The horses that are chosen for this program have a love and personality for what they do. They have the patience and compassion for the riders and they constantly give their best, no matter the circumstances. They come to the gate eagerly every session and are consistently proving why they were chosen for the program. After being chosen for the program, the horses are worked with to ensure proper preparation for unique conditions of the riders. 

Reminder: S.T.A.R.S. is protected by the Equine Activity Liability Act (SDCL 42-11-1 to 5) which seeks to protect equine professionals from liability by eliminating the risk of lawsuits for injuries arising out of the inherent dangers associated with activities involving horses. ​

          HOPE                                        THUNDER                                  TRAVELER

Hope is a sweet girl and new to the program.  She is gentle, kind, and willing to please.

Thunder is a bomb-proof , gentle giant whose strength and warm heart has made him a reliable go-to horse!
Thunder retired in 2023

Traveler is a social, spunky horse who's eagerness to assist with the rides is contagious to the participants and volunteers. 

​OAKLEY
  Oakley is a real worker.    She  is a sweet girl that is always
excited to go to work. 
 She is all work with all the play!

                       MACK                                                      RAMBO
  Mack has been in the STARS Program                                The Big Guy that is a little softie.  
 for several years.  He is easy to work with                     He has been with the program in the past
​ and loving.  He relates to challenges                           and he knows the value of his job.  He is our            and has great empathy.                                        trusted steed to carry the therapeutic saddle.

Smokey                                 Bay​                                          Dolly                     This girl is all heart.                                         Bay is new to STARS in 2023.                                             Dolly is new to STARS in 2023.
She had a wonderful first year                    He has the most original name,                                          She is "old reliable" as she has the
in 2022 and is looking forward                   the face of a bronc, and calm as                                         build and patience to carry the 
to her career as a STARS horse;                   a lake on a wind-free day.  Bay                                          therapy saddle.  She loves her 
quick to learn and easy to ride.                   does his job well and doesn't ask                                      "9 to 5" job.  She is cute and all the
                                                                           for anything special.  He does like                                     guys like her; we refer to her as 
                                                                           his treats though!                                                                  "Rambo's wife".
                                                                          

Scotty
​He is also new to STARS
in 2023.  Scotty is slow and 
easy. He's an old soul that likes
to hang out while enjoying  
cuddles from the participants
and volunteers.

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