Our horses and donkeys represent many different breeds and range in size from 30 inches to 17 hands. All potential STAR horses are carefully screened for behavior and training. Our horse lease program enables us to benefit from retired show stock. The lease program relieves STAR of the burden of providing for them in the event they can no longer work safely with our riders. When this occurs, the horses return to their owners for a second retirement. Donated animals must meet very specific requirements as we assume responsibility for them for the rest of their lives. STAR has been very successful in finding retirement homes for donated horses as necessary.

Bucky's Story

Equine Donation Information

Meet our Four-Legged Therapists:

 

Name & Description	Photo	Sponsored by:
Acorn Chestnut Welsh Pony Gelding		Tom & Laura Benton in honor of Teenie Hayworth
Apache Sorrell Snowflake Appaloosa Gelding		Steve & Ann Bailey
April Varnished Roan Pony of the Americas Mare		Alece Ellis
Bandy Pinto Pony Mare		Megan Ramsey
Cocoa Bay Standardbred Cross Mare		Mary & Scott Zimand
Dakota Bay Thoroughbred Gelding		Mo Stiener
Doodle Bay Quarter Horse Gelding		Dick Taylor
Flash Gray Miniature Donkey		Lynn & Jerry Lambert
Freckles Bay Snowflake Pony of the Americas Mare		Knoxville Pediatric Associates
Hodie Gray Miniature Donkey		Lynn & Jerry Lambert
Honey Dun Pinto Miniature Horse Mare		Lynn & Jerry Lambert
J.C. Gray Thoroughbred Gelding		Ellen Mitchell
Justin Credible Chestnut Quarter Horse Gelding		Roger & Sylvia Heider
Kandy Gray Percheron Mare		John & Karen Kalec
Lad Chestnut Arabian Gelding		Greg & Susan Sinatro
Lightning Bug "Bug" Bay Shetland Pony Gelding		Faith Lutheran Learning Center
Oliver Chestnut Appendix Quarter Horse Gelding		Xinergy Corp.
Peabody Bay Welsh Pony Gelding		Sis Mitchell
RB Chestnut Quarter Horse Gelding		David & Gina Moore
Sampson Chestnut Draft Cross Gelding		Bonnie Dodge
Sky Paint Mare		Pam Craig and Cynthia McLean
Stazzi Chestnut Percheron Cross Mare		Stephen & April Harris
Sunny Palomino Belgian/Quarter Horse Cross		Roddy & Julie Rodgers
Virgil Bay, Appendix Gelding		Kiwanis Club of Tellico Village
Zipper Pinto Pony Gelding		Dale & Kitty Collier in honor of Lindsey Collier

Awards
2007: Lad was named 2007 Region 5 Therapy Horse of the Year.
1999: Shannon, a STAR pony, received NARHA's Region 5 Therapy Horse of the Year and is now retired.
1997: STAR's well-loved pony, Bucky, received recognition from J.C. Penny's Golden Rule Award committee.
1995: Bucky was named “1995 Tennessee Companion Animal of the Year” by the Tennessee Veterinary Medical Association. He was given this honor for the special relationships he develops with his riders.
1991: Bucky received NARHA's Region 5 Therapy Horse of the Year.