Stars and Strides Stables

Welcome to Stars and Strides Stables!

About Us

At Stars & Strides Stables, we believe in the remarkable therapeutic power of the equestrian experience because we believe that riders of all ages, backgrounds, and ability levels can benefit from riding and working with the horses at our center. Whether they have physical, cognitive, sensory, or emotional disabilities, we believe that all our students are STARS.

We are a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization established in 2012 to give riders with disabilities a place to learn and become effective and competitive equestrians. Students are taught equine care, riding, handling, and management to their best level of ability.

For children and adults with disabilities, working with horses like ours can be a life changing experience. We have seen our riders improve in areas including communication, physical accomplishments, social skills, and self-esteem. Our riders enjoy their time here on our horses. The smile on their faces says it all.

Our lesson horses are retired show horses that have experience in all classes. At Stars and Strides Stables we offer a variety of disciplines: English and Western, including pleasure, trail, and showmanship.

We welcome you to browse this website to check out additional information and learn how you can become part of our ever-growing extended family. Meet our horses and see how you can get involved in assisting us with our mission: Empowering our Stars to reach great Strides in life through the power of the horse.

EVENTS and ANNOUNCEMENTS

Stars and Stripes Spectacular

November 4-5, 2022

Watts Arena

Fort Worth, Texas

Chisholm Challenge Horse Show

January 10-11, 2023

John Justin Arena

Fort Worth, Texas

Houston Top Hands Horse Show

February 17-18, 2023

Reliant Stadium

Houston, Texas

Life at the Stables

All our riders start out with an evaluation by one of our instructors so that we can fully understand the needs and goals individually. We encourage our riders to work towards riding independently as soon and as safely as possible. Parents and riders alike are surprised when they accomplish something they didn't think was possible.

Many of our riders compete in horse shows designed especially for those who have special needs. This gives our rider an opportunity to showcase their many accomplishments and to actively participate in a sporting event.

Some of the more frequent shows that we compete include but are not limited to Chisholm Challenge (hosted by the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo), Top Hands Horse Show (hosted by the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo), and the Stars and Stripes Spectacular (hosted by the ApHC during the World Championship Show).

Mission

Empowering our STARS to reach great STRIDES in life through the power of the horse.

PATH Intl.

Stars & Strides is a PATH (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International) certified facility located in Weatherford, TX. The Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International was originally founded in 1969.

Why is this important? Because PATH Intl is dedicated to the highest industry standards for safety and professionalism for individuals with special needs to reach their optimal outcomes. All our coaches are certified through PATH Intl.

Why Equine Assisted Activities and Therapies (EAAT)?

Equine Assisted Activities and Therapies include mounted and unmounted activities and offer therapeutic benefits for children and adults who present a wide range of physical, cognitive, and emotional conditions. A horse’s movement is closely related to the normal gait of a human being, which makes riding a particularly valuable therapy for many individuals with conditions that produce ataxia and/or spasticity of arms and legs, like multiple sclerosis and cerebral palsy and helps to build core muscles, improve balance and gross and fine motor skills.

Positive emotional and cognitive impacts such as improved self-esteem, team building, and critical thinking are also some of the many other reasons your rider will benefit from teaming up with our horses and instructors.

Animals are good for physical and mental health, thanks to their unconditional love and the stress-reducing effects of being around them. Our horses are valuable partners in in what we do here at Stars and Strides Stables.

Finally, RIDING A HORSE IS JUST PLAIN FUN!!!

Rewards

Nothing competes against the reward of watching your rider speak for the first time, walk for the first time, or complete a task that before, seemed impossible.

The best reward is the smile across our riders face that lights up our world.

Volunteer

If you believe in the healing and freedom that can come from engaging with individuals with disabilities, horses, and nature, apply to be one of our volunteers!