Help us rebuild the Frederick County 4H Therapeutic Riding Program after a devastating fire, so our riders with disabilities can return to the healing power of horses.

Since its founding in 1983, the Frederick County 4H Therapeutic Riding Program has brought hope, healing, and independence to children and adults with disabilities. What began with 16 riders, 5 horses, and one instructor has grown into a thriving nonprofit with 78 riders, 18 horses and ponies, multiple instructors and therapists, and a dedicated community of volunteers. In 1991, the Program earned its 501(c)(3) nonprofit status and has proudly received a GOLD STAR rating from Candid.org for its commitment to transparency and impact.

For over 40 years, our program has offered therapeutic horseback riding classes, outreach programs, and special lessons that enrich lives and empower riders of all ages and abilities. Many of our students have grown up in the program, looking forward to our spring and fall sessions year after year.

A Devastating Loss

On Sunday, August 31, at approximately 11:30 AM, just two days before our Fall Session was set to begin, tragedy struck. A fire destroyed key program facilities, including:

Barns and stalls housing many of our horses
Over 4,000 bales of hay and essential feed
A tack building filled with saddles, helmets, bridles, girths, and specially designed adaptive equipment for riders with disabilities
Medicine, horse care supplies, and first-aid essentials
Shavings and bedding needed for the safety and comfort of our horses

This sudden loss has forced us to halt all program activities. Without these buildings and supplies, we cannot safely serve our riders or care for our horses.

Why We Need Your Help

The cost to rebuild and replace what we have lost is immense and far beyond what insurance can cover. Yet the need for our services has never been greater. Every dollar raised will go directly toward restoring our barns, replacing critical tack and feed, and ensuring that our horses and riders can return to the life-changing work of therapeutic riding.

How You Can Support

We are asking our community, neighbors, and friends to stand with us during this difficult time. Your generosity will help us rebuild, recover, and continue providing these invaluable services:

Monetary Donations – Every gift, large or small, makes a difference.
Sharing our Fundraiser – Your communication to your network can help us spread the word to restore facilities and continue horse care.
Physical Donations of Items: We are also putting together an Amazon Wish List. More soon.

Together, we can ensure that the Frederick County 4H Therapeutic Riding Program not only survives this tragedy but comes back stronger for the riders who depend on us.

✨ Please consider donating today to help us rebuild hope, healing, and horsemanship for our community.

Frederick County 4H Therapeutic Riding - Help Restore Our Valuable Program

Barn Fire has Devastated Our Therapeutic Riding Program