About Christine Marie's STAR Riders
STAR Riders — Special Therapeutic and Recreational Riders — is a non-profit therapeutic and recreational horseback riding program for children and adults with disabilities, located at the Marina Equestrian Center in Monterey County, California.
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, known today as PATH International.
- Operated entirely by the donations and efforts of our community.
We provide…
Affordable lessons for everyone
Riding lessons for children, adults, or school groups having students with special needs — at no charge to any child.
Confidence on horseback
Lessons that build confidence through carefully supervised activities on horseback.
Whole-person growth
The opportunity for each student to develop physically, cognitively, emotionally, and socially.
Riding + learning
Teaching skills in riding as well as educational curriculum adapted for special-needs individuals and families.
Safe, wholesome fun
Lots of fun in a safe and wholesome environment where every rider belongs.
Growth through giving
The opportunity for personal growth through volunteerism — for our volunteers as much as our riders.
How the Program Got Its Name
The program is named in memory of Christine Marie Martin, who was born with tuberous sclerosis and severe seizures. When Christine was three years old, her mother Linda put her on the back of a horse — and discovered it was on horseback that they communicated best.
Christine started to talk and sing at five. She loved horses and dolphins, and her joy riding with her mother inspired what grew into STAR Riders. After Christine passed away in 2000 at age 19, the program was renamed in her honor, and her mother Linda Martin continued it as Program Director — serving more than 100 children with the help of volunteers and grants.
Read the full origin story in Christine's Story.
A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. CM STAR Riders is also a grant recipient from the Elizabeth Hook Armstrong Foundation, benefiting students past and present of Monterey County's Ingham School.
Where to Go Next
- Read our mission statement
- Explore program activities and the benefits of therapeutic riding
- See the program through the eyes of families in our rider stories
- Find out how to volunteer or support the program