Severna Park Equestrian Honored by MD Therapeutic Riding

Severna Park's Katie Parry will receive Maryland Therapeutic Riding's (MTR) annual Exceptional Hero award at its Live on the Farm benefit concert on Sept. 7.

Parry has been riding with MTR for 16 years, said her mom Debbie Parry.

"She loves it and horses are her passion," she said.

Katie Parry, 21, began riding horses when she was 2 years old through the county's Recreation and Parks Department, said her mom.

"Horseback riding is now a passion and a hobby for the graduate.

For her graduation ceremony, the equestrian asked for donations to MTR in lieu of gifts, and raised $1,500 in support of various programs, according to an MTR press release.

"[Katie] loves animals and especially horses and loves being outdoors," she said. "It has therapy but it's not only that—it's her hobby and passion."

Riding also helps Katie Parry connect to her older sister, Dana, 23, who also loves horses.

Katie has cerebral palsy and has just started with Opportunity Builders in Millersville, she also volunteers with MTR.

Another recent accolade was being named Adult Equestrian by Path International, a professional organization of therapeutic horsemanship.

The award ceremony is one of the highlights of MTR’s upcoming concert, which is a major annual fundraiser for the organization.

This year’s concert features The Oak Ridge Boys, as well as local favorites The Hard Travelers, according to a press release.

Maryland Therapeutic Riding is a nonprofit organization founded in 1996. In addition to teaching the joys and skills of recreational horseback riding, MTR offers effective equine therapy and hippotherapy for a variety of individuals.

MTR specializes in children with special abilities, autism, ADHD, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, learning disabilities, and developmental delays.

To donate or learn more about MTR and volunteering, visit www.HorsesThatHeal.org or call 410-923-6800.