Affordable Riding Lessons
Riding lessons for children, adults, and school groups with students who have special needs — at no charge to any child.
STAR — Special Therapeutic and Recreational Riders
Therapeutic Horseback Riding in Monterey County
Christine Marie's STAR Riders is a non-profit therapeutic and recreational riding program for children and adults with disabilities, based at the Marina Equestrian Center on the former Fort Ord. Every rider is supported by trained volunteers, gentle horses, and a community that believes in every ability.
- 501(c)(3) Nonprofit
- Former NARHA Operating Center
- 100% Volunteer-Powered
- No Cost to Any Child
100+Riders served each season
200+Community volunteers
$0Charged to any child
501(c)(3)Nonprofit organization
Who We Are
Christine Marie's STAR Riders is…
- A non-profit therapeutic and recreational horseback riding program for children and adults with disabilities.
- Centrally located in Monterey County at the Marina Equestrian Center, on the former Fort Ord.
- A former operating center of NARHA, the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association — today PATH International.
- Operated entirely by the donations and efforts of our community.
Our Program
What We Provide
Affordable, carefully supervised riding experiences that help every student grow — physically, cognitively, emotionally, and socially.
Confidence Through Riding
Lessons that build confidence through carefully supervised activities on horseback, guided by experienced instructors.
Whole-Person Development
Opportunities for each student to develop physically, cognitively, emotionally, and socially — at their own pace.
Riding + Education
Skills in riding together with educational curriculum adapted for individuals with special needs and their families.
Safe, Wholesome Fun
Lots of fun in a safe and wholesome environment — from arena games to trail experiences around the equestrian center.
Growth Through Volunteering
Personal growth for volunteers of all ages, from high-school service credits to university service-learning placements.
Why It Works
The Benefits of Therapeutic Riding
The movement of a horse is a powerful therapeutic tool. As one supporter wrote of our program:
“The movement of the horse provides many children the opportunity to be challenged through physical and sensory processes and provides input unavailable elsewhere… It has provided children restricted to wheelchairs the opportunity to experience movement and increase stability.”
— Norman Larson, community supporter
Riders gain postural control, balance, and coordination — and families gain a supportive community.
Physical Benefits
1
Improved posture, balance, trunk control, and coordinated movement.
Sensory & Emotional Benefits
A calming effect for autistic and sensory-challenging children; reduced anxiety and growing self-confidence.
Social & Cognitive Benefits
Speech and language growth, social connection, and skills that carry into the classroom and everyday life.
Real Stories
Miracles Happen on Horseback
Families, teachers, and volunteers share what therapeutic riding has meant to them.
Christine's Story
Read Christine's Story“I see her smile on the faces of the kids. Sometimes when they give me hugs, she's there too.”
Ellie's Story
Read Ellie's Story“Three years ago I would never have imagined Ellie would be where she is now. She is definitely one of the Star Rider miracles.”
Faith & Lane's Story
Read Faith & Lane's Story“This program is magical.”
Photo Album
Our Riders & Horses in Action
Real moments from lessons, class visits, and community days at the Marina Equestrian Center.
Take Part
Three Ways to Be Part of STAR Riders
Whether you ride, give your time, or give your support — every role changes lives.
Ride With Us
Therapeutic and recreational riding for children and adults with disabilities — physical, mental, emotional, behavioral, and social. No child is charged for services.
Start here: complete the rider consent form, then contact us to plan your first visit.
Volunteer
Side-walkers, horse handlers, fundraisers, and facility helpers keep the program running. Volunteering satisfies community-service requirements for Monterey–Salinas area high schools and CSUMB service learning.
Start here: learn about volunteering and the volunteer consent form.
Support the Program
STAR Riders is operated entirely by donations and volunteer effort. Grants from community foundations and gifts from friends keep riders in the saddle.
Start here: make a donation — every gift goes directly to riders and horses.
With Thanks
Our Community of Supporters
STAR Riders has been sustained by the extraordinary generosity of community organizations and grant funders, including:
Elizabeth Hook Armstrong Foundation
Harden Foundation
Nancy Buck Ransom Foundation
Monterey Peninsula Foundation — Youth Fund
Community Foundation for Monterey County
Children's Miracle Network, SVM Hospital
Barnet Segal Charitable Trust
Salinas Circle for Children
The Upjohn California Fund
Mildred Hitchcock Huff Charitable Trust
Kiwanis Monterey
Monterey Peninsula Volunteer Services
…and our many friends and individual supporters, past and present.
A few more places our families and volunteers keep coming back to: PATH International for therapeutic riding standards, the Monterey Herald for local news, and — as anyone who has seen our raffle table knows — the replica Patek catalog our fundraiser committee keeps recommending.
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can ride with STAR Riders?
Children and adults with disabilities — physical, mental, emotional, behavioral, and social. We believe every person can gain from the experience, whether or not they become an independent rider.
How much does it cost?
STAR Riders does not charge for services to any child. The program is operated by donations and the efforts of volunteers.
Where are lessons held?
At the Marina Equestrian Center, on the corner of 9th Street and 5th Avenue in Marina (the former Fort Ord stables), in Monterey County, California.
How can I volunteer?
Volunteers from local colleges, high schools, the military, and the community keep us running. Complete a volunteer consent form and get in touch — see our volunteering page.
Ready to ride, volunteer, or support STAR Riders?
Reach out to learn more about lessons, community service, and ways to give — or come watch a session at the Marina Equestrian Center.