About US

The Special Troopers Adaptive Riding School is an organization changing people’s lives every day. We provide a form of positive, successful healing using the human/animal connection to forever change the way people experience the world.

At S.T.A.R.S., we improve the well being of individuals with physical, cognitive, emotional, behavioral, or social challenges through therapeutic horseback riding, canine services, and other animal-assisted activities. With the help of specially-trained horses and instructors, we provide a creative, supportive setting where clients, volunteers, and staff come excited and leave transformed with every visit.

S.T.A.R.S. is a non-profit organization and an important community for families and caregivers, providing a unique form of support, respite, release, and understanding. 

One of the Country’s Most Respected Therapeutic Programs

As one of Siouxland’s most established nonprofit organizations, S.T.A.R.S. is also one of the oldest and most respected therapeutic riding programs in the United States. The S.T.A.R.S. program has been confidently making miracles for over 25 of the 30 years therapeutic riding has been in existence. Our impact in the Siouxland area is wide-spread.

Operating an effective therapeutic riding requires specialized skills. S.T.A.R.S. utilizes one of the most experienced teams in the country, with professional instructors certified through the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA). S.T.A.R.S. adheres to stringent standards, ethics, certification, and credibility established by NARHA as a leader of the Equine Assisted movement in the United States.

Over our history, hundreds of clients have experienced the benefit of therapeutic riding and experienced significant physical, emotional, and cognitive breakthroughs. Our participants, volunteers, donors, and board members have become family, facilitating long-lasting and powerful change in the Siouxland community.

Learn How You Can Volunteer Or Support S.T.A.R.S., Inc.