Positive Strides Therapeutic Riding Center
Preston, Maryland
Positive Strides Therapeutic Riding Center is a nonprofit in Preston, Maryland, known for many years as Talbot Special Riders. According to its website, it was founded in 1981 and offers therapeutic riding and equine-assisted learning for children and adults with physical, cognitive and emotional challenges.
- Therapeutic riding (mounted and ground sessions)
- Equine-assisted learning
- CATCH Riders program for trauma survivors
- Time to Ride after-school program
- Pony Power one-day workshops
- Individuals of all ages
- People with physical, cognitive or emotional challenges
- Trauma survivors
- School-age children, including at-risk students
- Residents of Talbot, Caroline, Dorchester and Queen Anne's counties
More about this center
About the Program
The center says it was founded in 1981 and was known as Talbot Special Riders for many years before taking the Positive Strides name. Its stated mission is promoting healing, hope and growth through equine assisted services.
Therapeutic riding sessions are led by a certified therapeutic riding instructor with a horse leader and two side walkers, according to the website. It says sessions are usually held Tuesday through Thursday, with Fridays added when needed. Spring and fall sessions are mounted, summer mixes riding and ground work, and winter is unmounted.
The Horses and Staff
The website lists Kim Hopkins as executive director and says the center is a member of PATH Intl. and follows its standards for horse care. Program horses named on the site include Ben, Skipper, Clacky, Aspen and Mandi.
Location
The center lists its address as 6292 Statum Road, Preston, MD 21655, with a mailing address of PO Box 391, Easton, MD 21601. It serves Talbot, Caroline, Dorchester and Queen Anne's counties on Maryland's Eastern Shore.
From public records, not yet reviewed by the center · Last updated Oct 2026 Suggest an edit
Common Questions
Answered from the center’s own website and public records.
How do I sign up for therapeutic riding?
The website says riders complete an online rider application and submit a physician statement, then pay online. Call 443-239-4953 with questions.
How much does therapeutic riding cost?
As listed on the website, a 10-week mounted spring or fall session is about $550 per participant and a 6-week program is about $330. Fees can change, so confirm current rates with the center at 443-239-4953. See our guide to equine therapy costs.
Does Positive Strides offer hippotherapy?
Not currently. The website lists hippotherapy as a program in development that depends on funding and on recruiting licensed physical, occupational and speech therapists.
Is Positive Strides the same as Talbot Special Riders?
Yes. The center's website says it was known as Talbot Special Riders for many years, and it lists the same 6292 Statum Road, Preston address used by Talbot Special Riders.
Location
Preston, Maryland 21655
Questions to Ask When You Call
The center is the best source for these answers.
- Are you running now, and taking new riders?Start here. We couldn’t confirm a current schedule.
- Which ages and needs do you work with?Ask about experience with your rider’s specific condition.
- Is a licensed PT, OT or speech therapist involved?Therapist-led hippotherapy is usually the only kind insurance may cover.
- What does a session cost, and are there scholarships?Many nonprofit programs offer sliding scales or sponsored spots.
- Do you have a mounting ramp or lift?Important for riders who use a wheelchair or need help mounting.