The Mission Coffeehouse at First Lutheran Church in Brookings is highlighting Special Training and Riding Skills (STARS) as the Mission of the Month for April. STARS is a therapeutic horsemanship program that helps individuals with disabilities, aged 6 and older, in the Brookings area. The program focuses on teaching basic horsemanship skills while also providing physical, mental, and emotional benefits to participants.
Horseback riding and other horse-related activities offered by STARS help improve core strength, balance, fine motor skills, communication, confidence, and social opportunities for individuals with disabilities. The horses play a crucial role in facilitating these improvements by mimicking human body movements and providing heat that can relax and loosen muscles. Participants in the program experience increased range of motion, flexibility, posture, and muscle strength, as well as a boost in self-esteem through forming bonds with the horses.
STARS is designed to accommodate a wide range of disabilities and differently abled individuals, including disabled veterans. Participants in the program are able to experience freedom from walkers or wheelchairs during their sessions, forming joyful social relationships with staff, volunteers, and other participants. The program aims to provide a unique form of physical and emotional enrichment through interactions with horses and the supportive community at STARS.
