Promoting healing, hope and growth through equine assisted services

Make A Difference

As a nonprofit, we depend on the incredible generosity of donors and sponsors, and volunteers to keep our mission going strong. Since 1981, your support has helped us serve some of the most vulnerable individuals on the Eastern Shore—and we are deeply grateful. You make a real difference. Please consider continuing that impact by donating or volunteering today.


Summer Riding Session Is Underway!

We still have spots open for our summer therapeutic riding sessions, held Tuesday and Thursday mornings! The session is 6 weeks and begins July 8th.  Each session is led by a certified instructor, with a horse leader and two side walkers to ensure safety and support for every rider. Therapeutic riding offers amazing benefits—improving balance, strength, and flexibility while also building confidence, patience, and self-esteem through the special connection between horse and rider.

What Our Clients Are Saying

"I have been taking my grandson, Forrest, to Talbot Special Riders  (now Positive Strides) since January 2018. Each week, he seems to be improving in his riding habits and his overall attitude towards life. I have asked Forrest about his riding and how it makes him feel. He told me that when he is riding, it makes him feel free and in control of his emotions, and that he is beginning to feel important because he is doing something important and by himself for a change."  --L. A. Dunton

A Pathway to Healing

Positive Strides Therapeutic Riding Center was founded in 1981 by Jessie Browne, Sandy King, Kathy Stoddard, and Vonnie Rust in order to combine their passions for horses and helping people. It was known as Talbot Special Riders for many years and served a small group of riders with special needs in the Talbot County area. As the need for equine-assisted activities and therapies grew, the organization grew to serve adults and children in Caroline, Dorchester, Queen Anne’s and Talbot counties.

While much has changed in the last 40+ years, Positive Strides continues to work hard to create a pathway to healing for some of the most vulnerable people in our community. That will never change.