If you are interested in applying for the program please call
Lynn Petr at 865-988-4711

On this page you can learn about: What we do | Who we serve | History of STAR

We offer therapeutic riding designed to meet the specific needs of each participant. The prescribed program may include grooming, saddling, and learning riding skills or may be passive in nature. With some riders we position them so the movement of the horse can relax tight muscles, increase range of motion, improve trunk stability, and balance. These individuals are not learning riding skills but they are reaping great benefits from being on the horse.

Riders participate one time per week for each session. Spring and Fall sessions last for ten weeks. Summer is an eight week session and Winter is a six week session. There is a maximum of four riders per group lesson. The one hour lessons are divided into two sections: 30 minutes of ground work which includes grooming, tacking, and mounting and 30 minutes of mounted work which includes exercises, riding skills, and games/activities.

• Grooming and tacking (putting the saddle and equipment on) address the following developmental areas: fine and gross motor skills, spatial awareness, vocabulary, motor planning, sequencing, memory, endurance, attention span, hand/eye coordination, bilateral involvement, balance, crossing midline and muscle strengthening.

• The groundwork part of the lesson is vital for maximizing the therapeutic benefits of the program. Not only is this where the rider experiences responsibility and discipline, but also the satisfaction that comes with caring for another living being. The riders spend as much time grooming and tacking as they do riding in the arena. Grooming and tacking are an integral part of the program.

• The mounted segment of the lessons includes exercises, riding skills and games. Being astride a horse challenges the rider in these areas: balance, coordination, fine and gross motor skills, right and left handedness, motor planning, sequencing, communication, body awareness, muscle strength, flexibility, vestibular stimulation, teamwork, socialization, and self-esteem.

• Developmental Vaulting consists of lessons in which the horse is already prepared for the rider and therefore, the rider is not involved in grooming and tacking. Riders for this specific type of riding are determined according to age, ability level, attention span or individual goals. In this 20-30 minute mounted lesson, riding skills may or may not be taught. Our primary focus is physical exercise using the horse as a moving bolster. The rider may be positioned various ways on the horse to maximize the effect.

• Periodic trail rides are taken by those capable of experiencing the "ups and downs" of horseback riding and the true recreational capacity of this activity. Overall, the STAR program is designed to help riders physically, cognitively, socially, and psychologically while providing a wonderful form of recreation.

Benefits of Therapeutic Riding

Balance, coordination and muscle tone improve through exercises done on horseback. Psychological benefits include increased independence, motivation and self-control. Vocabulary development and sequential learning contribute to cognitive gains, and self-esteem soars as the riders learn to control their mounts. The recreational aspect of STAR's program proves invaluable for these special persons who normally cannot participate in conventional
sports.

Competition

One goal at STAR is to enable our riders to become as independent as possible and to challenge them to retain and use what they learn. Competition gives them that opportunity. It also allows them to show off! We participate in two shows annually.

1. State Horse Show. This show is hosted by STAR with all NARHA programs in Tennessee receiving an invitation. It is held annually at the Roane State Expo Center in Harriman, TN. Riders compete in equitation, obstacle and cone weaving classes, and dressage.

2. S.U.P.E.R. Show. This show is held in Franklin, TN in the Fall. It is similar to the State Show and is hosted by the local program Saddle Up!

STAR serves children and adults from Anderson, Blount, Campbell, Fentress, Knox, Loudon, McMinn, Roane, and Sevier counties. We work with individuals with physical, mental and neurological disabilities. The 2007 Rider Demographics are below. STAR provided 3,812 lessons for 158 riders in 2007.

STAR began in 1987 as Lynn Petr’s Therapeutic Recreation Master’s thesis project at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. The program started with five riders, one horse, three volunteers and one employee (Lynn).

Beginning the program at Lynn’s farm was difficult since the riders who used a wheelchair had to be carried up a hill to the barn. Soon STAR moved to a seven acre farm on Northshore Drive. The program grew on this leased property for four years. When the farm was sold, STAR leased a 13 acre location on Old Stage Road. After seven years that land was sold to developers and STAR moved to a beautiful 25 acre farm on Yarnell Road. As yet another move seemed eminent, the decision was made to purchase property and build a facility that was geared entirely to the needs of the disabled.

In 2002, 63 acres of fantastic pastureland was purchased in Loudon County and the quest began to build the stable and outdoor arena. With those completed in 2004, we still have two building yet to go. We are forever in awe of this new location and the phenomenal people who grace our doors every day. Our task will not be done until the indoor arena and education buildings are completed so that we may expand our services to all who are patiently waiting.

Since STAR’s beginning, many organizations have come to lend a helping hand. From professional personnel who care for the horses such as veterinarians and farriers, to community clubs and school groups, they have worked side by side with us in providing the best for our riders. There are always chores to be done at a barn and we welcome individuals and groups willing to get a little dirty to make this facility shine! Give us a call if you or a group would like to join in.