Dear Friend,
I hope this message finds you well. Today, I write to you not only with gratitude, but with an urgent call for compassion and support.
At Chesapeake Therapeutic Riding, Inc. (CTR), we are proud to offer adaptive horseback riding lessons to veterans—at absolutely no cost to them. These lessons are more than just time spent on horseback. They are therapeutic sessions that help veterans rebuild strength, balance, confidence, and connection after the often invisible wounds of service.
As you may know, the current funding climate has become increasingly challenging. Shifts in political priorities have reduced many of the traditional sources of support we rely on. While the need for healing has not diminished, the resources to make it happen have.
Veterans Appeal Sponsorship Levels
$5000
*Hero Sponsor - supports all Veteran Programs for a month
$1,250
*Honor Guard Sponsor - supports all Veteran Programs for a week
$500
*Thank-A-Vet Sponsor - supports all Veteran Programs for a day
$250
Memorial Sponsor - supports one Veteran for a month
$100
Service Sponsor
$50
Boots On Sponsor
$25
Battle Buddy
*NEW! All donations $500 and over are part of our Thank-A-Vet initiative and donors will be recognized with signage in our indoor arena.
We are turning to individuals like you—those who believe in honoring our veterans not just with words, but with action. Your contribution directly funds adaptive riding programs, covering everything from specialized equipment and trained instructors to the care of our therapy horses. It ensures that a veteran seeking peace and purpose finds it here, without ever having to worry about the cost.
We invite you to stand with us in this mission. Whether it’s a one-time donation or a recurring gift, your support will echo through the lives of those who have given so much for our freedom.
You can donate today by visiting https://ctrchanginglives.org/veterans-appeal/.
On behalf of the veterans we serve, thank you for your unwavering commitment to their recovery and growth.
With heartfelt appreciation,
Cathy Schmidt
Executive Director
P.S. Your donation is more than just a gift; it’s a lifeline for veterans who need it the most. Please help us continue this essential work by giving what you can.
Chesapeake Therapeutic Riding, Inc., also known as CTR, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation under Internal Revenue Service regulations. IRS regulations require we inform you that CTR did not provide you with any goods or services in exchange for your gift. A copy of our current financial statement is available by writing CTR at 1136 Priestford Road, Street, MD 21154 or by calling (443) 528-7793. Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Maryland Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis MD 21401, (410) 974-5534. All contributions are fully tax-deductible in accordance with the law. (Tax ID #26-0068227)
In the words of the veterans we serve:
“I was happy to be around such gentle giants. It was a sincere privilege.”
“They put trust in me, and I had to come out of my shell to make sure they were ok.”
“I felt good about myself.”
“Doing things with the horses took away my voices for the time being.”


“I feel connected. I try to attend anything which will help me be better with myself.”
“It gave me a feeling of gratitude. Actually, practicing what I feel. Being honest, open-minded, non-judgmental and willing to listen and able to accept suggestions.”
“I felt relaxed. Horses make me feel calm.”
“Brushing a horse was relaxing. The horses gave me something to focus on.”