Our Mission
We strive to build confidence, self-esteem and a sense of accomplishment for individuals with physical, cognitive and emotional needs by utilizing equine-assisted activities and therapies. We have been providing these services to residents of the Eastern Shore since 1981.
Our Horses
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Our horses are the single most important part of our therapy programs. They work hard every day to help our riders achieve their goals. We are a member of the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH) and adhere to their high standards for horse care. Between our staff and board members, we have several decades of horsemanship experience.
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You can make a difference.
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ClackyI need a sponsor.
Clacky is tall, dark and handsome! He came to us from our equine dentist whose daughter rode Clacky on trail rides when she was only seven years old. He has been used in other therapeutic riding programs and has great experience with riders who need extra care and patience. |
BenI need a sponsor.
Ben is a Quarter Horse who came to us from a local friend. He is in his late teens. Originally, Ben was a ranch trail horse. He’s earned the nickname “Gentle Ben”. |
MandiI need a sponsor.
Mandi is a Solid Paint-bred mare born in 2008. She came to us from a from a local farm where Mandi was used as a brood mare. She has also been a trail horse, and a family horse. |
PumpkinBecker Family - Bronze Sponsor
Pumpkin is as sweet as pumpkin pie with a dollop of whip cream on top! He's a Quarter Horse in his early twenties. He came to us from a family where he was a guest horse for fox hunting. Pumpkin is very comfortable to ride and has a great personality. |
RudyOcean City Downs - Gold Sponsor
Rudy is a Positive Strides' program favorite. He's a Quarter Horse in his mid-teens. In his younger years, he competed in barrel races and rode a lot of trails, including on the Gettysburg Battlefields. Rudy's definitely a lover, not a fighter. |
SkipperSusan Benson/Debbie McKay - Silver Sponsor
Skipper is a quarter horse that is one of our program rock stars. He came from a large riding stable near Washington, DC and semi retired to the Eastern Shore to help our riders gain self confidence and independence! We are so pleased to have him in our farm family! |
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OUR STAFF
Kim Hopkins, Executive Director Ashley Hopkins, Equine Manager "Vendor" Mike Jordan, Bookkeeper "Vendor" Merry Skirka, Volunteer Coordinator Karen Weber-Millstein, Marketing / Webmaster "Volunteer" |
OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
David Moore, President Meg Stein, Vice President Tracy Detrich, Secretary Mary Cottingham |
LeeAnn Hutchison Ridgely Ochs Sandy Wellford King, Founder Jessie Browne, Founder, Emeritus Director |
Our PartnersPositive Strides partners with many great organizations on the Eastern Shore who provide services, financial support, expertise, materials and more. Thank you to all of our partners!
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Promoting healing, hope and growth through equine assisted services
© 2025 Positive Strides, Inc.