Therapeutic riding group celebrates Kentucky Derby
Richard Thibodeau took first place in the best hat contest at the SDTR Kentucky Derby event. DAN COOK PHOTOS
SDTR Executive Director Jo Allegro-Smith welcomes attendees to the event. 
Stephanie Wiggins throws the giant dice for movement in the racehorse game. 
Miss Delaware 2025 Hailey Mack tries her equine skills in the photo area. 
Southern Delaware Therapeutic Riding Board President Linda Berdine speaks to the crowd about the importance of supporting SDTR. 
SDTR volunteer Lauren Von Ende works the apparel booth for the evening. 
Volunteers acting as racehorse representatives are (l-r) Susie Hayes, Jennifer Cassi, Lynne Stonaker and Diane Czarnik.
Ashley Westmore, certified therapeutic riding instructor, leads Gully during a round of bidding. 
Sarah Petrillo bids on one of the horses during the pre-race event. 
Event coordinator Deb Blatt awaits the race. 
SDTR Program Director Kelly Boyer leads Puma during the bidding. 
Ashley Westmore, certified therapeutic riding instructor, leads Herp during the bidding event. 
Volunteer Jennifer Cassi acts as horse No. 2 for the bidding event.
Steve Harkbus, right, SDTR volunteer, is the parade emcee while auctioneer Richard Bryan looks on. 
Awaiting the event to start are (l-r) Scott Swingle, past president of the board; Jenn Swingle; and auctioneer Richard Bryan.
Working as bartenders are Lisa Thorp, left, and Jackie Dorney. 
Working the bourbon booth are Eric Perkins, left, and Fiona McMahon. 
Taking a picture at the photo area are Mike and Frann Verucci. 
Having a moment before the event are Miss Delaware 2025 Hailey Mack and Jo Allegro-Smith, SDTR executive director.
Serving dinner are (l-r) Kathy Atllnutt, Kathy Ragolia and Mary Bowen. 
Selling chances for the events are Sue Daley, left, and Lucia Lombardi. 
Showing off their unique hats are Mike Summerlin, left, and Keith McDonald. 
Showing off their unique costumes are Joey Colleli, left, and Richard Thibodeau. 
Mark Ryan, right, purchases his 50/50 tickets from Theresa Schmitz and Jody Ryan.
Awaiting the hat contest is Triinu Shimkus.
Enjoying the event are (l-r) Seth Graves, Victoria Martin and Pam and Brett Graves.
Enjoying the event are Sophie and Ted Krezel.
Enjoying the event are Monica and Mike Moran. 
Showing off her beautiful hat is Kelli Gehrke. May 10, 2026
Event Date:
Richard Thibodeau took first place in the best hat contest at the SDTR Kentucky Derby event. DAN COOK PHOTOS
SDTR Executive Director Jo Allegro-Smith welcomes attendees to the event.
Stephanie Wiggins throws the giant dice for movement in the racehorse game.
Miss Delaware 2025 Hailey Mack tries her equine skills in the photo area.
Southern Delaware Therapeutic Riding Board President Linda Berdine speaks to the crowd about the importance of supporting SDTR.
SDTR volunteer Lauren Von Ende works the apparel booth for the evening.
Volunteers acting as racehorse representatives are (l-r) Susie Hayes, Jennifer Cassi, Lynne Stonaker and Diane Czarnik.
Ashley Westmore, certified therapeutic riding instructor, leads Gully during a round of bidding.
Sarah Petrillo bids on one of the horses during the pre-race event.
Event coordinator Deb Blatt awaits the race.
SDTR Program Director Kelly Boyer leads Puma during the bidding.
Ashley Westmore, certified therapeutic riding instructor, leads Herp during the bidding event.
Volunteer Jennifer Cassi acts as horse No. 2 for the bidding event.
Steve Harkbus, right, SDTR volunteer, is the parade emcee while auctioneer Richard Bryan looks on.
Awaiting the event to start are (l-r) Scott Swingle, past president of the board; Jenn Swingle; and auctioneer Richard Bryan.
Working as bartenders are Lisa Thorp, left, and Jackie Dorney.
Working the bourbon booth are Eric Perkins, left, and Fiona McMahon.
Taking a picture at the photo area are Mike and Frann Verucci.
Having a moment before the event are Miss Delaware 2025 Hailey Mack and Jo Allegro-Smith, SDTR executive director.
Serving dinner are (l-r) Kathy Atllnutt, Kathy Ragolia and Mary Bowen.
Selling chances for the events are Sue Daley, left, and Lucia Lombardi.
Showing off their unique hats are Mike Summerlin, left, and Keith McDonald.
Showing off their unique costumes are Joey Colleli, left, and Richard Thibodeau.
Mark Ryan, right, purchases his 50/50 tickets from Theresa Schmitz and Jody Ryan.
Awaiting the hat contest is Triinu Shimkus.
Enjoying the event are (l-r) Seth Graves, Victoria Martin and Pam and Brett Graves.
Enjoying the event are Sophie and Ted Krezel.
Enjoying the event are Monica and Mike Moran.
Showing off her beautiful hat is Kelli Gehrke.
The Southern Delaware Therapeutic Riding Center helds its annual Kentucky Derby Day event May 2.
Kentucky Derby Day is more than just the biggest celebration of the year for Southern Delaware Therapeutic Riding; it’s a day where the community steps into SDTR’s barn to support the life‑changing bond between horse and rider.
“We are absolutely thrilled to share that this year’s event raised over $65,000,” said Dave Sharpe, development chair and vice president of the SDTR board. “Every dollar stays right here, directly benefiting our riders and fueling a pivotal new chapter for SDTR.”
“As Sussex County grows, so does our responsibility to meet the moment,” said Jo Allegro-Smith, SDTR executive director. “This year’s Derby Day proved that our community believes in expanding access to equine‑assisted therapy for every person who can benefit from our transformative program.”
SDTR is currently in a strategic expansion mode, launching specialized wellness programs to meet the diverse needs of the community, all while remaining steadfast in the therapeutic instruction that has been their gold standard for decades.
Richard Thibodeau took first place in the best hat contest at the SDTR Kentucky Derby event. DAN COOK PHOTOS
SDTR Executive Director Jo Allegro-Smith welcomes attendees to the event.
Stephanie Wiggins throws the giant dice for movement in the racehorse game.
Miss Delaware 2025 Hailey Mack tries her equine skills in the photo area.
Southern Delaware Therapeutic Riding Board President Linda Berdine speaks to the crowd about the importance of supporting SDTR.
SDTR volunteer Lauren Von Ende works the apparel booth for the evening.
Volunteers acting as racehorse representatives are (l-r) Susie Hayes, Jennifer Cassi, Lynne Stonaker and Diane Czarnik.
Ashley Westmore, certified therapeutic riding instructor, leads Gully during a round of bidding.
Sarah Petrillo bids on one of the horses during the pre-race event.
Event coordinator Deb Blatt awaits the race.
SDTR Program Director Kelly Boyer leads Puma during the bidding.
Ashley Westmore, certified therapeutic riding instructor, leads Herp during the bidding event.
Volunteer Jennifer Cassi acts as horse No. 2 for the bidding event.
Steve Harkbus, right, SDTR volunteer, is the parade emcee while auctioneer Richard Bryan looks on.
Awaiting the event to start are (l-r) Scott Swingle, past president of the board; Jenn Swingle; and auctioneer Richard Bryan.
Working as bartenders are Lisa Thorp, left, and Jackie Dorney.
Working the bourbon booth are Eric Perkins, left, and Fiona McMahon.
Taking a picture at the photo area are Mike and Frann Verucci.
Having a moment before the event are Miss Delaware 2025 Hailey Mack and Jo Allegro-Smith, SDTR executive director.
Serving dinner are (l-r) Kathy Atllnutt, Kathy Ragolia and Mary Bowen.
Selling chances for the events are Sue Daley, left, and Lucia Lombardi.
Showing off their unique hats are Mike Summerlin, left, and Keith McDonald.
Showing off their unique costumes are Joey Colleli, left, and Richard Thibodeau.
Mark Ryan, right, purchases his 50/50 tickets from Theresa Schmitz and Jody Ryan.
Awaiting the hat contest is Triinu Shimkus.
Enjoying the event are (l-r) Seth Graves, Victoria Martin and Pam and Brett Graves.
Enjoying the event are Sophie and Ted Krezel.
Enjoying the event are Monica and Mike Moran.
Showing off her beautiful hat is Kelli Gehrke. Event Details :
Event Date:
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