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June 22, 2025

Talbot Spy

Nonpartisan Education-based News for Talbot County Community

5 News Notes

Talisman to celebrate the 151st Run for the Roses

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On the first Saturday in May, Talisman Therapeutic Riding will again welcome Maryland belles and gents to the organization’s annual Derby party. The celebration at Churchill Downs will be spectacular as will the celebration on Blue Ribbon Lane in Grasonville, where guests will be surrounded by dozens of roses as they sip the traditional mint juleps, view the silent auction items, and taste premium bourbons.

Guests can stroll to the barn to meet the herd  and then get more closely acquainted with one of the twelve therapeutic riding horses waiting for them in the Winners Circle. Gentlemen and ladies, in their iconic hats, will view a live broadcast of the Derby, enjoy a Southern style dinner, prepared by Chef David Perry of Ruthsberg Kitchens, and place their win-place-show wagers.

“Talisman’s Derby event truly is the most fun you can have in a hat,” said Chair Diana Saquella, Kentuckian herself. Most importantly, this event helps feed our twelve horses and provides much needed financial aid to those who can benefit from therapeutic riding but lack the funds to participate.

The doors open at 4:30, well before the televised race. Guests can learn the characteristics of several fine bourbons, explained by bourbon aficionado George Haag, and compete in the men’s and ladies hat contest..

The event will benefit Talisman Therapeutic Riding, Inc., a 501(c) 3 organization that pairs PATH trained instructors with horses to support children and adults with multiple physical and emotional challenges and veterans and first responders suffering from the effects of their jobs.

The event will take place on May 3rdth at the Talisman Therapeutic Riding farm at 172 Blue Ribbon Lane in Grasonville. Early bird tickets are $150 per person until April 11th and $175 per person after that. All reservations must be made in advance.

For further information and to purchase tickets go to www.talismantherapeuticriding.org or call 443- 239-9400.

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State Grant for Talisman Therapeutic Inc. Governor’s 2023 Budget

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A phased, multi-year plan to support the diverse equine-assisted therapeutic programs at Talisman Therapeutic Riding, Inc. (Talisman) is making progress in the Maryland Capital Budget process.

District 36 Delegation and state legislature, Senator Steve Hersey, Delegates Steve Arentz, Jeff Ghrist, and Jay Jacobs, and Governor Larry Hogan recognize the value of Talisman and its service to Maryland.  Their support of the $650,000 funding request under the Governor’s Miscellaneous Grants for the Fiscal Year 2023 Capital Budget allows Talisman to enhance existing facilities, build new structures, and improve farm grounds.

According to Peter Behringer, Chairman of the Talisman Board of Directors planned capital improvements will go a long way in meeting the organization’s ever-growing needs.

There is stiff competition from across the state for available funds under the Governor’s Miscellaneous Grants. Requested projects increase therapeutic opportunities in the community and constituents from across the political spectrum are joining in support of Talisman as the Capital Budget process unfolds.

If the grant is awarded to Talisman, matching donations are needed to support the state funding.

“The annual Talisman Derby Day event takes on a whole new level of importance this year,” said Behringer.

The organization’s signature event is scheduled for May 7th at the Talisman Farm on Blue RibbonLane in Grasonville. The cost is $100 per person and includes appetizers, mint juleps, dinner, and live and silent auctions. For further information go to www.talismantherapeuticridng.org or call 443-239-9400.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Talisman Golfers Raise Funds for Heroes

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Golfers met at the Eisenhower golf course on September 11th to commemorate the heroic deeds of the first responders on that day 17 years ago and our wounded vets who are fighting for us everyday.

This is the first time that the golf tourney, the “Rider Cup,” sponsored by Talisman Therapeutic Riding, Inc. in Grasonville was held on the Western Shore. This year’s location did not dissuade the Eastern Shore golfers from participating but it did, in fact, make it more convenient for the organization’s Western Shore supporters to play.

Following a lunch provided by Pasta and Murphy Ameriprise, the golfers teed off at 1:00 PM and began the competition for longest drive, closest to the tee, low net, …… The day concluded with dinner and prizes.

Talisman Therapeutic Riding is the only year round PATH certified therapeutic riding facility on the Eastern Shore. After beginning with one horse and 2 riders in 2011, the organization’s instructors and therapists now provide more than 3500 lessons a year to veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan and children and adults with physical, emotional, and cognitive needs.

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Harvest Moon to Shine on Talisman Event

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On Saturday October 22nd, the Harvest moon will be the featured guest at the black tie and blue jeans ball being held at the Prospect Bay Country Club to benefit Talisman Therapeutic Riding. Service bars will be inside and outside, so guests can enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeurves as they watch the Talisman riders put the horses through their paces.  A toast to the Harvest moon at 6:03 pm will be followed by a filet and crab cake dinner, dancing to the music of the Chris Sack’s Band, a diamond earring raffle, and a live auction.

moon-ballTalisman Therapeutic Riding, Inc. opened its doors in the spring of 2012 to work with autistic children and children with physical and mental challenges. Since then the programs have been expanded to include work with returning Afghanistan and Iraq veterans, at-risk teens, and young adults with life-limiting health conditions. Its unique approach pairs the clients with horses, licensed riding instructors, and certified health care professionals, such as physical and speech therapists to enhance riders’ physical strength while providing them educational and restorative opportunities.

“When we first opened our doors, we had 2 horses and 1 rider,” said Board Chairman Tom Saquella. “Last year we provided more than 3,400 lessons. We are so happy to be able to meet the needs of some of our most vulnerable Eastern Shore residents We’re growing faster than our resources, so the success of this event is crucial to our continuing to program for the number of potential riders who apply.”

The dress for the October 22nd event is Black Tie/Blue Jeans and it begins at 5:00 pm. Tickets are $100 per person. For more information or to purchase tickets, go to www.talismantherapeuticriding.org or call 443-239-9400.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

“Rider Cup” Scores Big Win Talisman Therapeutic

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the-rider-cup-2016-ttr-chairmans-foursomeOn Monday, September 26, the front nine at Prospect Bay golf course was filled with golfers ‘playing through’ for riders in the programs at Talisman Therapeutic Riding. Golfers helped provide much need funds to help the five year old organization deliver vital services to physically and mentally challenged individuals and veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Pictured from left to right are Tom Helfenbein, TTR Chairman Tom Saquella, Delegate Steve Arentz and State Senator Steve Hershey.

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Distinguished Guests to Grace the ‘Kudner Property’ for Derby Day Live

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Princess of Monaco Grace Kelly pictured here with Prudence Kudner, first wife of Arthur II, at the couple’s wedding.

Princess of Monaco Grace Kelly pictured here with Prudence Kudner, first wife of Arthur II, at the couple’s wedding.

The ‘Kudner property’, as the locals call it, on May 3rd will again be the site for the annual Derby Day Live! event benefiting the Talisman Therapeutic Riding program. Again this year 175 guests will don big gorgeous hats and sip mint juleps as they watch rider demonstrations and view a live telecast of the Kentucky Derby. Dinner in the manor house will follow.

The original Kudner manor house was built in 1934 by Arthur Kudner Sr., a New York ad executive. Located on almost 1000 acres, the house is located down the lane from the airplane hangar and adjacent to what was once a triangular airstrip that accommodated an airplane’s approach from any direction.

Arthur H. Kudner, Sr.

Arthur H. Kudner, Sr.

Although many Queen Anne’s Countians recall spending time as kids on the property’s beach or in the fields, the Kudner home also saw some grand parties. Among the dignitaries that graced the farm were boxing great Gene Tunney and former New York Governor Averill Harriman. The family friends’ list was highlighted by their close friendship with actress and later Princess of Monaco Grace Kelly.

“We are especially excited that this year our special guests will include Mr. and Mrs. Art Kudner III,” said Anne Joyner President and founder of Talisman Therapeutic Riding. “We’re anxious for them to see the work we’re doing on their family farm, thanks to the legacy of Arthur II.

According to the wishes of the now-deceased Art Kudner II, the property is now an environmental preserve and under the management of the Chesapeake Wildlife Heritage. Over 200 species of birds migrate through the property annually while red foxes, turkeys, bald eagles, ground hogs, and deer make their homes on the land.

The tickets are $85 per person and include hors d’oeurves, dinner, mint juleps, bourbon tasting, rider demonstrations, and a live and silent auction. Some tickets are still available by calling 443-239-9400 or at www.talismantherapeuticriding.org

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The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.