfoundation.org.

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About Washington International Horse Show

Established in 1958, the Washington International Horse Show is one of North America’s most prestigious, competitive, and entertaining equestrian events. Highlights include the $406,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Washington CSI5*-W for the President’s Cup, the WIHS Equitation Finals and Children’s and Adult Hunter and Jumper Championships, plus popular community and charity events, including WIHS Kids’ Day and Barn Night. WIHS is an official USEF Heritage Competition, and a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization. For more information, visit wihs.org.