Our Programs
STARZ Equestrian Center offers a variety of equine-assisted programs for children, teens, and adults of all abilities. Programs are designed around the needs of each individual or group and may incorporate horseback riding, hands-on horse activities, creative activities, sensory experiences, and structured educational lessons.
Our programs serve individuals with disabilities, students, community organizations, Girl Scout troops, individuals participating in recovery programs, veterans, trauma survivors, and families throughout the community.
Therapeutic Horseback Riding
Our therapeutic riding program uses horseback riding and horsemanship activities to support physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development.
The movement of the horse provides rhythmic, repetitive motion that can help riders develop balance, core strength, coordination, posture, and motor planning. Lessons also provide opportunities to practice following directions, making choices, communicating, building confidence, and developing independence.
Each lesson is adapted to the rider's abilities and goals. Riders may work on traditional riding skills as well as grooming, horse care, stable management, and other horsemanship skills.
Equine-Assisted Learning
Equine-assisted learning uses structured activities with horses to develop skills that can be applied to everyday life. Activities may include grooming, leading, obstacle courses, liberty work, problem-solving exercises, and group activities. Depending on the participant and program, activities can address communication, decision-making, problem-solving, responsibility, confidence, boundaries, cooperation, and emotional awareness.
Equine-assisted learning does not include mounted activities and can be adapted for individuals or groups with a wide range of abilities and goals.
School, Community, and Group Educational Programs
Our group programs provide hands-on educational experiences that use horses and the farm environment as teaching tools.
Programs can be designed around classroom objectives and may support academic learning, communication, social skills, teamwork, sensory development, and practical life skills. Students may participate in horse care, equine-assisted learning activities, creative projects, animal education, and structured group activities.
We provide customized equine-assisted programs for community organizations, camps, nonprofits, and other groups and work to develop programming appropriate for the age, abilities, and needs of participating students or individuals.
Girl Scout Programs
STARZ piloted their own unique 2 hour curriculum to offer hands-on Girl Scout programs that incorporate all required horsemanship requirements and troop activities. The program include horse safety, grooming, horse care, anatomy, leading, and riding. Activities are structured so the troop can participate together and complete the experience as a group. Our programs are also a good option for scouts who may be nervous or inexperienced around horses. Our horseback riding patch program is officially a Junior-level program, but Girl Scouts of all ages are welcome.
Addiction Recovery & Wellness Programs
Our equine-assisted recovery programs provide structured, hands-on activities with horses for individuals participating in addiction treatment and recovery programs. Participants may work with horses through grooming, leading, obstacle activities, liberty work, and guided group discussions. Activities can be used to explore decision-making, personal responsibility, boundaries, communication, trust, coping skills, consequences, and overcoming challenges. Programs are designed to complement existing treatment and recovery services and are not a replacement for professional substance use or mental health treatment. We are currently partnered with Meridian Health Services to provide this program.
Mobile Equine Programs
STARZ offers select programs or options for partnership at locations outside of our farm. Our mobile programming allows us to bring horses, equipment, and structured activities to schools, camps, community organizations, senior communities, and other partner locations.
Mobile programs can include equine-assisted learning, horse education, grooming and horsemanship activities, and customized group experiences. Programming is planned around the location, available space, participant needs, and safety requirements.