S.T.A.R.S.
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ABOUT S.T.A.R.S.
​HISTORY
​

S.T.A.R.S. was started in 1994 when Larry Thomas and a group of others got together and developed therapeutic and recreational horsemanship program for people with disabilities.  It was two weeks of riding on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and the first session had six participants.  Larry was involved with recruiting horses and the Circle H Stables which supplied the stables, pastures, and riding arena. Larry Thomas was the Executive Director of the program for the first sixteen years and during that time he provided supervision, training, and support for all the other volunteers.  In addition, when STARS joined the Brookings Area Interagency Council (incorporated in March 1987) in 2003, Larry represented the program on the Board until his retirement.  In 2011, he was instrumental in recruiting and hiring the first paid staff to run the program and many of the tasks he routinely did when he handed over these duties to the Director and Wrangler.  Riding takes place at the Circle H Stables West of Brookings off from US Hwy 14.
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S.T.A.R.S. is a non-profit organization under the Brookings Area Interagency Council and focuses on using horseback riding as a form of physical and emotional therapy to individuals of varying abilities. This program offers a safe, monitored environment for uniquely abled people to partake in horseback riding while also playing games, socializing with other riders, and creating bonds with the horses. 

Program Director Kristine Skorseth, and Wrangler/Riding Coach, Bobbie Chambers-Wilson, work year round to find trained, trusted, and tried horses for the program to ensure the safety of our riders. Interns and volunteers of the program go through a multiple day training to provide the safest environment and best communication for the riders and horses. 
Currently, the STARS Program operates during the summer on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at the Circle H Stables.  In 2018, 47 riders were served and in 2021, with a shortened season due to COVID, there were 46 riders participating.  Each rider needs between one to four volunteers to assist in leading, side walking, and back riding to provide stability and support.  The STARS Program now has two part time staff to handle all the many details of the program and utilizes SDSU Interns as well as many volunteers. 

​The S.T.A.R.S. Program receives funding from the United Way as well as personal donations and grants.
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​2023 BROOKINGS AREA INTERAGENCY COUNCIL BOARD OF DIRECTORS  



President:  Linda Brandt
Treasurer: Twyla Gregoire
Larry Ayres
Brenda Buus: Secretary
Pat Conners
Shawnalisa Adee
Jan Stange
Jacki Lounsbery

ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Brenda Buus
Cari Miller
Vivian Georgalas
​Cathy Strand
Ahna Vig
Sydney Lynch
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2023 S.T.A.R.S. Staff

Program Director: Kristine Skorseth

Wrangler/Riding Coach:
Bobbie Chambers Wilson

2023 Interns:


Contact Us

Email:  brookingsstars.director@gmail.com OR by phone:  Kristine Skorseth, Program Director @ 605-690-0259 
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  • Home
  • About Us
  • Meet our Staff
  • Meet our Horses
  • Sessions
  • Getting Involved
  • Forms
  • Donate
  • What Horses Do For Us