Loudoun Therapeutic Riding Turns 50
Historic milestone for one of the oldest charities in Loudoun County.
Written by Lia Hobel
Photos by Caroline Gray
In the last half-century, Loudoun Therapeutic Riding has helped 13,750 students with challenges benefit from the healing power of horses. Some of the students have been with the equestrian therapy center for over 30 years, according to Laura Smith, who currently serves as the executive director of LTR. “They started riding when they were just little kids, and now they’re 30 to 40 years old. This is a special place for them — kind of a family,” she emphasizes.
These past 50 years would not have been possible without the outstanding efforts of the organization’s staff, the helping hands of 5,000 volunteers, 115 horses that were either donated or leased, and the donors that have made the Lovettsville equestrian therapy facility what it is today. As Smith notes, “This program has been a labor of love.”
LTR is the oldest program of its kind in Virginia and has acquired prestigious recognitions over its tenure. This includes being honored as a mentor by the EQUUS Foundation, a charity dedicated to horse welfare and the human-horse bond. This October, LTR also received an award at the Washington International Horse Show for its 50 years of service.
Setting the groundwork for LTR’s growth and accomplishments are cofounders Barbara Baird and Leonard Warner. Together they shared a vision for a therapeutic riding center to serve people with special needs, and founded the organization in 1974 at Morven Park Equestrian Center. The center was originally designed as a pilot program by the Loudoun 4-H Riding Club and the Agricultural Extension Department at Virginia Tech. This was not an easy undertaking, but according to Smith, incredible people were leading the way. Baird traveled to England, where equestrian therapy dates back to the 1950s. With what she learned, she brought ponies to Morven Park, Foxcroft School, and the 4-H Fairgrounds to provide lessons. Now, thanks in part to her and Warner’s work, there are therapeutic training centers all around the country. Part of their mission was to “help any center around Virginia and anywhere get started, as well as to establish themselves here in Loudoun,” Smith says.
“This program has been a labor of love.” –Smith
In 1975, the program relocated to Montresor Park in Leesburg. Over the next 20 years, LTR would move to Longfield Farm in Lincoln, then to the Loudoun County 4-H Fairgrounds, and then to Morven Park before finally settling in 2021 at Lucia Farms in Lovettsville. All 25 acres are dedicated entirely to equine-assisted services, with space to grow.
In addition to therapeutic riding, which can be applied to a multitude of needs, LTR has a number of specifically tailored programs. Hippotherapy is one of them. Occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech-language pathology professionals use this evidence-based practice in the purposeful manipulation of equine movement to engage sensory, neuromotor, and cognitive systems to achieve functional outcomes. The nonprofit also offers carriage rides for those who cannot ride, as well as a program for local senior citizens. Equine-assisted learning is another opportunity for those to benefit from the human-to-horse relationship without having to ride. Since 2011, the Equine Services for Heroes program has helped veterans with diagnoses such as post-traumatic stress disorder or traumatic brain injuries. Smith notes that with the help of a generous grant from 100 Women Strong, LTR has expanded Equine Services for Heroes to include first responders. It officially launched this fall.
On Saturday, November 23, LTR will celebrate its 50-year anniversary with a black-tie gala at Salamander Resort & Spa in Middleburg. The theme is “celebrating the great horses and great people that have made 50 years possible.”
“We rely on support from the community and have for 50 years.” –Smith
Kate Tweedy, the daughter of Secretariat’s owner, Penny Chenery, will be the honorary chairperson for the event. Secretariat was celebrated last year for the 50th anniversary of his Triple Crown win. The gala will be emceed by local personality Laticia Headings and have live music from local band Jumptown. The evening will include dinner, a video retrospective, and live and silent auctions.
“We rely on support from the community and have for 50 years,” says Smith, who notes the many contributions from community members past and present that represent what the gala is all about. “While we did buy this place three years ago, we’d love to pay it off,” she shares regarding future plans. “We’d love to have some grant funding for children, but we’d also like to build a scholarship program for adults with special needs.” ML
Visit ltrf.org to purchase gala tickets or for more information on scholarship opportunities and other ways to get involved.
Loudoun Therapeutic Riding
14490 Berlin Turnpike
Lovettsville, VA 20180
ltrf.org
Published in the November 2024 issue of Middleburg Life.