Jonathan Shaw is an expert falconer known for the falconry he does from horseback.
When Chesapeake Forum visited with Jon last Summer to learn about his “field of dreams” – 32 acres of prime farmland near Centerville planted with a sea of native perennials – we couldn’t help but have our interest piqued by his description of the ancient art of falconry from horseback.
As it turns out, Jon spends a great deal of time as a volunteer at Talisman Therapeutic Riding in Grasonville, MD. Talisman has a beautiful indoor riding arena with seating for as many as 40 lifelong learners, and a barn full of horses that just love a few pats. Noelle Douglas, Executive Director of Talisman, is ready to welcome us there.
Chesapeake Forum will head out to the Talisman therapeutic Riding Center for a “two-fer.” We will get to watch Jon in action aboard his Paso Fino horses, demonstrating the ancient art of falconry, with maybe a little fun exercise in horse soccer or archery thrown in. And Noelle and her team will also show us the equine-assisted activities that provide therapeutic opportunities for participants of all ages, with a diverse array of challenges.
