On January 12, 2012, Talisman Therapeutic Riding, Inc. was formally organized as a non-profit by founder, Anne L. Joyner and started on 100 acres of leased property at the Talisman Farm. The land had been part of the original Talisman Plantation, begun by the Kudner family in the 1930s.

Originally over 3,000 acres, the property spread from Kent Narrows to the Wye River.

In 2017, Talisman acquired the current 28-acre farm at 172 Blue Ribbon Lane. This piece of farmland was originally purchased and developed by Gary Mott as a horse farm in 2007. By 2010, the main barn and indoor arena were both built specially for his daughter’s dressage training. Soon after the completion of the facilities, the Mott family disengaged from the equine world and the farm became available for sale.

A group of board members, and extended community supporters banded together and contributed money to assist in the $650,000 purchase. This group is recognized today as the “New Farm Founders” and memorialized in the history of Talisman. In addition, Talisman received a $250,000 bond bill from the State of Maryland to assist in the acquisition of the current farm.

Soon after the purchase of the farm, Talisman built the Welcome Center. Over 26 local businesses assisted with donated supplies and services, or reduced rates. This space serves as a resource center for the Horse Discovery Center Program, as well as administrative space for business operations and meetings, and training venue for staff, volunteers, board members and other groups.

Talisman is governed by a Board of Directors who represent a diversity of backgrounds from a wide breadth of the national community. In 2021, the organization hired its first Executive Director. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director leads the organization, administers business operations and human resources, oversees equine programs, manages facility operations and capital projects, coordinates outreach and fundraising, and directs professional development and volunteer services.