Maryland Therapeutic Riding

What Maryland Therapeutic Riding does

Maryland Therapeutic Riding (MTR) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in May 1996 and headquartered on a 25-acre farm in Crownsville, Maryland. It delivers equine-assisted therapeutic services across three core program lines: Adaptive Riding and Horsemanship instruction for individuals ages 5 and up with physical, cognitive, or emotional disabilities; licensed Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy integrating hippotherapy principles for participants as young as 2 years old; and Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy delivered via the Eagala model for individuals ages 8 and up. Services are delivered by credentialed clinical staff including PATH Intl. Master Instructors, Eagala-certified mental health professionals, and licensed PT, OT, and SLP therapists, using a herd of 14 horses plus a miniature mule and goats temperament-matched for therapeutic work.

The organization supplements its core programs with specialty offerings including Equine Services for Heroes (no-cost services for active-duty military, veterans, and first responders), Para Dressage programming through its USEF Center of Excellence designation, the mobile MTR on the Road program, Day on the Farm group experiences, and educational products (In-Training Programs, Barn University, and Consulting). Three scholarship programs — Lilley's Lessons, Horses in Motion for MS, and Anastasia's Light — subsidize access for participants with financial barriers.

Revenue is generated through a hybrid model combining participant program fees (out-of-pocket with superbills for insurance reimbursement), individual donations (monthly giving, planned giving/legacy society), foundation and corporate grants, workplace giving through the Combined Federal Campaign and Maryland Charity Campaign, multi-tier annual sponsorships (Horse Champion Program up to $10,000/yr), merchandise sales, and group event fees. In 2023, MTR completed a capital campaign that retired the farm mortgage, making the organization debt-free. MTR rebranded in 2025 from Maryland Therapeutic Riding to MTR with the tagline 'Horses That Heal,' serving over 500 participants annually through a PATH International Premier Accredited Center operation that has been continuously accredited since 2007.

Name

Maryland Therapeutic Riding

Legal name

Maryland Therapeutic Riding, Inc.

Website

https://horsesthatheal.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1996

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Maryland Therapeutic Riding (MTR) is a nonprofit PATH Intl. Premier Accredited Center operating a 25-acre farm in Crownsville, Maryland, delivering equine-assisted adaptive riding, hippotherapy-based physical/occupational/speech therapy, and Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy to children and adults with disabilities, as well as no-cost services to veterans and first responders.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Therapeutic Equestrian Services

NAICS

Offices of Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapists, and Audiologists (621340), Other Ambulatory Health Care Services (6219)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Horse Boarding, Livery & Stable Operations (AFAEAGAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Equine Rehabilitation, Layup & Retirement Facilities (AFAEAGAJ), Equine Care & Stable Management (EDAOAOAE), Equestrian & Horse Trekking Centers (THAAAKAL)

Keywords

• Therapeutic horseback riding
• Equine-assisted therapy
• Hippotherapy services
• Adaptive riding programs
• Equine-assisted psychotherapy

Headquarters

HQ city

Crownsville

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Participant Program Fees: Fees for adaptive riding, physical/occupational/speech therapy, and equine-assisted psychotherapy sessions. Adaptive Riding reservation secures a specific weekly spot for full session (7-13 weeks). Participants pay out-of-pocket; superbills provided for insurance reimbursement submission.
2. Donations and Contributions: Tax-deductible charitable contributions from individual donors including one-time gifts, monthly giving, honorary/memorial gifts, stock donations, car donations, and IRA Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs). Also includes in-kind donations of supplies and equipment.
3. Foundation and Corporate Grants: Grant funding from foundations (Brian & Patricia Giese Foundation, David M. Barnes estate, Phillips Charitable Foundation, etc.) and corporate sponsors for program support, capital improvements, and scholarship funding.
4. Workplace Giving Programs: Combined Federal Campaign (Code: #76885) for federal employees and Maryland Charity Campaign (Code: 522035698) for Maryland state employees. Monthly giving program for steady donor support.
5. Sponsorship Programs: Annual sponsorship options including Horse Champion Program (Grand Prix $10,000/year, Prix St. George $5,000/year, Pas de Deux $2,500/year), Goat Buddy sponsorship ($500/year), and general annual sponsorships for horse care and program accessibility.
6. Planned Giving/Legacy Society: Circle of Champions legacy giving program where supporters include MTR in their estate plans.
7. Merchandise Sales: Sale of screen-printed and embroidered MTR merchandise through Bonfire and Forget Me Not Designs online stores. Portion of each sale supports MTR's mission.
8. Group and Corporate Events: Day on the Farm customizable group experiences for schools, corporate teams, and nonprofit organizations. Program options include adaptive riding, HEAL sessions, EAP/L, equine experience, and educational tours.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Maryland Therapeutic Riding delivers equine-assisted services at its 25-acre Crownsville, Maryland farm, including adaptive riding and horsemanship instruction, licensed physical/occupational/speech therapy using hippotherapy, and Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (Eagala model). The organization serves children and adults with disabilities, mental health needs, and trauma through programs such as Equine Services for Heroes (no-cost for military/veterans/first responders), with delivery supplemented by MTR on the Road mobile visits.

Product overview

Maryland Therapeutic Riding (MTR) operates as a PATH International Premier Accredited Center offering a portfolio of equine-assisted therapeutic services. The core offerings consist of three weekly programs: Adaptive Riding and Horsemanship (therapeutic riding instruction), Physical/Occupational/Speech Therapies (hippotherapy-based clinical services), and Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP). These are complemented by Education & Mentoring programs (In-Training Programs, Barn University, Consulting) and Specialty Services (Day on the Farm, MTR on the Road, Summer Skills Weeks, Reinbow Rides, Para Dressage). A dedicated program, Equine Services for Heroes, provides no-cost services to military and first responders. MTR also offers four scholarship programs to ensure financial accessibility. The organization rebranded in 2025 from Maryland Therapeutic Riding to MTR with the tagline 'Horses That Heal.'

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Adaptive Riding and Horsemanship Therapeutic riding and horsemanship program for individuals ages 5 and older with physical, cognitive, or emotional disabilities, taught by PATH Intl. Certified Instructors using dressage-based principles and individualized instruction.
• Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapies (Hippotherapy) Licensed physical, occupational, and speech therapy services using hippotherapy (equine movement) for participants as young as 2 years old, delivered by therapists trained through the American Hippotherapy Association. Requires a physician's prescription.
• Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) Ground-based, experiential mental health approach co-led by a licensed mental health professional and an Eagala-certified equine specialist, focused on mental health goals through horse interactions (no riding). Available for ages 8 and older.
• Day on the Farm Customizable one-day group experience for schools, corporate teams, and nonprofit organizations with options for adaptive riding (groups of 8 or fewer), HEAL sessions, EAP/L, equine experience, and educational tours.
• MTR on the Road Mobile outreach program that brings select herd members (ponies or goats) to schools, facilities, and groups unable to travel to the Crownsville farm for structured, staff-led interactions.
• Summer Skills Weeks Seasonal programming tailored to specific age groups, including Summer Celebration (youth riding), Life Skills Week (adults with disabilities), and Adult Equestrian Skills Week.
• Reinbow Rides Special mounted riding experience for individuals living with a terminal illness, providing a gentle session for connection, joy, and lasting memories.
• Para Dressage USEF-recognized Center of Excellence offering educational programs and clinics for developing para-dressage athletes, including classification and skill-building opportunities.
• Equine Services for Heroes No-cost equine-assisted therapy and community services for veterans, active-duty military, and first responders, including mental health therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, adaptive riding, and community engagement.
• In-Training Programs Immersive, hands-on training opportunities for individuals entering the equine-assisted services industry, including the Equine Specialist In-Training (Eagala) and PATH International Instructor In-Training programs.
• Barn University Unmounted learning series for volunteers and community members to expand knowledge of horse care and the equine mind within equine-assisted services, led by credentialed professionals.
• Consulting Professional consulting services to help build, grow, or enhance equine-assisted programs, including program development, staff training, facility planning, and strategic visioning.
• Lilley's Lessons Scholarship Fund Scholarship program providing financial assistance for children and families to access equine-assisted therapies, inspired by Lilley who found connection, strength, and progress at MTR.
• Horses in Motion for MS Scholarship Scholarship established in 2017 to help adults over 18 with Multiple Sclerosis access equine-assisted therapies, created by Dr. Mira Lessick.
• Anastasia's Light Mental Health Scholarship Scholarship providing access to equine-assisted mental health therapies at MTR regardless of financial barriers, inspired by Anastasia Gumbel's dedication to helping others.
• MTR Merch Branded merchandise including screen-printed items via Bonfire and embroidered items via Forget Me Not Designs, with proceeds supporting MTR's mission.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 500 participants served annually
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• United States Equestrian Federation (USEF)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023MTR designated as USEF Para-Dressage Center of Excellence, one of only eight in the US. USEF Centers of Excellence program supports athlete development in para dressage.
• Maryland Horse Discovery CenterminorOthers · 1 January 2021Maryland Horse Industry Board designation recognizing MTR as a premier equine education center in the state of Maryland.
• PATH International (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2007MTR is a PATH Intl. Premier Accredited Center since 2007, adhering to high standards in safety, ethics, and quality. PATH Intl. provides certification standards and accreditation for therapeutic horsemanship programs.
• Ft. MeadecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMTR partners with Ft. Meade to provide equine-assisted services to military personnel and their families through the Equine Services for Heroes program.
• Navy Exceptional Family Members ProgramcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership providing support to exceptional family members of Navy service members through therapeutic equine experiences.
• Wounded Warrior ProjectcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational nonprofit partnership connecting wounded warriors with MTR's no-cost equine-assisted therapy services.
• Eagala (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMTR staff certified in Eagala model for Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy and Learning. Eagala provides certification standards and model specifications for mental health equine programs.
• Candid (GuideStar)minorOthersMTR maintains Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency indicating commitment to nonprofit accountability and public disclosure of organizational information.
• Equus FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational nonprofit connecting horses with people in need. MTR featured as Equus Foundation Mentor organization.
• American Hippotherapy AssociationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganization providing training standards for therapists using hippotherapy. MTR therapy staff trained through AHA.
• Move United SportminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational organization using sport to enhance the lives of people with disabilities. MTR partnership supports adaptive riding and para sport development.
• Combined Federal CampaignminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWorkplace giving program for federal employees (Code: #76885) enabling payroll deduction donations to MTR.
• Maryland Charity CampaignminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWorkplace giving campaign for Maryland state employees (Code: 522035698) enabling payroll deduction donations to MTR.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Cheff Therapeutic Riding Center: PATH Intl. Premier Accredited therapeutic riding center in Augusta, Michigan offering hippotherapy, adaptive riding, and mental health services. Closest direct peer — comparable service mix, accreditation tier, and nonprofit structure serving a similar population of children/adults with disabilities.
• BraveHearts Therapeutic Riding & Educational Center: Large PATH Intl. Premier Accredited therapeutic riding center in Harvard, Illinois with a major veteran-focused program. Closely comparable in mission, services (hippotherapy, adaptive riding, EAP), and veteran emphasis.
• Hearts & Horses Therapeutic Riding Center: PATH Intl. Premier Accredited center in Loveland, Colorado offering adaptive riding, hippotherapy, and equine-assisted services. Directly comparable service portfolio, scale, and nonprofit operating model.
• GallopNYC: PATH Intl. Premier Accredited therapeutic riding organization in New York City serving children and adults with disabilities. Comparable service mix, urban/nonprofit positioning, and volunteer-driven model.
• Equest (Equestrian Bridge to Excellence): Large therapeutic horsemanship center in Texas offering adaptive riding, hippotherapy, and Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy. Directly comparable in service breadth, nonprofit structure, and accreditation tier.
• Shangri-La Therapeutic Academy of Riding (STAR): PATH Intl. Premier Accredited center in Lenoir City, Tennessee offering adaptive riding, therapy, and veteran programs. Comparable scale, service mix, and nonprofit operating model.
• Pegasus Therapeutic Riding: Pegasus Therapeutic Riding operates multiple sites in the Mid-Atlantic with hippotherapy, adaptive riding, and veterans programs. Strong regional comparability to MTR given overlapping service geography on the East Coast.
• National Center for Equine Facilitated Therapy (NCEFT): Woodside, CA-based nonprofit offering equine-assisted therapy and adaptive riding with a strong clinical/mental health orientation. Comparable service mix and nonprofit/clinical positioning.

Broad incumbents

• Move United (formerly Disabled Sports USA): National umbrella organization advancing adaptive sports including para-equestrian. Comparable as MTR's existing partner; relevant context for adaptive sport ecosystem and para-dressage athlete development.

Others

• American Hippotherapy Association (AHA): National professional association setting training and practice standards for therapists using hippotherapy. MTR therapy staff train through AHA, making it the defining industry-standards body for the clinical arm of MTR's services.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@marylandtherapeuticriding
• Facebookfacebook.com/MTRiding
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/mtriding
• Instagraminstagram.com/maryland_therapeutic_riding
• TikToktiktok.com/@mdtherapeuticriding
• Xx.com/MTRiding

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles15 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

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M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Maryland Therapeutic Riding