Special Troopers Adaptive Riding School

Special Troopers Adaptive Riding School (STARS, Inc.) began in 1984 at the barn of founders Dr. Mark and Sue Wheeler just north of Sioux City, Iowa. The organization began small and provided Therapeutic Riding to a handful of riders. Sue took a dream and made it a reality that has provided incredible opportunities for thousands of individuals involved in the program. In 1996 the organization was moved to the current riding center located just north of Sioux City on 25 beautiful acres. Throughout the years, there have been many faces that made the program the success it is today.

STARS has grown to be one of the oldest Non-Profit organizations in Sioux City providing a wide variety of opportunities for individuals with disabilities such as Therapeutic Riding, Equine Assisted Learning, Equine Assisted Psychotherapy, and many more. STARS is able to operate year round in a heated facility with 3 Full Time staff, 1 Part Time Staff, 1 Evening Instructor, and 2 Chore Staff. Staff includes 3 PATH Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructors, 2 Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructors and 3 Certified Equine Specialists. The organization is governed by a Board of Directors made up of individuals dedicated to the mission of STARS.

For More Information on Certifications visit PATH International, www.pathintl.org or Eagala, www.eagala.org.