Stars and Strides Therapeutic Riding Center was co-founded by David and Teresa Miller in 2012. They were inspired to start their own therapeutic riding center after seeing how it helped their youngest daughter Courtney Miller who was born with Kabuki Syndrome. After seeing the positive effect on her daughter due to equine therapy, Teresa became a certified PATH instructor, which is a therapeutic riding therapist that helps people develop or regain metal, emotional, and physical skills through the thrilling experience of riding a horse. "My parents put me in equine therapy when I was about 9 years old, and not only was I able to improve physically, but I really began to feel better about myself and who I was in spite of my disabilities," Courtney explained. Equine Assisted Therapy allowed Courtney to compete in various horse shows as an athlete and equestrian.  

 

After moving to the Weatherford area, the Millers founded Stars and Strides to not only help Courtney, but also other adults and children throughout Parker County and the surrounding areas that could utilize equine assisted therapy as a way to cope with their disabilities.

 

Since their inception, Stars and Strides has now expanded to have lessons throughout the week, helping people with a variety of special needs as well as starting the Patriots Program to help veterans living with PTSD or other injuries relating to military service. They also partner with Weatherford College as an internship placement for college students who are enrolled in the Equine Production and Management Program.  Stars and Strides Stables also offer field trip visits for schools, homeschool groups, FFA, and 4H groups.

 

David and Teresa invite all who might be interested in what equine assisted therapy to set up a time to come and visit their facility and see first-hand the amazing influences horse have in the lives of those with special needs.  If you would like to set up a time for a tour, please contact Teresa at 817-929-0020 or teresa@starsandstrides.org