Horses for healing: Derby Day gives community a chance to help the needy

CROWNSVILLE, MD. Katie Parrys muscles were so weakened from cerebral palsy that when she rode her first horse at age 4, all she could do was lie down on its back.

Nearly 20 years later on a recent spring day, Ms. Parry, 23, and her mother, Debbie, made their way from the stables at Maryland Therapeutic Riding. Ms. Parrys key chain jangled as her mechanized wheelchair bounced along the dirt road.

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For most of her life, Ms. Parry has been riding horses with the therapeutic center.

Her mother said riding helped her relax so much that she would fall asleep during rides. The lessons also helped Ms. Parry build strength and increase her muscle tone to the point where she can sit up in the saddle on her own.

Shes progressed, Debbie Parry said. Shes got core strength now.

Ms. Parrys story is just one of the many triumphs of the riding center in Crownsville. On Saturday, the farm is opening its pastures to guests for its fifth annual Derby Day, one of the few times the center asks for help.

We have seen riders say their first words, take their first steps, gain self-confidence, find happiness and renewal in the saddle, and progress from a wheelchair to independent riding, Executive Director Kenneth McCreedy said. We are proud of what we do for our community. At the same time, all that we do is made possible by a community that embraces our mission and showers us with the gifts of their time and treasure.

About 80 percent of the centers work is funded by community support, including the Derby Day fundraiser.

Derby Day brought in about $100,000 last year. This years goal is $300,000.

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Horses for healing: Derby Day gives community a chance to help the needy