Cathy Schmidt, founder and Executive Director of Chesapeake Therapeutic Riding, has been selected as the 2024 Joe Kelly Unsung Hero Award recipient. Presented annually by the Board of Directors of the Maryland Million Ltd., the award is given in memory of the late Joe Kelly.

A prominent Maryland racing journalist, Kelly served as the first and only publicist for the Maryland Million from 1985 until his death in 2012. The award salutes individuals in the Thoroughbred, or broader horse community, whose contributions often go
unrecognized.

Cathy Schmidt has “always had a soft spot for the vulnerable, marginalized, and disabled.” A life-long horsewoman, she was often told, “Don’t make your passion your profession.”

Ignoring that advice, in 2003 she filed the incorporation papers for what would become Chesapeake Therapeutic Riding. The first clients entered the door in Churchville, Md., in 2005. Since that time over 6,000 clients with physical, emotional and intellectual challenges/disabilities have been served through CTR’s programs.

In 2018 CTR, under the umbrella of the VA Maryland Health Care Baltimore System, began a partnership with Perry Point Veterans Hospital to provide services to area veterans. The program participants are now CTR’s largest client base.

Cathy Schmidt will be presented with the Joe Kelly Unsung Hero Award on Jim McKay Maryland Million Day this Saturday, Oct. 12, at Laurel Park.

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