Motorcyclists Raise Money for Therapeutic Horseback Riding Program

Chrome glinting in the parking lot is a familiar Elkridge scene, but last Saturday there were more bikes than usual gathered at the restaurant as 107 motorcyclists prepared to ride for charity.

The Dan Daniels Annual Poker Run, sponsored by in lower Elkridge, was a 90-mile trip along country roads, with Daniels as the starting and ending place.

During poker runs, riders stop at checkpoints to pick up a playing card, and whoever has the best poker hand at the end of the ride wins. This ride wove its way north, with stops between Elkridge and Thurmont.

Bikers traveled through back roads, and some, like Joe Slavotinek of Elkridge, admitted to getting a bit lost along the way. "But Sherrie and I like to go out on our own anyway," he said; Sherrie, his wife, rode on the back of his bike. In spite of getting lost, "the ride was good and for a good cause," said Slavotinek. "Miss Barb does lots of work for the community."

Restaurant owner Barb Daniels estimated the ride generated about $1500. Like all the rides sponsored by Daniels, this one was for a good cause. The money will be donated to the Therapeutic & Recreation Riding Center, Inc. (TRRC) in Glenwood.

Daniels said that her late husband Dan, who died four years ago, became interested in TRRC 26 years ago when he learned that the center was almost out of funds and would have to shut down.

"Dan arranged to have about 20 truckloads of hay taken to the center, and that's how they stayed open," she said.

"His help then was crucial," said Dr. Helen Tuel, founding director of the nonprofit horse center. She laughed and continued, "Oh my, we were so poor then. We needed winter hay desperately, and then Dan came along and helped us. And he's stayed with us, helping every year. He's gone, but now his family has taken it over."

Tuel and her husband, John, opened the therapeutic center 26 years ago. Clients include those with muscular dystrophy, spinal bifida, cerebral palsy, autism, stroke history, and emotional and mental challenges.

"These people don't often get to connect with large animals," said Tuel. In addition to gaining confidence as they learn how to handle the horses, clients get a chance to connect with nature.

"Riding lets them get out there on the trails where they can see streams and pick flowers, things you can't do in a wheelchair," said Tuel.

That freedom is a unique tie between the bike riders and the horse riders. Just as motorcyclists are out in the elements and free from the confines of vehicles, the horse allows riders to get out and enjoy nature.

"Being up there, well, it gives riders a whole different perspective of the world," said Tuel. "From a wheelchair, they are always looking up at people," she added. From horseback, the center's clients are, for once, looking down on the world. 

Like those who rode through country roads during the poker run, from where TRRC horseback riders sit, they too, find a new point of view.