What is S.T.A.R.S.?
S.T.A.R.S. is a non-profit organization that offers a unique form of physical and emotional therapy for those with unique abilities. It is a recreational, therapeutic horsemanship program for persons with disabilities ages six and older in Brookings and the surrounding community. The program is designed to not only teach basic horsemanship skills but also to benefit the riders physically as well as mentally and emotionally.
S.T.A.R.S. uses trained horses to facilitate core building, balance training, and emotional connections among its participants. Staffed with a combination of experienced horsemen and women and lots of compassionate volunteers, S.T.A.R.S. offers a safe environment for riders of various ability levels.
The horse's movements mimic the motions of the human body. This improves the rider's range of motion, flexibility, posture, and muscle strength. For some riders this is as close as they can get to the feeling of walking. Even the heat of the horse helps to relax and loosen unused muscles. Also, the riders gain confidence and increased self-esteem from forming unconditional bonds with the horses and learning to "control" an animal up to 20 times their size.
S.T.A.R.S. uses trained horses to facilitate core building, balance training, and emotional connections among its participants. Staffed with a combination of experienced horsemen and women and lots of compassionate volunteers, S.T.A.R.S. offers a safe environment for riders of various ability levels.
The horse's movements mimic the motions of the human body. This improves the rider's range of motion, flexibility, posture, and muscle strength. For some riders this is as close as they can get to the feeling of walking. Even the heat of the horse helps to relax and loosen unused muscles. Also, the riders gain confidence and increased self-esteem from forming unconditional bonds with the horses and learning to "control" an animal up to 20 times their size.
Mission Statement
STARS is a program of the Brookings Area Interagency Council
"Creating lasting experiences for individuals with disabilities."
The Brookings Area Interagency Council in partnership with other agencies and organizations strives to strengthen families and individuals with disabilities in the Brookings Community by creating opportunities and providing access to programs to meet their individual, family, social, recreational, and therapeutic needs.
"Creating lasting experiences for individuals with disabilities."
The Brookings Area Interagency Council in partnership with other agencies and organizations strives to strengthen families and individuals with disabilities in the Brookings Community by creating opportunities and providing access to programs to meet their individual, family, social, recreational, and therapeutic needs.