Equine Assisted Learning Programs

Standfast Equine & RSHR

Rising Starr Horse Rescue is proud to announce a meaningful new partnership with StandFast Alliance, launching StandFast Equine, an equine-assisted initiative rooted in healing, resilience, and second chances. This collaboration expands Rising Starr’s mission by offering equine-assisted learning and therapeutic programs that support Veterans, Active Military, First Responders, corporate teams, and occupational therapy participants in a safe, compassionate environment.

By pairing Rising Starr’s rescued horses with StandFast Alliance’s expertise in resilience and preparedness, StandFast Equine creates powerful experiences that build leadership, emotional awareness, confidence, and connection—while giving rescued horses renewed purpose and offering people a nonjudgmental space to heal, grow, and move forward with strength and hope.

Community & Service-Based Programs

For Veterans, Active Duty Military & First Responders

Rising Starr Horse Rescue is proud to honor those who serve by offering fully funded equine-assisted programs for Veterans, Active Duty Military, and First Responders. These experiences are designed to support physical, emotional, and mental well-being in a calm, restorative environment.

Through guided interaction with horses, participants may experience:

Stress reduction and nervous system regulation
Increased confidence and emotional resilience
Improved communication and connection
A renewed sense of purpose and calm

Corporate Team Building Experiences

With spokesponies Navy, Army, and Mayday.

Through interactive, hands-on learning (no riding involved), our Spokes-Ponies help participants understand:

The realities and responsibilities of horse ownership
The challenges facing America’s at-risk horses
How individuals and organizations can help give horses a second chance

Flexible Event Options

On-site appearances at your corporate venue
Educational visits at our farm
deal For
Corporate education days
Employee engagement events
Community outreach initiatives
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs

StandFast Equine Team Programs

Equine-assisted experiences that help individuals and teams grow with confidence, clarity, and purpose.

Leadership Skills

Adaptive leadership and confidence
Decision-making in changing situations
Creative problem-solving and flexibility

Communication Skills

Stronger nonverbal communication
Trust-building and presence
Greater awareness of others

Emotional Awareness

Increased emotional intelligence
Emotional regulation skills
Understanding emotional impact on others

Team Building

Collaboration and cooperation
Clear communication and active listening
Practical leadership for everyday challenges

Equine-Assisted Physical Therapy (Hippotherapy)

Led by Christy Murray, DPT, MS, CYT

The physical therapy program at Rising Starr Horse Rescue combines equine-assisted movement with evidence-based therapeutic techniques to improve:

Strength and flexibility
Neuromuscular coordination
Nervous system regulation

Each participant receives an individualized treatment plan that may include equine movement, medical therapeutic yoga, and other tailored modalities. This holistic approach supports balance, mobility, and overall well-being—helping individuals build strength, confidence, and long-term wellness.

Rising Starr is proudly registered with the American Hippotherapy Association (AHA).

Our Mission Statement

Rising Starr Horse Rescue saves, rehabilitates, retrains, and rehomes abandoned, neglected, or abused horses. Through equine interactive programs, we educate the public about at-risk horses and the importance of protecting them. By giving America's horses a second chance at life, we give the community the chance to experience the love, patience, and compassion horses have for humans.

Support Our Horses