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.
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.
Preparing for riding season is a year round projecrt 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. Each rider needs between one to three 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 private donations and grants.
Preparing for riding season is a year round projecrt 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. Each rider needs between one to three 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 private donations and grants.
2026 BROOKINGS AREA INTERAGENCY COUNCIL
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2026 S.T.A.R.S. Staff
Program Director:
Valerie Hicks
605-695-3805
[email protected]
Assistant Director:
Deb Piere
Intern:
STARS ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Brenda Buus
Vivian Georgalas
Cathy Strand
Valerie Hicks
Deb Piere
Audrea Elliott
Lynette Hessler
Valerie Hicks
605-695-3805
[email protected]
Assistant Director:
Deb Piere
Intern:
STARS ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Brenda Buus
Vivian Georgalas
Cathy Strand
Valerie Hicks
Deb Piere
Audrea Elliott
Lynette Hessler
Contact Us
Email: [email protected]
Phone (call or text): 605-695-3805
Find us on Facebook: facebook.com/BROOKINGSAREASTARS
Phone (call or text): 605-695-3805
Find us on Facebook: facebook.com/BROOKINGSAREASTARS