According to the American Quarter Horse Association, the breed is known for its "gentle nature and versatility" and its "sure-footed gait, agility, and willingness to please." For the staff and clients of Maryland Therapeutic Riding in Crownsville, Maryland, Kiss Me Blue not only embodies the best qualities of her breed, she elevates them.
For nearly two decades, "Chrissy," a buckskin Quarter Horse mare, has played an integral role in all of MTR's equine-assisted programming, serving thousands of children, adults, service members, and veterans through adaptive riding, therapy programs, and equine-assisted psychotherapy.
"What makes Chrissy extraordinary is not just her versatility - few horses can seamlessly transition from supporting core strength in a physical therapy session to teaching a first canter- it's her intuition and willingness to shift to accommodate," says Linsey Erar, Director of Programming & Education. "She doesn't simply participate in sessions; she co-facilitates them. It is remarkable to witness."
Chrissy's extraordinary versatility and intuitiveness is why she can instinctively stop when a participant needs help with their position, and walk with more impulsion when they need more sensory input. She is equally at ease when a participant practices their steering skills in a dressage pattern, focuses on developing core strength, or needs patient support during mounts and dismounts. One of her riders has level 3 autism and is nonverbal; when he wants Chrissy to walk on, he taps her withers. But if a staff member tries to use the same aid, the mare won't answer - that accommodation is reserved only for those who need it.
"She is trusted with our most involved riders," says Erar. "Chrissy not only carries her riders with stability and confidence, she gives them a moment of freedom. She embodies calm and reassurance, allowing participants and volunteers to feel safe, supported, and empowered. When a participant struggles, cries, or becomes anxious, it is as if a switch is flipped - she becomes quiet, still, and fully focused on that individual, tuning out everything else."
In fact, Chrissy is so beloved by program participants, staff, and volunteers, that when she underwent emergency colic surgery several years ago, half of the funds necessary to cover the cost of her care were raised in just 24 hours. Two of her youngest riders even offered their own piggy banks to help pay for Chrissy's surgery. Today, people still contribute to the Chrissy Horse Emergency Fund, established in her name, ensuring that other members of the MTR herd can receive the highest level of care when they need it the most.
After working with Chrissy during lessons and sessions, people have been inspired to pursue EAS certifications and careers. In fact, many of the staff members and leadership team got their start at MTR working with her, and to this day, they cannot sit on her back without being flooded with memories of the thousands of people she has served. In recognition of a lifetime of offering learning and healing opportunities to those around her, Chrissy was recognized as the 2025 U.S. Equestrian Federation Heart Horse of the Year.
"If we could share a language with Chrissy for a moment, we would tell her about the hundreds of individuals who look back on their time with her to find confidence and strength," says Erar. "We would tell her about the participant who, after a serious health scare and hospitalization, could not remember the day or even her own name - yet repeatedly asked the nurses, 'Where is Chrissy?' And about the young girl diagnosed with a brain tumor who continued to paint pictures for Chrissy throughout her treatment in the hospital, and eventually, hospice care. We would thank her for her careful movement with riders who need full physical support, thank her for giving people a sense of freedom, and thank her for being selfless for so many people, for so many years.
"At this point, Chrissy is on the leadership team," she continues with a laugh. "She is the horse that brings a smile to every person that walks in the barn, with her silly faces and demanding neck scratches. She embodies every quality we admire in a horse, and so much more. We are proud to honor Chrissy as an extraordinary teacher, healer, and partner. May we all leave a legacy like her."
