Frederick County 4H Therapeutic Riding President Debbie Endlich, Community Foundation Trustee Bob Mount, and Horse Leader Melissa Mclearen help participant Kevin Wachter as he rides on Red.

Frederick County 4H Therapeutic Riding Program Fund Opens at Community Foundation

April 29, 2008: The Community Foundation of Frederick County is pleased to announce that additional support for The Frederick County 4H Therapeutic Riding Program will now be available thanks to anonymous donors who recently established The Frederick County 4H Therapeutic Riding Program Fund.

Located at Silverado Stables in Thurmont, The Frederick County 4H Riding Program has offered those with mental, physical, and emotional disabilities the chance to develop confidence through therapeutic activities with a stable of specially trained horses for nearly 25 years.

“Therapeutic riders have the unique opportunity to engage in an activity that takes them from wheelchairs, canes, and dependency on others to a seat high above the ground where they feel they are in charge. As we guide them through their sessions, we have the pleasure of watching them enjoy a special experience that benefits them both in body and in mind,” says Debbie Endlich, President of The Frederick County 4H Therapeutic Riding Program.

Occupational and physical therapists, riding instructors, trained volunteers, and 24 "four-legged" therapists work together to motivate and encourage clients to have fun, learn basic horsemanship skills, and improve muscle tone, balance, posture and coordination while interacting with a large animal specially chosen for therapeutic work. Riders also participate in a show at The Great Frederick Fair and at the Special Olympics.

“Because our program always has a waiting list of applicants, our enrollment is limited by money, the availability of volunteers and the time available to hold classes when students can attend. The Frederick County 4H Therapeutic Riding Fund at the Community Foundation will begin to ease some of the operational burden of our nonprofit organization,” said Endlich. “We are so appreciative of this support.”

Those who want to make a difference in the lives of citizens with disabilities through the services of The Frederick County 4H Therapeutic Riding Program may make a secure online donation to The Frederick County 4H Therapeutic Riding Program Fund.  To do so, click here. Checks may also be made payable to The Community Foundation of Frederick County and mailed to 312 East Church Street, Frederick, Maryland 21701. Simply insert the Fund’s name in the check’s memo line. All donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.

Since 1986, generous citizens seeking to create positive and lasting change throughout Frederick County have depended upon the credibility and expertise of the Community Foundation to fulfill philanthropic dreams that benefit a variety of causes. To date, more than $17 million has been awarded in grants to area nonprofit organizations and in scholarships to students seeking to further their education. For additional information about the Community Foundation, call 301.695.7660.