Our Champions
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Hi Country Phantom ("Tilly") - (b. 4/24/97) a registered paint mare, was inherited by her current owner when her brother passed away. Tilly was a pleasure horse until her owner decided that Tilly needed a job and allowed CTR to train her and utilize her in lessons. Tilly's many talents include being trained to drive. Tilly's gentle nature and broad back make for a comfortable safe ride for the riders.
Crystal Image ("Crystal ") - (b. 3/31/82) a 1/2 Arabian, 1/4 Morgan and 1/4 Quarter Horse mare. Crystal's original owner purchased her for jousting, Maryland's state sport. Then he sold her to a family who participated in 4H. Crystal's current owner bought her for her daughter to continue with 4H until she outgrew her. Crystal then participated in low level eventing and was reserve champion for a first year horse. Her owner then won champion adult beginner novice on her. Crystal was a companion horse when she came out of retirement to become a therapeutic riding horse. Crystal's well-rounded background makes her an excellent mount for all of our riders.
Sexy Socks ("Socks") - (b.3/31/81) a registered Appaloosa mare, was purchased by her previous owner to be a show horse until he realized she didn't like horse shows and behaved very badly at them! Although she did win Reserve Champion in her first halter class. I've owned her since 1987 and she has been a pleasure horse until 2005 when she began her next career as a therapeutic riding horse. Socks can be ridden English or Western and has explored Valley Forge National Park and many other parks in Maryland with me. Sock's calm nature and no nonsense attitude make her a popular horse with our riders and our volunteers.
Buddy is on loan from Nancy Spence, our Volunteer Coordinator. Buddy came into Nancy's life after her horse, Sundance, passed away. Buddy was a reining horse in his previous life. He rides both English and Western and has adapted very well to therapeutic riding. His natural curiosity and gentle nature make him a favorite with the riders.
Mrs. Bigglesworth
Mrs. Bigglesworth was dropped off at a farm in Kingsville in 2000. She was about 3 months old at the time. She was one of six kitties dropped off at this farm. The boarders chipped in and had them all spayed and neutered. When the owner decided to develop the farm and all the boarders had to find other accommodations for their horses, they also had to find homes for the six cats that called the farm home. All of the cats were adopted and Mrs. Bigglesworth became CTR's therapeutic cat. She LOVES people and are very friendly. Mrs. Bigglesworth is very busy 'managing' the lower barn and telling all the other cats what to do. When she spent two weeks away from the farm recovering from bites incurred during an altercation with a fox, the other cats didn't know what to do. They were very glad when Biggles returned, bare butt and take charge attitude intact, to keep them all organized. She is known to follow me into the field when I get the horses, just to to keep me on task, I guess.
~ IN MEMORIAM ~
Meadow was another therapeutic cat. He was diagnosed with renal failure and anemia on December 9, 2007 and was humanely euthanized the next day. He was buried at Cool Spring Stable, his favorite home. Meadow was a wonderful example of how we all should share our gifts to encourage healing and celebrate life.
Meadow was a shy cat, but he grew bolder and more friendly as people reached out to him. Meadow was usually the first cat you saw when you walked in the barn. He was always there to rub up against your legs, sit on your lap or do the tom-tom dance when you scratched his back at the base of his tail.
A little cat who was loved by many. Not bad for an animal that wasn't wanted. I'm sure glad I got to be his caretaker. Good-bye, Meadow. I know you are curled up in a patch of sunshine somewhere, purring.