First published in the November 2020 Equiery
In 2019, The Equiery launched a new annual feature to celebrate those people and horses that contribute greatly to the non-profit community. Anyone can nominate a non-profit staffer, volunteer or horse for this annual award. The award committee reviews nomination essays and picks three to print in the November Charity issue with all nomination essays being posted on equiery.com throughout the month. This year we received nominations for six people and three horses. Read all of their stories on equiery.com this month!
The Generosity of Tilly
submitted by Mollie Beach
Hi Country Phantom, “Tilly” for short, is one of Chesapeake Therapeutic Riding’s Paint mares. She is 23 years old and was a pleasure horse before being donated to CTR. Since she has been with us from almost the very beginning, she has been able to impact almost every person who has stepped foot into the stable.
Tilly has participated in the vast majority of our programming. She is a part of our therapeutic riding program, our veterans program, and our hippotherapy program. Most recently, she has been involved in our virtual programming; sending videos to our therapeutic students, the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Harford County Public Library. She has helped on field trips with horse powered learning and other programming with equine assisted learning. Additionally, she is trained to drive. Her gentle nature makes her suitable for all types of therapeutic work.
Tilly is able to teach more than just horsemanship skills to our clientele. While she is a favorite in all of our mounted programs; she also teaches our volunteers and unmounted guests about interpersonal skills. Tilly is one of the most emotionally aware horses. She teaches individuals to be present in the moment and focused on the task at hand; otherwise there might be a gentle reminder that there is a large living animal at the end of the leadrope. She teaches people to be authentic and thoughtful. Tilly appreciates leadership that listens, while also being an excellent listener herself. She helps teach responsibility to volunteers, which in turn breeds maturity and a good work ethic. This kind mare could teach classes all on her own if people would practice slowing down and being humble learners.
Tilly is being submitted for nomination due to her years of assistance at Chesapeake Therapeutic Riding, her well-rounded resume, and her clear expression of herself to help others learn and develop.
