About Shining Stars Therapeutic Ministries

Located near Gettysburg, PA, Shining Stars Therapeutic Riding Program (SSTR) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.    

It's mission is to provide therapeutic horsemanship programs to children, adults and families with special needs in order to improve physical, mental, emotional and social areas of their lives.

• SSTR serves local communities, generally in Adams and York Counties, PA, and student registration is open to  anyone 3 to 80+ years old with special needs.  Instructor-guided exercises, activities and gamesprovide opportunities for student challenge and progress, as well as a means of recreation & enjoyment.

• SSTR has received many client referrals from surgeons, neurologists, hospitals, schools, etc.,  with recommendations from Hershey Medical Center, the Mental Health/Mental Retardation organization, and United Cerebral Palsy.

• At present, the organization coordinates over 130 service-minded volunteers to implement its current program. All volunteers are required to attend classroom and arena trainings.

• Our current facility is comprised of an outdoor riding arena, a storage shed, several picnic tables,  bleachers, and a handicapped accessible rest room, all set up on land donated by the Freedom Valley Worship Center.  Horses are “trailered in”  by volunteers for each evening class.

• Since our work is done completely outdoors, we are presently limited to a teaching schedule from May—September. In cases of extreme heat and foul weather, classes are cancelled.

• Plans are underway to build an indoor education center in order to continue our popular therapeutic horsemanship programs, offering a schedule conducive to consistent and maintainable student progress. A year-round program in a covered facility would mean no more losses in student progress because of the weather.