Community Success
STARR (School for Therapeutic and Recreational Riding)

The $10,000 Impact100 Grant Program provided funds to assist with the maintenance of three horses that provide regular hippotherapy to 22 children within Macon County.

STARR provides therapy to Macon County children with physical and mental disabilities. The program also provides field trips to elementary schools. STARR, established in Macon County for more than 23 years, has served over 400 children.

STARR gives children a chance to experience riding a horse and learning about their basic care. Horseback riding as a therapeutic or rehabilitative treatment allows these children to improve their coordination, balance and strength, and to improve their self-images. STARR’s hippotherapy has been used to treat patients with disabilities such as autism, cerebral palsy, genetic disorders, slow motor skills, ADHD, Down syndrome, metabolic disorders, developmental delays and more.

STARR also provides volunteer experiences for various youth organizations. Community youth of all ages are provided various opportunities for volunteerism and service by leading and sidewalking the horses, preparing horses for each session, and feeding the horses and cleaning their stalls.

Impact100 Grant Award Amount:
$10,000
Program Sponsor:
Cheryl Smith