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SJ 360

Commending the Loudoun Therapeutic Riding Center.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Geary Higgins and 7 co-sponsors

The resolution commends Loudoun Therapeutic Riding Center for 50 years of providing holistic equine therapies and programs, including services for veterans, as a key community asse

Bill text as passed Senate and House (SJ360ER)
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Bill Summary · SJ 360

Summary of Senate Joint Resolution No. 360 (SJ360ER)

Overview

SJ360ER is a ceremonial Senate Joint Resolution that commends the Loudoun Therapeutic Riding Center (LTRC) on the occasion of its 50th anniversary. It recognizes the center’s broad range of services, its historical significance in the Commonwealth, and its contributions to the disability community and others in Loudoun County.

Purpose and Intent

  • To express admiration and appreciation for LTRC’s 50 years of service.
  • To acknowledge the center’s role in providing holistic healing through horses and its diverse programs.
  • To commemorate the center with an official resolution and to present a copy to the executive director.

Key Provisions

  • The General Assembly commends the Loudoun Therapeutic Riding Center on the occasion of its 50th anniversary.
  • It notes that LTRC provides:
    • Equine therapy and hippotherapy
    • Equine-assisted learning
    • Equine-assisted activities for senior citizens
    • Equine Services for Heroes, a program for wounded veterans
  • It identifies LTRC as the Commonwealth’s first-ever pilot program for therapeutic riding.
  • It references the founders, Barbara Baird and Leonard Warner, and their mission to help people with physical, intellectual, and emotional challenges through horses.
  • It highlights anniversary events in 2024, including a National Velvet screening and other activities.
  • The Clerk of the Senate is directed to prepare a copy of the resolution for presentation to Laura W. Smith, executive director of LTRC, recognizing the center’s impact on the disability community and the Loudoun County community.

Affected Parties

  • Loudoun Therapeutic Riding Center and its staff, participants, and supporters
  • Recipients of LTRC’s programs (children, adults with disabilities, seniors, and veterans)
  • The broader disability community in Loudoun County
  • The Commonwealth of Virginia and its traditions of recognizing notable community organizations

Procedural/Timeline

  • Introduced: February 10, 2025
  • Engrossed by Senate: February 13, 2025; agreed to by Senate by voice vote
  • Agreed to by House: February 17, 2025
  • Enrolled: February 19, 2025
  • Status: SJ360ER (text as passed by both chambers)

Fiscal/Policy Implications

  • There are no appropriations or substantive policy changes in this resolution. It is ceremonial in nature, recognizing and honoring the organization rather than directing funding or regulatory actions.

Context

  • LTRC has operated for 50 years in Loudoun County, offering a range of equine-assisted therapies and services, including a program tailored for wounded veterans. The resolution situates the center as a longstanding community asset and a pioneer in therapeutic riding within the Commonwealth.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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