Our Equestrian Services cater to the body, mind and spirit of each rider, helping them grow both in and out of the arena. With flexible, individualized lessons, every rider can discover more about themselves and their possibilities through building a relationship with our horse partners.
Our Equestrian services adapt to fit the needs of every participant. By encouraging riders to establish and work towards personalized goals, each person has the chance to grow, learn new skills, and explore their abilities.
Sessions are conducted in 4-week increments, with a 2-week mini session in December.
Therapeutic Riding
Therapeutic riders have the benefit of learning all aspects of horsemanship alongside a horse specially chosen and trained as a therapy partner. Riders participate in mounted and unmounted activities and exercises to learn riding skills that can improve their physical, mental and emotional wellbeing, all while being assisted by horse leaders and side-aides.
Recreational Riding
Every lesson is person-centered and focuses on each person’s individual goals, with classes offered as private, semi-private, or group lessons. Our center teaches riders as young as 6 years old and has taught people as old as 90.
Groundwork Program
Groundwork sessions provide an individualized, on-the-ground experience for participants to form partnerships with horses and work towards personal goals. Open to people of all abilities, this program has flexible scheduling and provides the emotional benefits of working with horses without leaving the ground.
Star's Stripes and Heroes
This program is at no cost to our veterans and first-responders!
Star's Stripes and Heroes promotes wellness and builds resiliency in our local veteran and first-responder community through relationships with horses and horsemanship skills. Through lessons involving basic horse care education, multi-sensory engagement, and riding instruction, participants are offered multiple avenues to experience growth through the power of equine assisted services. Designed in-part by a veteran, this program follows our standard of providing person-centered services and is adaptive to fit the needs the needs of each participant.
Our volunteers make a significant impact on the wellbeing of our horses and the growth of our riders. They are an essential part of our team and assist with riding lessons and the daily operations of our barn. People can volunteer starting at age 13, with opportunities during both the day and evenings. Orientations for new volunteers are held every month.
Call us at (301) 791-6222 to sign up for our next volunteer orientation!
It costs about $4,000 - $5,000 per year to care for a horse at Star Therapeutic Equestrian Center.
Our horses are an integral part of our therapy team, and taking good care of them is the largest part of our program budget. Our horse sponsors ensure we can continue providing the highest quality of care to our equine partners. Your sponsorship will support our horses’ health and can provide necessities to help them thrive, such as medical care, food and nutrition, equipment and supplies, and other program costs.
DOWNLOAD HORSE SPONSORSHIP FORM
Alphin Family
Sponsoring Jarly at the Grand Champion level
BCT
Sponsoring Dorito at the Grand Champion level
The Goetz/Boyer Family
Sponsoring Bob at the Reserve Champion level
The Manitowoc Company, Inc.
Sponsoring Hubba Bubba at the Reserve Champion level
F&M Trust
Sponsoring Therapeutic Farm Animals at the Reserve Champion level
Clydesdale
American Cream Draft
Paint
Quarter Horse
Norwegian Fjord
Quarter Horse
Quarter horse
Haflinger
Quarter Horse
Our services would not be possible without the support of friends, family, the local community, foundations and corporations. By making a contribution to Star you help us provide a supportive and challenging living and working experience for people with varying disabilities. You become an active part of promoting individual independence enabling all to live meaningful lives. To make a donation please click on the Support Us Today button. Thank you for your support.