WHEREAS, for 50 years, the Loudoun Therapeutic Riding Center has been a fixture of the Loudoun County community, focused namely on helping children with disabilities, but truly helping anyone who could benefit from the holistic healing that horses can provide; and

WHEREAS, the Loudoun Therapeutic Riding Center provides equine therapy, hippotherapy, equine-assisted learning, equine-assisted activities for senior citizens, and Equine Services for Heroes, a treatment method tailored to wounded veterans; and

WHEREAS, the Loudoun Therapeutic Riding Center was founded 50 years ago and was the first-ever pilot program for therapeutic riding in the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, the founders of the Loudoun Therapeutic Riding Center, Barbara Baird and Leonard Warner, had a vision to "help adults and children with physical, intellectual, and emotional challenges by helping them build self-confidence, self-discipline, strength, mobility, and coordination using the healing power of horses"; and

WHEREAS, the Loudoun Therapeutic Riding Center began commemorating its 50th anniversary by hosting a screening of the film National Velvet, along with a red carpet fashion show fundraiser on February 17, 2024; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That the Loudoun Therapeutic Riding Center hereby be commended on the occasion of its 50th anniversary; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Laura W. Smith, executive director of the Loudoun Therapeutic Riding Center, as an expression of the House of Delegates' admiration for the center's vital support for the disability community and so many others, as well as a legacy of achievements in service to the Loudoun County community.